How to make a smoothie without yogurt?

How do you make a smoothie without yogurt?

A recipe from a vegetable-cooking site makes about 1 1/2 cups:

• 1 cup frozen berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries or a mix)
• 1 frozen banana
• 1/2 cup almond milk or soy milk
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter or almond butter
• Optional: 1 scoop vanilla protein powder, 1 tablespoon chia seeds, 1/2 cup spinach

Add everything to a blender and blend until smooth. For a thinner drink, add more milk until you reach the consistency you like.

What can you use instead of yogurt?

• Banana: frozen or at room temperature, for a very creamy texture.
• Avocado: adds creaminess without added sugar; start with a small piece, since it has a strong effect.
• Soy milk: creamier than almond milk and adds protein.
• Riced cauliflower: thickens with little taste if it is plain and unseasoned.
• Nut or seed butter: adds richness and some protein.
• Silken tofu: a neutral, protein-rich option; use soft silken, not firm.

The source names banana, avocado, soy milk and riced cauliflower; nut butter and silken tofu are our own suggestions. Amounts vary by taste; begin with a few tablespoons and adjust.

How do you make it thicker?

• Use frozen fruit rather than ice, which waters the flavor down.
• Add the liquid gradually and stop when it blends.
• Add chia seeds or oats and let the smoothie rest for a few minutes.

How do you keep the protein?

Yogurt supplies protein, so if you want it, add protein powder, soy milk, silken tofu or nut butter. If you do not need extra protein, fruit and milk are fine.

Which liquid should you use?

Any milk works. Choose unsweetened plant drinks, since the fruit already sweetens the smoothie.

A note on portions

The NHS counts smoothies as at most one portion of 5 A DAY, up to 150 ml a day, so drink it with a meal and eat whole fruit as well.