How to Thicken a Smoothie

If you like thick smoothies you can eat with a spoon or tend to eyeball it when making them and they turn out runny, you’re in good company.

I’ve made plenty of great-tasting smoothies that have turned out runny and below I share what I add to make them thick before I blend and how I fix them after.

How to Thicken a Smoothie

I use the following ingredients to thicken my smoothies. Sometimes I add them before I blend to ensure my smoothie is nutritious, although they can also be added after blending to thicken them. You’ll learn how much and when below.

Oats

Oats are nutritious and can be added to any smoothie before blending and after. You can add ¼ cup to ½ cup of old fashioned or quick oats before blending. After blending, add 2 tablespoons at a time, up to ¼ cup per serving. Check out the Cinnamon Roll and Peach Cobbler Smoothies.

Chia Seeds

These tiny seeds are added to smoothies for their high fiber content and dose of omega 3s; but did you know that they’re a terrific thickener too? You can add 1 tablespoon before blending or in 1 teaspoon amounts after blending to thicken it.

Flax Meal

Ground flax seeds are a terrific ingredient to add before blending for its fiber content. They are highly absorbent and when mixed with liquids they thicken up into a gel-like texture. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons before or after blending to thicken up the consistency of the liquid.

Frozen Cauliflower

This highly nutritious veggie is meant for more than being roasted or turned into cauliflower rice! Frozen cauliflower florets and riced cauliflower are practically tasteless and can be added to the smoothie jar, about ¼ cup before and after blending, to thicken up a smoothie without the slushy texture of adding ice.

Avocado

Adding avocado to a smoothie is a great way to give it a nice, thick, and creamy texture without it turning icy. Add ½ of an avocado before or after blending.

Bananas

One reason many smoothie recipes include bananas is because they sweeten a smoothie and give it a thick consistency. Add ½ to 1 banana before or after blending.

Frozen Fruit

Using frozen fruit, all of it or some of it, in a smoothie will yield a thicker texture than fresh fruit. Add ½ to 1 cup of frozen fruit before or after blending.

Pumpkin Puree

This wonderful ingredient is already nice and thick and always adds a touch of earthyness to any smoothie recipe. Add between ¼ to ½ cup of canned pumpkin puree before or after blending.

Ice

If you have a good blender for smoothies, the ice should incorporate well whether you add it before or after blending. Adding 2 to 4 ice cubes before or after blending will help chill it and thicken it.

Measure

If you’re following a smoothie recipe, measuring your ingredients is nearly always your best chance at achieving the best results. If you’re always in a hurry, you can pre-measure ahead of time and make smothie freezer packs.

Use a quality blender

When people say that blenders make a big difference, it’s true! You don’t have to break the bank on one either; since there are many affordable blenders that are great for smoothies.

Watch this quick video to see more tips for thicker smoothies.

How to Make Smoothies Thinner

Did you take the smoothie thickeners a little too far? Adding liquid is the best and quickest way to thin out a too-thick smoothie. The key is to gradually add it to the blender, 2 tablespoons at a time until you achieve the consistency you like. Here are the top liquids to add:

Add water
A simple way to thin out a smoothie without disrupting the flavor or adding calories.

Add milk
Adding regular milk or a dairy-free alternative into the jar is an ideal and delicious way to thin out a too thick smoothie.

Add juice
Perfect for smoothies made with tropical fruits or if your smoothie already has it in.

Smoothie Recipes

Looking for a few tested smoothie recipes that are both delicious and turn out great? Consider trying:

• Pineapple Banana Smoothie
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Shake
• Mango Peach Smoothie
• Pineapple Green Smoothie
• Coconut Pie Smoothie
• Blueberry Spinach Smoothie

Smoothie Bowls

Smoothie bowls are as thick as you can get! Their velvet, smooth texture reminds me of frozen yogurt and is best enjoyed when eaten with a spoon and! Here are a few of my favorite smoothie bowl that are also good for you: 

• Strawberries & Creme Smoothie Bowls
• Healthy Frozen Mocha Frappuccino Smoothie Bowl
• Peaches & Cream Smoothie Bowl
• Blueberry Smoothie Bowl