A dairy-free strawberry milkshake.
Dairy-free smoothies are mixed fruit drinks, usually served semi-frozen, that do not contain milk or dairy products. They are usually made in a blender and are a combination of solids and liquids. At least some of the solids are frozen, usually frozen fruit pieces or ice cubes. Healthy food advocates often praise dairy-free smoothies as excellent sources of vitamins and minerals that, in most cases, are just as delicious as they are nutritious.
Ice cubes are often used to make smoothies.
Smoothies usually have the consistency of milkshakes: they are usually cold, thick and rich. Most smoothies contain yogurt or milk, which makes them creamy. The dairy-free iterations avoid all milk-related products. That means they exclude yogurts and milk, as well as dairy products like whey protein.
There are many varieties of dairy-free shakes. Most include some combination of fruit, juice, and ice. Some shakes follow recipes, but the drinks can be easily made with whatever ingredients you have on hand. Fruits like bananas are popular, as are berries of all varieties. Tropical fruits, such as pineapple and mango, are also common.
Kale is often used in a dairy-free smoothie.
Many of the ingredients in a dairy-free shake depend on the goals of the consumer. If the goal is simply to enjoy a refreshing fruit drink, the addition of sweeteners such as sugar or honey is widely accepted. When the goal is nutrition, meal replacement, or weight loss, other supplements often come into play. Fortified soymilk is a popular addition to dairy-free smoothies for the health-conscious, as are leafy greens like spinach or kale. Advocates of healthy eating often try to pack as many nutrients and antioxidants into the blender as they can.
Smoothies can be made with a variety of fruits, juices, and ice.
Athletes are common drinkers of shakes, but generally prefer dairy-free versions. Avoiding dairy products before exercise is one way to prevent the buildup of lactic acid in your muscles, which can cause cramping and decreased performance. Lactose-free shakes are also particularly suitable for people with lactose sensitivity or lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance is a medical condition that prevents people from properly processing a specific sugar compound found in most dairy products.
Spinach can be used to make healthy green smoothies.
Eating dairy-free is also part of the vegan diet and lifestyle. Vegans avoid all animal products, which means dairy-free foods are essential. However, not all dairy-free shakes are necessarily vegan. Sweeteners such as honey should also be avoided.
Dairy-free smoothies are easy to make at home, but are also commercially available. Many communities have dedicated smoothie shops where customers can purchase smoothies made to order. Supermarkets may also sell shake kits in the frozen section. Premade smoothie kits typically contain a mixture of frozen fruit pieces that can be added directly to a blender along with some type of liquid, milk or juice in most cases. They may not be outright labeled dairy-free, but they can be used to make dairy-free smoothies by controlling what is added.
Adding any variety of fruits and vegetables to a smoothie blender is all it takes for a dairy-free smoothie.
Some prepackaged beverages are also marketed as dairy-free shakes. This type of beverage is often found in the chilled beverage section of many specialty supermarkets. Most of the time, pre-mixed products are more like fortified fruit juices than actual smoothies: They can be blended and contain lots of nutrients, but they don’t freeze. Preservatives and sugars may also have been added. The name “smoothie” is often used to conjure up the health benefits of more traditional smoothies, but overall, this is a very different kind of drink.