This superfood smoothies recipe (sometimes called a “meal replacement shake”) makes a fast breakfast loaded with nutrients, the kids ask for it all of the time, and we make popsicles with the leftovers. 🙂
Watch the superfood smoothies video:
Here's my favorite tasteless superfood that you can slip into all sorts of foods unnoticed, so the first way I wanted to try it was in a food that we have often around here: Smoothies!
—Also see my other post, How to Ruin Your Morning Smoothie in 3 Easy Steps.—
How to Add More SUPER to Your Superfood Smoothies…
This is the perfect food for kids because you can get all sorts of goodies in there without them knowing and they slurp it right up, and often ask to make popsicles out of the leftovers. (I put up a little fight so they don't realize how good these are for them… “Oh I don't know if we need to make more of those today… Well, okaaaaay.” Here are some inexpensive popsicle makers.)
Superfood Smoothies
Yield 1 blender full, several servings
Ingredients
Add in any or all of the following, whatever you have on-hand, seriously you can't screw up these superfood smoothies!
***I've added two specific recipes for you further below.
I've bolded the ingredients below so you can just scroll through to see your options, but with smoothies, or meal replacement shakes as many call them, you just see what's in your fridge or freezer and throw it in...
- Whatever fruit you have on hand... Organic berries, pineapple (canned, fresh, or frozen), bananas, apples, kiwi, peaches, and our son's new favorite: frozen organic mangos. You don't have to use frozen fruit, but it tastes more like ice cream that way. Also, some fruits aren't as important to buy organic as others, check the Dirty Dozen to know which are sprayed the most. I love all the different color these fruits add and knowing how many nutrients/antioxidants they provide. Just use what you have, seriously you can't screw this up!
- Sweetener of choice if needed. If you use pineapple or banana in there then you don't need any extra sweetener at all! So if needed, add a little real maple syrup -- just taste-test until you get it to the sweetness you want. You could also use a little raw honey (too much overpowers the taste in my opinion, though), or some organic coconut sugar/palm sugar is good too!
- For some probiotics (good for digestive health, immune system function, and so many other things), you could add in this goat milk kefir -- I love it in smoothies, it just tastes like a mild yogurt, but it's so good for you. I also sometimes add in raw milk kefir (just to get a range of nutrients in there), or if I don't have that, I'll add some raw milk since there are still superfood/probiotic benefits from that. (More about raw milk here.)
- If you have kids like mine that don't like swallowing pills, but you want to get these, the BEST probiotics into them, just open up 1 or 2 capsules into your smoothies and they'll blend right up without anyone knowing they're even there.
- You could also add in some coconut milk if you like that flavor, in order to incorporate more of the health benefits of coconut into your diet from this good-for-you fat.
- Fresh cream always gives it a "dessert" and dreamy taste and texture, not to mention the nourishing fats it provides. Cream from pastured cows is best. If you buy “whipping cream” from the store, be SURE it doesn’t say ‘ultra-pasteurized’ on it. You can tell by the use-by date – if it’s 2 months away, don’t buy it! Read more about that in this healthy milk options post.
- Raw egg yolks are full of nutrients and healthy enzymes! Use one for a small batch and 2 or 3 for a whole blender full. (Only do this if you know and trust your egg farmer -- don't do this with grocery store eggs, also FYI: it's best not to eat egg whites raw.) There's no taste to this, it just adds creaminess. If that freaks you out, read this about eating raw eggs.
- And add a couple scoops of this collagen protein that has no taste, but dissolves easily, and packs a powerful punch! It has 10 grams of protein in one serving and is sourced from pasture-raised grass-fed cows, and we all know that cows on pasture are much more healthy than the sad conventionally-raised cows who never see the light of day or get to eat any green grass. (It's also no-GMO and free of pesticides or hormones!) *See below for more about the many collagen benefits.
- Why don't I add any fresh greens? I'm not against it, but if I did, I'd give them a light steam first so they don't block mineral absorption or cause thyroid issues. UPDATE: Now you can easily add greens (or other veggies) to your smoothies with this organic veggie powder! They first steam their greens before dehydrating them so you don't have to!! Read more: How to ruin your morning smoothie.
- Lately I've been adding MCT oil for all the health benefits! (More energy, weight loss/metabolism/blood sugar, reduce brain fog-hello menopause!, improve mood, help the gut and digestion, reduce inflammation, antimicrobial/anti-fungal...)
- Another idea: My friend said they open up 4 capsules of this desiccated liver into each full batch of smoothies and there's NO taste, I'll report back after I try this!
