By Linda Arceo
It’s smoothie bowl season. Let’s dig into the essentials of this delicious and balanced meal.
What is a smoothie bowl? Smoothie bowls are a like a smoothie, but are served in a bowl and eaten with a spoon. To make them even more satisfying, smoothie bowls often include extra toppings. The extra toppings help to bump up the nutritional content, making them feel more like a meal, while also adding texture, flavor and crunch.
The basics of every smoothie bowl includes: liquid; added fruits and vegetables; proteins (including nuts and seeds); healthy fats; herbs and spices; and a variety of toppings. The key to the perfect smoothie bowl is to make your smoothie bowl thick, aiming for an ice cream-like texture.
The base of any smoothie bowl is the liquid. Often a variety of plant-based liquids are used such as almond milk, soy milk or oat milk. However, you can also use regular milk, coconut water or even 100% fruit juice.
Next, you’ll want to choose assorted fruits and vegetables to add flavor to your smoothie bowl. Healthy greens such as spinach, kale or frozen avocado can be added, as well as your favorite frozen fruits. You can choose from frozen berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), cherries, mango, pineapple or banana.
Smoothie bowls are the perfect foundation for added protein. You can add a variety of protein options to your smoothie bowl to leave you feeling full and satisfied. Choices can include: nut or seed butters, protein or collagen powders, nuts and seeds (hemp, chia, flax, sunflower, sesame, almonds, cashews, walnuts) and spirulina. I also like to add healthy fats to my smoothie bowls by adding shredded coconut or a small amount of coconut oil.
For added flavor and nutritional benefits try incorporating fresh herbs, spices and other natural ingredients. Some of my favorites include: cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, maca, matcha, cocao powder, raw or manuka honey and mint.
Once your smoothie bowl base is fully blended you’ll want to finish your smoothie bowl with the best part – the toppings! Choose toppings that add to the flavor profile and depth of your smoothie bowl. Some of my favorite smoothie bowl toppings include: chopped fresh fruit, nuts and seeds, granola, shredded coconut, peanut butter or other nut/seed butter and chia seeds. But make sure you don’t overdo it. Toppings should be 2-4 tablespoons each and you should choose about 3-4 toppings per bowl.
Ready to tackle making smoothie bowls at home? To prepare this simple Cherry Smoothie Bowl, see the full recipe below.
Cherry Smoothie Bowl
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups Cherries, frozen pitted
1 Banana
1/2 cup Almond milk
Vanilla Extract
Toppings:
Fresh Cherries
Dark Chocolate
Coconut flakes
Chia Seeds
Mint
Instructions:
Add the frozen cherries, banana and almond milk into a high powered blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
Pour the smoothie mixture into a bowl and add the toppings.
Smoothie bowls are popping up everywhere and can easily be found in your favorite shops and cafes. To savor the local flavor of smoothie bowls, try visiting these local spots on and around the island for your next custom-made smoothie bowl.
Bungalow Bowls (Ocean City, NJ) – Bungalow Bowls has two locations conveniently located in Ocean City at 1054 Asbury Avenue and 816 Boardwalk (across from the music pier). www.bungalowbowls.com
Yoasis Beach Bowls (Ocean City, NJ) – Yoasis Beach Bowls is located on the boardwalk at 1244 Boardwalk. www.yogurt-oasis.com
Playa Bowls (several locations in New Jersey and Nationwide) – Playa Bowls has several shore locations across their Pineapple Land. Look for locations in Ocean City, Sea Isle City, Stone Harbor and Wildwood. www.playabowls.com
Spoon and Sip (Ocean City, NJ) – Spoon and Sip is located at 838 B Asbury Avenue https://spoon-and-sip.business.site
Greens and Grains (several locations in New Jersey & PA) – Greens and Grains is a vegetarian/vegan restaurant with local locations in Margate, Northfield and Galloway. www.greensandgrainsusa.com
Goji Juice Bar (Somers Point, NJ) – Goji Juice Bar is located in Somers Point. www.lifesgoji.com
Linda Arceo is the owner and content creator behind the food, drink and travel blog Giggles, Gobbles and Gulps. Linda is a digital influencer and freelance writer focusing on food, travel, lifestyle and culinary tourism. Linda’s blog can be found at www.gigglesgobblesandgulps.com and you can follow her on Instagram at @GigGobGulp.
