Laura Wright

An update on classic PB&J, now in the form of your new favorite smoothie.

This sweet, citrusy, bright orange and vanilla-flecked smoothie calls to mind a certain classic ice pop confection. It’s definitely creamy and mellow, and it almost tastes like dessert, but this blend packs a huge nutritional punch to keep you energized and full all the way to lunchtime. Our secret weapons here for a filling, hearty smoothie are everyday ingredients that you may already have on hand: frozen orange segments and cooked sweet potatoes.

Have you ever tried Kitchn’s smooth and creamy chocolate pudding made with avocados as the base? It’s rich and sweet, but nourishing at the same time because of the wholesome ingredients. This smoothie goes in the same direction as that pudding, but with an added mocha-like twist and a more sippable texture. The avocado is frozen ahead of time for this lush and frothy smoothie.

Sometimes a tart and fresh smoothie is just what you need to get going in the morning. The tang of yogurt and essence of lemon alone make this blend so energizing. While this one seems mellow and mild-mannered on the surface, the heat of ginger creeps in slowly, and some hidden vegetables kick in to help you power through your day. The base of this smoothie might shock you a bit. It’s frozen cauliflower!

Bananas and berries are a classic smoothie combination for a reason: they taste great together, both are super accessible in either fresh or frozen form, and they provide lots of energy and nutritional benefits. This smoothie builds on that reliable pairing with some high-functioning superfoods and a particularly pretty marbled effect.

Smoothies are a fast and delicious way to pack many nutrients into one quick-sipping glass. Whether you’re running out the door at the start of your day, or seeking an afternoon pick-me-up, blended concoctions make it easy to slurp up the vitamins. But smoothies aren’t just liquid fruit and vegetables. When you boost your smoothies with hearty ingredients, they can keep you satisfied and energized for longer periods of time.