5 Sugar-Free Ways to Make your Smoothies Taste Better
Smoothies are the perfect way to get tons of antioxidants and nutrients in one meal - just throw your favorite superfoods into the blender and voila! you’ve got yourself health in a glass. However, sometimes mixing too many superfoods together can result in a strange taste, which can be a problem since additional sugars or juices can take away from the healthy aspects of the smoothie. Luckily, there are some superfoods that can actually improve the taste of your smoothie while providing you with even more health benefits! Check out the ingredients below that you can use to make your smoothies extra delicious.
1. Cacao Powder
Cacao powder is the perfect way to incorporate chocolate into your smoothie without the added sugars, since this all-natural superfood comes straight from the cacao bean. As for its benefits, cacao can reduce stress and lower cardiovascular disease. Plus, it contains more antioxidants than blueberries, black and green teas, and red wine. Although cacao powder isn’t necessarily sweet, it’s sure to add an irresistible chocolatey, nutty flavor to your smoothies that will enhance the taste and help promote a positive outlook and elevate your mood. Simply add 1-2 teaspoons and it’s a win-win!
2. Mint
Mint promotes healthy digestion and works as a great treatment for both nausea and headaches. Plus, like cacao powder, it stimulates the brain, helping to reduce anxiety and depression, or even just morning sluggishness. A few fresh mint leaves (or even extract) mix perfectly in green smoothies, adding a punch of flavor to what could otherwise taste like a blended salad. Plus, mint and cacao together add a combination of flavor that may trick you into thinking you’re eating ice cream instead of a smoothie - that wouldn’t be so bad, right?
Coconut flakes work great blended into regular smoothies or sprinkled on top of our favorite snack, smoothie bowls. Plus, if you’re looking for a stronger coconut taste, these flakes provide even more delicious flavor after they’re toasted. The benefits of coconut range from immunity boosts to strengthening bones, hair, and skin. Combine the flakes with coconut milk and you’ve got yourself one delicious coconut smoothie.
Some people may not like the taste of most green smoothies, however 1 teaspoon of maca powder provides many of the same benefits as green powders with what some consider a more pleasant, nuttier taste. Plus, maca can be used as a smoothie base or as an enhancer for another type of smoothie! Maca is extremely high in antioxidants, and makes a great addition to morning smoothies as it is known to increase energy levels - so no more dozing off before work.
5. Ice
Sounds simple, but adding ice (or frozen fruit) to your smoothie can transform it. Many people enjoy a cold, refreshing smoothie and a warmer temp can take away from the taste. Try adding a small handful next time you're blending your greens!
Smoothies, especially protein smoothies, don’t have to taste grassy to be healthy. By adding one or more of the ingredients above, you can enhance the taste of your smoothies while still getting all of the benefits of superfoods, minus the sugar. Happy blending, superfoodies!
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