Instructions
Blend up your superfood smoothie and enjoy!
I'll usually pour these into fancy glasses for the kids, and with the leftovers, if there are any, I'll make popsicles so they can have a healthy treat anytime. (I use these inexpensive popsicle makers.)
With so many different nutrients and healthy fats, these certainly are superfood smoothies, but they taste like ice cream!
Did you make a real food recipe?
I want to see it! Tag @KitchenKop on Instagram and hashtag it #KitchenKopRecipes OR share anything you know I’ll love by tagging @KitchenKop and hashtag #KitchenKop -- see you over there!
Try these 2 recipes:
As I said, you can't screw these up, but I've had friends tell me they just want someone to give them a specific recipe, not a list of options, so here are two recipes!
Very Berry Smoothie — blend the following together:
- Organic frozen berries: 1 cup strawberries, 1 cup blueberries, 1 cup raspberries
- 1 apple (peeled and cored)
- 8 ounces plain whole milk yogurt, preferably from grassfed cows or this goat milk kefir
- 8 ounces real cream (“whipping cream”)
- 2 pastured egg yolks
- 1 scoop collagen powder for extra protein and nutrition
Taste-test. Is it sweet enough for you? For some the apple is enough sweetener, for others they need more. Obviously less sugar is best.
- Add another apple OR 1/2 cup maple syrup or 1/2 cup palm sugar if needed.
Too thick for you? Add in 1/2 cup or more real cream (“whipping cream”) or milk if needed. Or add in some crushed ice to make it more like a slush.
Tropical Smoothie — blend the following together:
- 1 cup organic, frozen mangos
- 1 cup frozen pineapple, or 1 can pineapple in its own juice
- 2 bananas
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 pastured egg yolks
- 1 scoop collagen powder for extra protein and nutrition
Too thick for you? Add in 1/2 more coconut milk if needed, or regular milk is fine too. Or add in some crushed ice to make it more like a slush.
By the way, I love my Bosch blender for whipping these up, but I just got this new blender that also comes with a food processor and shredder that I love too.
More about collagen: Check out this list of benefits:
- Improves Skin Health
- Promotes Younger, Firmer Skin
- Supports Joint Health
- Improves Gut Function and Digestion
- Keeps Excess Inflammation in Check
- Builds and Restores Muscle
- Supports a Healthy Metabolism
- Keeps Appetite In Check
- Promotes Healthy Brain Function
- Promotes Deeper Sleep
What is the difference between gelatin and collagen?
Perfect Supplements explains it like this:
When it comes to science, medicine, and biology the rule seems to be, the more names you can give to the same basic thing, the better. So, take a swig of your coconut oil infused green tea and let’s get this terminology out of the way…
- Gelatin – collagen is the protein found in animal bones and the connective tissue around the bones. Gelatin is what you get when you cook collagen. Grandma’s feel good chicken broth? It contained gelatin that came from cooking the bones and turning the collagen into gelatin.
- Hydrolyzed Collagen – prefer your collagen bathed rather than cooked? Hydrolyzed Collagen is simply collagen that is bathed in enzymes, which breaks the protein down into smaller pieces, giving it a lower molecular weight and making it easier for the body to absorb and digest. Hydrolyzed Collagen has the highest bioavailability of any form of collagen.
- Collagen Hydrolysate – the exact same thing as Hydrolyzed Collagen…because scientist like words that begin with hydro???
- Collagen Peptides – basically the same as Hydrolyzed Collagen, which is of course the same as Collagen Hydrolysate. Collagen Peptides is used to denote that the Collagen is made up of shorter chain amino acids, which is what you get once you pass the collagen through the hydrolysate process – the enzymatic bath.
For those of you who want to know more, read this page for more details.
Not just for your superfood smoothies!
Since it's tasteless and easily dissolves in hot or cold liquids, you can mix a scoop or two in soups, desserts, water, juice, or tea — you could even mix some into your oatmeal to boost the nutrients in there as well, or really in anything you're making — you won't taste it, but your body will get all the benefits.
Click here to get this collagen & enter the code KOP for 10% off
(***You'll actually get 10% off your entire order, so if you also want to grab some liver capsules, probiotics, coconut oil, or anything else, you'll get a deal on all of it, plus free shipping over $99.)
