Healthy Smoothie Bowl

How to make a healthy smoothie bowl with frozen berries, banana and lots of yummy toppings. It’s thick, creamy and easy to eat with a spoon.

I know many people find it impossible to have a smoothie as a meal because they need something to chew. I used to feel the same way, but I found a solution and it’s called a smoothie bowl!

Grab your spoon and dive in!

With a smoothie bowl, you get all the loveliness of a smoothie – cool, creamy and delicious. But you pour it into a bowl and top it with lots of goodies so there’s a little texture and more importantly, something to chew on.

What is a Smoothie Bowl?

A smoothie bowl is as simple as it sounds… a smoothie in a bowl! If you’re sick of enjoying smoothies from a glass, switch it up and eat it out of a bowl instead! Smoothie bowls are typically thicker and topped with a variety of toppings for added texture and flavors.

Are Smoothie Bowls Healthy?

For the most part, yes… especially if you’re making them at home! You can pack a ton of nutrients into one meal with a smoothie bowl and they make a great, well-rounded breakfast or healthy snack. Here’s why I love smoothie bowls:

• High in fiber – Thanks to all of the fresh fruit (and veggies if you add!) this smoothie bowl is high in fiber.
• Packed with protein – I added in protein powder to make this a full meal! If you think smoothies aren’t filling… think again!
• Dietary preference friendly – this smoothie bowl is gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan!

Ingredients Needed

The ingredients used to make a smoothie bowl can vary, but the base is typically always frozen fruit (or veggies)! Hre are the main ingredients I use to make my ultimate healthy smoothie bowl:

•  frozen banana – frozen banana helps thicken the smoothie and adds a little sweetness. If you don’t like banana, you can try swapping for frozen avocado chunks, frozen mango or even frozen zucchini for the thickener. If you use the avocado or zucchini you may need to add a little maple syrup, dates or honey for extra sweetness.
• protein powder – You can use vanilla or chocolate protein powder! I recommend Nuzest protein powder. (Use my code eatingbirdfood for 15% off your order.)
• frozen berries – any frozen berries will do. My favorite options are frozen strawberries, blueberries and/or cherries. You can also use a bag of mixed berries
• unsweetened almond milk – any dairy-free milk (or regular milk) will work here!
• almond butter or peanut butter – any nut butter you can sub for sunflower seed butter if you have a nut allergy.

The Best Part = Toppings

Okay, this is the fun part and the options are truly endless here! Get creative with your smoothie bowl toppings. Here are some of my go-to toppings:

• fresh banana – slice fresh bananas for added sweetness!
• fresh berries – I like using a combination of strawberries and blueberries but any fresh berry works! You can also do freeze dried berries
• granola – want to add some texture to your smoothie bowl? Add crunchy granola on top! Try my hemp granola or this almond coconut granola.
• almond butter or peanut butter – can’t go wrong with a little extra nut butter drizzled on top.
• chia seeds – add in healthy fats, fiber and texture with chia seeds.
• coconut – mmm add toasted coconut or shredded coconut for added sweetness and crunchy!
• chocolate – make this more of a dessert and add some chocolate chips or melted chocolate drizzled on top. You could even do a homemade magic shell!

How to Make Your Bowl Thicker?

Nothing is worse than a melty smoothie bowl that’s hard to eat with a spoon. If you blend up your smoothie and are wishing it was thicker, here are some things to try:

• Add frozen fruit or veggies – yep, adding more frozen fruit or veggies will help thicken your smoothie. I like adding frozen zucchini or frozen cauliflower rice! They add any flavor but thicken the smoothie right up!
• Add protein powder – adding a scoop of protein powder will not only add protein but will help make your smoothie thicker.
• Add avocado – add a quarter or half of an avocado when blending for an instant thickener!
• Add chia seeds – chia seeds absorb liquid and will make your smoothie thick like this blended chocolate chia pudding.
• Use less liquid – this won’t necessary fix a liquidy smoothie, but it’s something to remember next time you make a smoothie bowl!
• Add xanthan gum – I don’t use this ingredient often, but if you’re looking to instantly thicken up a smoothie bowl xantham gum works. Just know that a little goes a long way so start with 1/2-1 teaspoon.

More Smoothie Recipes to Try:

• Maqui Berry Smoothie Bowl
• Easy Blackberry Smoothie
• Coconut Chocolate Mint Chip Smoothie
• Blueberry Smoothie
• Banana Almond Butter Smoothie
• Peanut Butter and Jelly Smoothie
• Mocha Cherry Smoothie
• Strawberry Banana Smoothie