Vegan smoothies can replace milk and yogurt with non-dairy milk, soy yogurt, vegan protein powders, or tofu. Fruit juice or non-dairy milk can be used as liquid components. Vegan shakes can be thickened with soy yogurt, plant-based protein powders, or silken tofu. Other variations include sweeteners like agave syrup, flaxseed or flaxseed oil, and nut butters.
The focal point of most smoothies, including vegan smoothies, is fresh fruit, but other ingredients are commonly added to thicken the drink and add the familiar creamy texture. Some of the more popular thickeners in smoothies are milk and yogurt, which have no place in the vegan diet. Vegan smoothies can replace milk and yogurt with a number of ingredients, including non-dairy milk, soy yogurt, vegan protein powders, or even tofu.
Most vegan smoothies are inherently high in vitamins and often antioxidants thanks to the various fruits and occasionally vegetables, which make up the majority of drinks. It’s certainly possible to make a vegan smoothie with nothing but fruit and some nondairy juice or milk, but the results can be thinner and less creamy than a smoothie that uses a thickening ingredient. To achieve a thicker texture with minimal ingredients, frozen fruit can be blended with fresh fruit or fresh fruit mixed with ice cubes. A peeled banana cut into chunks and frozen can be added to thicken the texture and also add some creaminess while complying with vegan dietary restrictions.
The liquid components of vegan smoothies generally fall into one of two categories: fruit juice or non-dairy milk. Any type of juice that complements the fruit selections used — ranging from apple juice to orange juice to pomegranate juice — can be used in vegan smoothies. Nondairy milks can be derived from rice, soy, hemp, or tree nuts; many varieties come in plain, vanilla, or chocolate flavors, making them compatible with multiple fruit choices.
Vegans need to be careful to include enough protein in their diet, and vegan shakes are actually an easy way to beef up your protein intake. Smoothies can be thickened with soy yogurt, plant-based protein powders, or silken tofu. Soy yogurt often comes in plain or fruity varieties, which makes it easy to mix and match flavor combinations. Hemp protein, soy protein, and brown rice are all acceptable vegan protein powders that can significantly thicken your shakes with just a scoop or two. Because tofu is high in protein but very mild in taste, soft varieties like silken tofu can be diced and blended into smoothies.
Some other possible variations on vegan smoothies are accomplished through extra ingredients added for flavor or a nutritional boost. Since honey isn’t strictly vegan, sweeteners like agave syrup, natural brown sugar, or maple syrup are common choices. Flaxseed or flaxseed oil are sometimes added because they are good plant-based sources of omega 3 fatty acids. Similarly, finely chopped walnuts or nut butters can be added to vegan smoothies as sources of protein and fat healthy.
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