More you might like:
- You've probably heard about all the benefits of drinking bone broth or adding it to recipes (improves the health of your gut, your bones and your skin!), but did you know that now there's a company that makes organic bone broth the right way and from grass-fed beef or pasture-raised chicken?! Click here to get it and use the code KOP for 10% off your first carton. 🙂
- Have you tried my yummy popcorn made with coconut oil — tastes like old-fashioned movie theater popcorn! For more coconut benefits, also try this kettle corn, or chocolate fudge candy made with coconut oil! See more coconut ideas here.
This superfood smoothies post was originally paid for by Perfect Supplements, but hopefully you know by now that I'm very picky about who I choose to help promote.
I have been taking collagen for at least 6 months, yes, it took a while to start working or for me to see and feel the results but I wont do without it now…
I love using this superfood in all of my smoothies! We use it daily in our kefir smoothie and I can tell a difference when I run out and don’t have it for awhile. I had not heard of this brand before so thank you for sharing! It seems that the brand I have been buying is out of stock everywhere so much of the time!
Great minds must think alike, Crunchy Super Mom – Sarah & Mandy! 😉
I also add chia seeds, almonds or some type of nut, coconut milk, and some greens as well for added nutrition.
Erica Mac — did you know though that most greens should be lightly cooked before adding them to a smoothie? Read more in this post: https://kellythekitchenkop.com/kale-chips-a-great-low-carb-crunchy-salty-snack/
Remember to use the coupon code KOP to save 10% on all your Perfect Supplement orders!
Looking forward to trying this brand! I ordered both gelatin and peptides, it seems like a trustworthy brand. Thx for the coupon I saved a lot
Me too, I placed a big order! 🙂
I occasionally remember to add hydrolyzed collagen to smoothies, but not often enough!
I know Jeanmarie Todd, I make myself crazy when I realize I’ve forgotten, because it’s so easy to mix a scoop into almost everything!
Anna Maher Kevin Aaron Martinez. Grassfed gelatin/ collagen! Link in blog. Angela Miller
Do you recommend this one over the other one?
Great Lakes… Sorry major baby brain today ?
Anna Maher since it says grassfed & non GMO on package, it’s likely more carefully sourced than Great Lakes. ?
Anna Maher — yes for sure, because I know these guys personally and trust their products more.
Just ordered after reading reviews; can’t wait to start adding it to our smoothies!
We use their Dessicated Liver and it helped bring my daughters ferritin levels to normal. Great product.
I love their liver caps, too! Here’s where to get them if anyone is interested: https://tinyurl.com/zsmf9a7
Hydrolyzed is another name for MSG!!!!!!
Hi,
Full disclosure – I work for Perfect Supplements.
It is a common misconception that Hydrolyzed Protein contains MSG, but it is NOT true. I recommend people check out this post from Whole Foods about Hydrolyzed Protein and how it does NOT contain MSG – https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/blog/whole-story/myths-and-misconceptions-msg
MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) is the sodium salt of glutamic acid. Glutamic acid is a non-essential amino acid and found in numerous foods. Fun fact to throw out at your next dinner party – we all have about 4.4 pounds of Glutamic Acid in our body.
MSG is produced outside the body and often in a synthetic environment. Chemical formula C5H8NNaO4.
Glutamic Acid has a chemical formula of C5H9NO4. So, not exactly the same thing.
The problem with MSG is it is manufactured to have very high levels of Glutamic Acid salt. MSG – highly concentrated and at times synthetically processed – is certainly troubling.
We totally agree that the chemical process used to make MSG is troublesome and we would NEVER add MSG to our product. Our hydrolyzed collagen is 100% natural, and like many other proteins, it contains glutamic acid. Again, this is NOT the same as MSG (the Whole Foods article explains it clearly).
I also want to point out that even if you have Gelatin or Collagen that is not hydrolyzed – it will be hydrolyzed by the acids in your stomach. This is just the natural process of breaking down protein.
We want to be completely transparent, here is our full lab testing showing the amount of Glutamic Acid – https://www.perfect-supplements.com/pdfs/CollagenTestResults.pdf If anyone has a sensitivity to Glutamic Acid and is looking to limit it in their diet, they may use this information to make that determination. I just want to be clear that a naturally hydrolyzed protein (which our Collagen is) is not the same as MSG.
If anyone has additional questions – feel free to contact us and we would be happy to discuss further.
Thanks,
Dan
Thank you, Dan, for explaining. I understand glutamic acid also naturally forms in bone broth after simmering for several hours. Not the same thing as MSG either, but I can see how it might confuse people.
Many people react similarly to free glutamates at they do MSG – thus continuing the confusion.