How to Make the Best Smoothie Bowl

When breakfast needs to feel more than just a grab-and-go, a smoothie bowl steps in as something powerful, nourishing and beautiful. This “ultimate smoothie bowl” version from Thrive Market shows how simple ingredients can combine into a base so thick it holds toppings like fresh fruit, seeds and nut butter—and yet feel like a treat, not a chore.

The magic lies in the base: frozen bananas or mango, nut butter or yogurt (for creaminess), plant-based milk just enough to blend, and maybe a hidden thickener like cauliflower rice or black beans for extra body. On top, bright toppings bring crunch, color and texture—think cacao nibs, chia seeds, goji berries, shredded coconut or frozen fruit gems.

Built this way, the smoothie bowl becomes more than breakfast—it’s a meal in a bowl, customizable to your mood, texture preferences and nutrition goals. It’s naturally gluten-free, especially when you avoid granola with wheat and choose clean toppings. Ideal for vegetarian, vegan or any diet where you want whole-food energy without fluff.

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Recipe for the Best Smoothie Bowl

Smoothie Bowl Ingredients

• 1 small banana
• 1/2 cup blueberries
• 1/2 cup raspberries
• 2 tablespoons açaí powder
• 1 tablespoon pomegranate powder
• 2 tea spoons lucuma powder
• 1 tablespoon maca powder
• 1/4 cup coconut water
• 1/2 cup coconut milk

How to Make the Best Smoothie Bowl

1. Place all ingredients (banana, blueberries, raspberries, acai powder, pomegranate powder, lucuma powder, maca powder, coconut water, and coconut milk) into a high-speed blender.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Pour into a bowl. (Garnish with your favorite toppings, if desired.)

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Smoothie Bowl Nutrition Facts

*Estimated per serving (recipe yields 1 smoothie bowl). Based strictly on Thrive Market’s ingredient amounts.

Serving Size	1 smoothie bowl
Calories	≈ 350 kcal
Protein	≈ 5 g
Carbs	≈ 50 g
Sugar	≈ 30 g
Fiber	≈ 12 g
Fat	≈ 12 g

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Smoothie Bowl Variations & Tips

• Hidden veggie base: Blend in a handful of spinach, kale or cauliflower rice. It keeps the texture thick, hides greens and still allows vivid smoothie-bowl color.
• Protein boost: Add a scoop of plant-based protein powder or a tablespoon of hemp hearts to elevate the bowl from snack to meal.
• Nut-free option: Swap nut butter for sunflower-seed butter and skip nuts for seeds like pumpkin or sunflower if allergies apply.
• Liquid control: Use minimal plant milk—just enough to blend. Excess liquid makes the bowl runny and defeats the “bowl” consistency goal. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Topping strategy: Layer toppings thoughtfully: crunchy seeds or nuts + fresh fruit + soft elements like shredded coconut or nut butter drizzle = texture variety and visual appeal.
• Time saver prep: Pre-portion frozen fruit and banana chunks in freezer bags. In the morning, dump, blend, top—done in 3 minutes.

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Best Smoothie Bowl Pairings

• Fresh seasonal berries or kiwi: Add a side bowl to keep the theme of vibrant fruit while adding brightness.
• Nut-milk latte or herbal tea: If your bowl uses almond or cashew milk, mirror it in your drink for harmony; or choose mint tea to refresh the palate.
• Gluten-free granola or crisp seed bread: Use as a side or topping to bring crunch and substance without gluten bulk.
• Chia pudding pot: Use a small chia pudding as the “side dish” to echo seed toppings and hold you longer into the day.
• Dark chocolate squares (70%+ cocoa): For those looking to treat themselves, a couple of squares balance the fruit-sweet bowl with rich chocolate depth.

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When to Make Smoothie Bowls

• Weekend brunch at home: Set out bowls, frozen fruit, toppings and let everyone build their own “ultimate bowl”.
• Post-workout breakfast or lunch: The blend of fruit, protein, seeds and nut butter makes it fuel-rich and recovery-friendly.
• Meal-prep breakfasts: Prepare frozen fruit packets and topping trays on Sunday for fast weekday assembly.
• Busy mornings on the run: Use a portable jar version—blend base, add toppings in travel container, spoon later.
• Health-focused gatherings: Serve smoothie bowls at wellness brunches or clean-eating events—colorful, customizable and diet-friendly.

Video credits
Produced & Directed by: Liza Glucoft
Director of Photography: Naeem Munaf
Editor: Megan Stone
Recipe and Styling by: Merce Muse