Healthy Vegan Organic Smoothies & Juicing at Home

Oranges add healthy antioxidants to drinks.

There are several key ingredients that are needed to make healthy vegan organic smoothies and juices at home. The key to an exceptional smoothie or juice is not only the flavor but also the texture and health benefits. Organic fruits and liquids create the body of flavor, and organic proteins can be added using flavorful ingredients. Use an organic natural sweetener and you will have a delicious smoothie that can substitute for any meal. All of these ingredients can be purchased organically, and you can find them at local or online specialty health and grocery stores and organic farm markets. Some traditional grocery stores now carry a small selection of organic foods and ingredients.

Fruit

A variety of organic fruits will add flavor and texture to your smoothies and juices, in either fresh or frozen form. Fresh fruits, when they are at their peak in season, are always desirable, but frozen fruits are flavorful and available all year. When using fresh fruits, add ice to the blender to make your drink cold and refreshing. With frozen fruit you can omit the ice and still make a frosty drink. Organic fruits such as bananas, strawberries, blueberries, peaches, pineapples and raspberries are some basic staples for vegan smoothies. Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons and limes can be used to add healthful antioxidants. Try mixing different fruit combinations for different flavors.

Liquids

Organic juices can be added for flavor to smoothies and to thin out thicker drinks. Such juices are available year-round and can be used to add flavor when fruits are not at their peak. Apple and orange juices will add flavor that will work with just about any fruit, including berries. Other flavors of juice include carrot, pineapple, mango and apricot. Rice milk or soy milk are healthy alternatives that can be used in place of juice to provide a creamier texture. If no additional flavor or sweetness is desired, simply add water.

Protein

Organic protein is an essential ingredient to add to vegan smoothies and juices, especially if the drink is considered a meal. There are many ways to add protein, including organic nondairy yogurts, soy and coconut yogurts, flax seed or meal and nut butters. Yogurt adds a source of beneficial cultures and calcium. Crushed flax seed or flax meal can be added for additional fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. Nut butters such as almond, cashew, walnut and hazelnut will add extra protein, but look for low-fat and low-sugar varieties for greatest health benefits.

Sweeteners

Fruits that are not in season can have a bitter, less-sweet taste, so you may want to add an organic healthy sweetener to your smoothie or juice as an alternative to sugar. Some alternative sweeteners, all available organically, include agave nectar, stevia and blackstrap molasses. Light agave nectar has a honey-like taste and dark agave nectar has a stronger flavor resembling maple syrup. Stevia, from the leaf of the stevia plant, is a sweet alternative to sugar that contains numerous minerals, including iron, calcium, phosphorus and zinc. Blackstrap molasses has a slight licorice flavor and adds iron, calcium, copper, manganese, magnesium and potassium.

References

• Rourke's Random Musings: Practical Smoothies: The Fruit
• Veg Kitchen: Summer Smoothies

Resources

• All About Agave: What is Agave Nectar
• Stevia: Stevia -- Sweetener of Choice for Future Generations
• Body by Design: Blackstrap Molasses Health Benefits
• Women Fitness: Counting Many Benefits of Flaxseed