Smoothies are a great way to pack nutrients into a delicious, portable meal or snack. However, some smoothies can end up a bit thin and watery. If you want to thicken your smoothie without using yogurt, there are several effective options.
Use Frozen Fruit
The simplest way to thicken a smoothie is to use frozen fruit instead of fresh fruit. Frozen fruit has less water content, as the ice crystals disrupt the cell structure of the fruit. This leads to a thicker texture when blended. Good frozen fruits to use include:
- Bananas – Peel them before freezing
- Strawberries
- Mango
- Pineapple
- Berries – blueberries, raspberries, blackberries
Aim to use at least 50% frozen fruit in your smoothie recipe. You can also freeze cubed fresh fruit like melon or pineapple overnight before using.
Add Ice Cubes
Adding a handful of ice is another easy way to thicken up a smoothie. The ice chills the other ingredients while also adding volume. Crushed ice blends especially smoothly. However, be aware that too much ice can dilute the flavor.
Use Avocado
Avocado is a creamy, thick ingredient that blends beautifully into smoothies. Because it has such a mild flavor, it also works with both fruit- and veggie-based smoothies. Use around 1/4 to 1/2 an avocado per smoothie. Soft, ripe avocado works best.
Include Nut Butters
Nut butters like almond butter, peanut butter, or cashew butter can help make smoothies deliciously thick and creamy. They add protein and healthy fats too. Start with 1-2 tablespoons of nut butter and adjust to your desired consistency.
Blend in Oats
Dry oats soaked in your smoothie will absorb some of the liquid and add fiber and whole grains. Use 1/4-1/2 cup dry oats per smoothie. For the best texture, use quick oats or old-fashioned rolled oats rather than steel-cut oats.
Add Chia Seeds
When chia seeds are soaked in liquid, they form a gel-like substance that can help bind smoothies. Add 1-2 tablespoons chia seeds and allow 10+ minutes for them to work their thickening magic before blending.
Include Cooked Starchy Veggies
Cooked starchy vegetables like sweet potato, winter squash, beetroot, or white potato can be blended into smoothies seamlessly. Cook them until soft first. The starch released will help improve the consistency of your smoothie.
Use Plant-Based Milk
Substituting plant-based milk like soy, almond, oat, or coconut milk for water or juice can make smoothies creamier. Avoid overly watery milks. Aim for a milk with at least 4g protein per serving.
Add Protein Powder
Whey, plant, or other protein powders will naturally thicken up a smoothie recipe. They also boost the nutrition. Use 1-2 scoops per smoothie depending on the product instructions.
Include Flaxseed or Chia Gel
Soaking flaxseeds or chia seeds in water produces a thick, gooey gel. Adding a spoon or two of this pre-made gel into your blender can help stabilize smoothies. Make it ahead and store in the fridge up to 5 days.
Use Greek Yogurt
While not dairy-free, Greek yogurt is a probiotic-rich ingredient that can make smoothies extra thick and creamy. It has less water than regular yogurt. Replace regular yogurt with Greek yogurt in any recipe.
Add Silken Tofu
Blended silken tofu is a great vegan yogurt substitute to thicken smoothies. It has a mild flavor that works well in fruit-based smoothies. Use about 1/4 cup silken tofu per smoothie.
Blend in Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese may seem like an unlikely smoothie addition, but its thick texture helps create richer, creamier smoothies. Start with 1/4 cup cottage cheese and add up to 1/2 cup per smoothie.
Include Bone Broth Protein Powder
Some bone broth protein powders double as natural thickening agents. The protein extracted from bone broth has gelling properties. Check the product instructions for how much to add.
Try Xanthan Gum
Xanthan gum is a gluten-free thickening agent made from fermented sugars. Just 1/4-1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum per smoothie can help bind it together. A little goes a long way.
Use Psyllium Husk
Psyllium is a type of soluble fiber that turns into a gel-like substance when mixed with liquid. Start with 1 teaspoon psyllium husk powder per smoothie and adjust as needed.
Add Guar Gum
Like xanthan gum, guar gum is another option for thickening smoothies without dramatically changing the taste or texture. Use 1/4-1/2 teaspoon guar gum per smoothie.
Blend in Ground Flaxseed or Chia Seeds
Ground flaxseeds and chia seeds act as natural gelling agents when hydrated in liquid. Try adding 1-2 tablespoons ground flax or chia seeds into your smoothie mix.
Use Ice Cream
For a more indulgent smoothie, a small scoop of dairy or non-dairy ice cream can make it thicker and creamier. Limit to 2-4 tablespoons per smoothie so it doesn’t dominate the flavor.
Add Coconut Cream
Canned coconut cream or “coconut milk solids” are very thick. Adding a spoonful or two into the blender will help stabilize blended drinks. Shake cans well before opening.
Conclusion
With a variety of fruits, vegetables, seeds, powders and other ingredients to choose from, you can easily thicken up your smoothie without yogurt. Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect consistency and flavor. Balancing the ingredients correctly will lead to smoothies with mouth-watering thickness and nutrition.
