When we think of a smoothie, we immediately picture milk as one of the main ingredients. But you can actually make a smoothie without milk – you just need to blend the fruit (or vegetables), adding another liquid to keep everything together and add some creaminess. You could even simply use water to do this. So – here are 5 smoothie ideas to make them without milk.
Classic smoothie
The typical – and generally frozen – recipe for a classic smoothie. Make it by adding ice cubes to the fruit, or use frozen fruit (almost always bananas and berries). This smoothie is super creamy and dense, and it can also be eaten as a full meal if you use protein sources like yogurt.
Exotic blended fruit juice
To prepare a delicious exotic fruit-based juice (that’s not frozen), simply choose the mix of fruit you prefer. Use seasonal products and measure the quantities according to the result you want. For a creamier texture, use bananas, avocado, mango or papaya. If you use berries, kiwi, strawberries or apples, on the other hand, the juice will be lighter and more watery. You can always dilute everything a little by adding water and lemon or orange juice if you want a cross between a smoothie and juice. Tea can also be a great alternative as a tasty addition.
Veggie juice
Green smoothies are the latest trend. It’s a mix of vegetables and fruit that healthy food lovers love – because it’s low in sugar and rich in minerals, vitamins and fiber. Make it with leafy vegetables such as spinach, lettuce, arugula and kale. Fruits rich in vitamin C are great too – i.e. orange, lime, kiwi and fennel. Obviously, you can also add bananas for a creamier, sweeter result. Use ice cubes for the frozen version!
Not just milk
If you want to make a smoothie, usually you need milk – but that doesn’t mean you have to use cow’s milk! There are many alternatives to milk on the market that can work perfectly as a base for your smoothies. We recommend almond milk in particular, which is nice and full-bodied with a slightly sweet flavor. Oat milk and coconut milk work well, too! In addition to milk, try making your smoothies extra-special with yogurt or ice-cream. (Dairy- free versions work here, too!) This makes your smoothie more than just a simple snack; it’s now a deliciously full meal.
Homemade almond milk
If you really don’t want to give up milk in your smoothie recipe, you have time to make a vegetable alternative yourself – especially during these days of quarantine. Ready to make your very own almond milk? It’s actually a very simple process. Simply soak 200 g peeled almonds in 500 ml of water. Let soak for 2 hours. Transfer to a blender, adding another 500 ml of water. Blend well. Filter the mixture with a thin gauze and keep the almond milk in the fridge for up to a week. Sweeten it with honey or maple syrup. Add vanilla if you like, but it’s delicious au naturel, too.