Fruitless, Low Sugar and filled to the brim with Vegetables – the rise of Savoury Smoothies.
While adding spinach to your banana smoothie isn’t revolutionary, how about a salad smoothie? Here are our thoughts…
The sugar-free movement has been around for a while – and recently, it expanded into our smoothies. Typically, smoothies blend fruit (bananas, dates, berries), liquid (milk, water, juice) and other extras (veggies, nut butter, nuts, seeds, superfoods). But as people grow aware of hidden sugars, many are seeking wholly savoury options. As it turns out, smoothies have the potential to be a sugar rush gateway and can contain up to 16 teaspoons of sugar per serving (typically those made with fruit syrups and sweetened yoghurt). FYI, according to the World Health Organisation, our recommended daily sugar intake is no more than 12 teaspoons. So whether you’re part of the sugar-free movement, taking a brief vacay from sugar, or simply don’t have a sweet tooth – here are our thoughts on the salad smoothie.
In reality, savoury drinks aren’t entirely novel – green juices (remember the celery juice craze?) have been centre stage of organic stores for a while now – featuring the same actors: spinach, mint, kale, cucumber, and ginger. Savoury smoothies are singing the same tune – they’re just a little more chunky than your pressed-juice counterpart.
Akin to gazpacho, savoury smoothies offer loaded nutrition without a sugar rush. The best part? You can use all your vegetable odds and ends – so nothing in your fridge goes to waste.
While there are no strict rules, we find these tips help make the tastiest savoury smoothie:
- Start with a high-water content base. This liquid will help the blender work its magic. Cucumber, tomato and courgette work well here.
- Choose a variety of plants. The bigger variety, the better nutrients you will get and the better it is for gut health. A varied plant diet helps grow a diverse system of good bacteria in your gut. Plus, it’ll taste better. Any stray herbs, broccoli stems, or wilted kale is perfect.
- Season. Chilli, cayenne, ginger, hot sauce, salt and pepper add a heaty nutritional punch.
- Texture. Avocado, nuts and seeds will add a pleasant texture while avoiding it turning into baby food consistency. It also ensures you’re getting healthy fats into your diet.
- Zing. Add lemon, lime, or apple cider vinegar to balance the flavour profile.
So what’s our verdict? We went in with an open mind, an array of wilting veg and tried two recipes. It was surprisingly good – the main trick is to get the consistency right and use cold vegetables or ice to make the smoothie cold – or else you’ll end out slurping a room-temperature soup, which, no matter how healthy – is illegal on all counts. And while we enjoyed it, we won’t be giving up our favourite protein smoothies entirely.
No Recipe Green Garden Savoury Smoothie
No Recipe Green Garden Smoothie
As the title suggests, this recipe doesn’t have a strict list of ingredients. Simply use what you have in your garden and fridge and blend it – skins and all.
Ingredients:
- A chunk of Cucumber or Courgette
- Stick of Celery
- Bunch of Kale, Lettuce, Herbs and/or Rocket
- Half an Avocado
- Juice from half a Lemon
- Pinch of Cayenne Pepper or Chilli
- Spoonful of Chia Seeds
Method:
Wash all vegetables thoroughly (especially if you have curly kale, soil loves to hide between the leaves).
Blend with ice-cold water until smooth or to your chunky-liking.
If your smoothie isn’t cold, pour it into a glass filled with ice and season it with salt and pepper if required.
Belly Soothe Smoothie
This savoury smoothie fires up the heat with its warm spices – great for your metabolism and calming an uneasy stomach.
Ingredients:
- Half a Beetroot
- A handful of Cherry Tomatoes or one Tomato
- Half a Carrot
- Half a Capsicum
- Handful of Almonds
- Knob of Fresh Ginger
- Juice from half a Lemon or Lime
- Pinch of Turmeric powder and Ground Pepper
- Slice of fresh Chilli
Method:
Wash all vegetables thoroughly. Blend with ice-cold water until smooth.
If your smoothie isn’t cold, pour it into a glass filled with ice and season it with salt and pepper if required.
Have you tried a savoury smoothie? Let us know your thoughts below!
Until next time,
The Pro You team x
