How To Make A Smoothie That Tastes Like It Was Prepared By A Pro

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Sometimes you just crave a thick, flavorful smoothie — and the energy boost that comes with it. But visiting your favorite smoothie shop isn't always convenient or cost-efficient. The good news is that making them at home is a simple, satisfying way to get your smoothie fix while also taking charge of nutrition goals. It lets you control the ingredients, flavors, and portions, while fulfilling those gotta-have hankerings. That said, it can be overwhelming getting everything just right as a smoothie-making newbie, or taking things next-level for ultimate perfection. 

That's why we reached out to an expert in the field, Lori Primavera, VP of R&D and Product Marketing for Smoothie King. With over 1,000 locations, we figure she knows a thing or two about making smoothies. Fortunately, that knowledge and insight sets us all up for at-home success. First up is using the right kind of blender and controlling the settings. "At Smoothie King, we only use Vitamix blenders but understand not everyone would have one of those at home (though we highly recommend!)" she says. Essentially, a home blender just needs to be high-powered in order to thoroughly combine all ingredients. Then she suggests how to get the mixture right: "Start off blending at a low speed to incorporate all of the ingredients, then blend on high to get to your desired consistency."

Apart from equipment and operational techniques, the ingredients and prep work are primary considerations. So are layering techniques and keeping the "smooth" in a "smoothie." 

Choosing the best ingredients is key to a smoothie you'll love, crave, and go out of your way to create. Primavera, our Smoothie King expert, addresses a favorite smoothie component: bananas. "When using bananas, use slightly over-ripe fruit so they are soft and blend well," she says, noting that "the natural sugars increase as the bananas ripen, making your smoothie sweet and creamy." Other great options are frozen fruits and veggies, which work equally well, providing a riot of flavor, nutrition, and culinary diversity.  

Prepping ingredients is more important to the overall effect than you might imagine. Primavara instructions to "cut fresh fruit and veggies into small pieces to blend faster, and remove any large seeds."

However, it's not just about prepping; ratios also matter significantly. "When you use frozen ingredients there is no need for ice. Just blend 2 cups of frozen fruits or veggies, 1 cup of liquid and 1 serving of protein," she explains. "For fresh fruit smoothies, use 1 cup fruits, ¼ oz liquid, 1 serving protein, 2 cups of ice." Freezer ice can vary from one freezer to another, so you may need to adjust those ratios to fit your own setup. In general, smaller pieces, such as pebble ice, blend faster than larger chunks of ice. 

Layering techniques can impact the final outcome as well. "Add fruits and veggies first, then your choice of water, milk[,] or juice, then protein powder or peanut butter," suggests Primavera. "Add ice last and then blend — don't forget to put that blender lid on! YIKES!" And finally, she addresses the all-important texture, namely the crucial smoothness that defines this type of drink. "Whey or plant protein is a great way to make your smoothie creamy and keep it from separating after you blend it," she says. "And it's an easy way to add more protein to your diet — win-win!"

For fun ways to create interesting, custom smoothies, check out our Tasting Table guide to 19 ingredients for making smoothies even more refreshing. Or take things next-level by injecting some adult-time complexity into your drink. Here's a look at spiking smoothies with bourbon, including which types of fruit pair well with this beloved American-made spirit.