High Protein Breakfast Smoothie

Are smoothies good for breakfast?

Smoothies can be a quick and convenient breakfast, especially when you are short on time in the morning. This fruit smoothie combines frozen fruit with yogurt and chia seeds, with the option to add protein powder for extra protein. If you want to make your smoothie more filling, you can also add ingredients such as oats, nut butter or extra yogurt.

What fruit is best for a breakfast smoothie?

There are no rules when it comes to making a fruit smoothie, so use whatever fruit you enjoy. Frozen berries, strawberries, mango, pineapple, banana and mixed frozen fruit all work well. Frozen fruit is particularly useful as it means you can keep fruit in the freezer ready to make a smoothie whenever you need a quick breakfast.

Can you use frozen fruit in a smoothie?

Yes, frozen fruit is ideal for smoothies. It means you don’t need to use fresh fruit every time and helps make your smoothie cold and refreshing without needing lots of ice. Frozen fruit can also be a convenient and budget-friendly option.

Can I make this smoothie without yogurt?

Yes. You can leave out the yogurt and add a little extra milk or your preferred dairy-free alternative to get the consistency you like. However, using yogurt does make the smoothie thicker and creamier.

Can I add protein powder to a fruit smoothie?

Yes, protein powder is an easy way to increase the protein content of a breakfast smoothie. Vanilla protein powder works particularly well with berries, mango and other sweet fruit. Add one scoop alongside the other ingredients and blend until smooth.

Are smoothies good for meal prep?

Yes, smoothies can be prepared ahead of time, although I think they taste best freshly blended. For an easy breakfast meal prep option, portion your frozen fruit into individual freezer bags or containers, then add the remaining ingredients when you’re ready to blend. This makes busy mornings much easier.

Can you make a smoothie the night before?

You can make a smoothie the night before and keep it covered in the fridge, although the texture can change slightly as the chia seeds absorb liquid. Give it a good shake or stir before drinking and add a splash of milk if it has thickened too much.

How do you make a smoothie thicker?

For a thicker smoothie, use more frozen fruit, yoghurt or chia seeds and reduce the amount of liquid. Frozen banana is also a great way to make a smoothie thick and creamy. If your smoothie becomes too thick, simply add a splash of milk and blend again.

How do you make a smoothie thinner?

If your fruit smoothie is too thick, add a small splash of milk, orange juice or water and blend again. Add the liquid gradually so you don’t accidentally make it too thin.

Is a fruit smoothie the same as a fruit juice?

No. A smoothie is usually made by blending whole fruit, meaning the edible pulp remains in the drink, whereas juice is extracted from the fruit. However, the NHS still recommends limiting fruit juice and smoothies to a combined total of 150ml per day.

How can I make a breakfast smoothie more filling?

If you’re having a smoothie as your breakfast, adding a source of protein and fibre can make it more substantial. Try adding Greek yoghurt, protein powder, chia seeds, oats or a spoonful of nut butter. This recipe already uses yoghurt and chia seeds, with the option of adding protein powder.