Are Smoothies Better With Milk or Water?

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Are Smoothies Better With Milk or Water

If you are a new smoothie consumer, I am sure you have wondered, “are smoothies better with milk or water.” We know we need a liquid base for our smoothies and you might be confused about which one to use. 

There is no clear-cut answer; you have to learn which flavors work together and which ones don’t. For most of us, it’s simply a matter of preference; we want a smoothie that tastes good and is healthy.

Can You Make a Smoothie With Water?

Yes, you can definitely make smoothies with water.  As a matter of fact, this is my favorite model. 

Water is a cheap liquid base, easily thins smoothies, has no flavor, and has zero calories. Additionally, if you are worried about the thickness of the smoothie, you can use ice cubes instead of water.

I make numerous smoothies, and I find water is a great option with green vegetables, citrus fruits, and berries.

It is an especially good option if you are interested in making smoothies for weight loss since water is fat-free.

However, if you are making a breakfast smoothie or you are looking for a substantial afternoon snack, you might find milk-based smoothies more filling.

If you are looking for some inspiration for water-based smoothie recipes, here are a few suggestions:

How Much Water Should I Put in a Smoothie?

You will find most smoothie recipes use a little water.  For most people, it depends on their personal preference.  It depends on how thick you want your smoothie and how thick you want your smoothie. 

For one or two glasses of smoothie, use 1/2 cup 1 cup of water.  If you want a slushie texture, consider adding ice cubes or crushed ice instead of water. 

You should also keep in mind that vegetables such as cucumber have a lot of water content. Alternatively, fruits such as watermelon also have a lot of water content.

Can You Put Milk in a Smoothie?

Yes, you can put milk in a smoothie.  Nowadays, you will find that most smoothie recipes use nut milk, such as almond milk.  You will find almond milk is more popular because it has a neutral flavor. 

Almond milk and most kinds of nut milk, on the whole, have unsweetened almond milk and sweetened versions of almond milk available.  If you want to add an additional nutritional punch, consider using Hemp seed milk.

The main benefits of using milk instead of water in your smoothies are you get a creamy texture, and you can take advantage of the nutritional benefits of milk. 

The main drawback is you are adding a few extra calories to your smoothie depending on what type of milk is used.  Additionally, other than almond milk, most kinds of milk do not have a neutral flavor.

What Milk Is Best for Smoothies Plus 5 Recipes

You can use pretty much any type of milk for smoothies.  However, the most popular kinds of milk are almond milk and soy milk. 

Other kinds of milk that can be used are dairy milk, oat milk, coconut milk, hemp milk, or any type of nut milk or plant-based milk.

How Much Milk Should I Put in a Smoothie?

Most recipes call for around 1/2 cup to 1 cup of milk. 

Does Milk Make a Smoothie Thick?

Milk will give your smoothie a creamy texture.  However, if you want a really thick smoothie, simply add less liquid, and use ice or frozen fruits.

Coconut Water or Almond Milk for Smoothies?

Coconut water and almond milk are two healthier alternatives to water and milk. 

Coconut water is a source of several nutrients.  It contains Potassium, Magnesium, and Phosphorous.  Almond milk is also a source of several nutrients such as Vitamin E, Vitamin D, and calcium. 

Both of these liquids have a very mild flavor, so they are both great options for smoothies.

How To Make a Smoothie Without Milk

Are smoothies made with water healthier than smoothies made with milk? – if you have a choice of milk, go with kinds of milk such as almond milk.  However, it depends on what type of milk you use and the nutritional value of the milk

Other Liquids You Can Use in Smoothies

Water and milk are not the only liquids you can use for smoothies.  You can use kefir, fruit juices, nut milk, hemp seed milk, coconut milk, rice milk, and more.  Read our article on the best liquids for smoothies for a detailed overview. 

What Liquid Is Best for Smoothies?

The type of liquid you use in your smoothies is really a matter of personal preference.  A few of my personal favorites are water, fruit juices, kefir, almond milk, coconut milk, and hemp seed milk. 

I like to blend water and fruit juices with green vegetables and fruits. 

For certain kinds of milk such as kefir, almond milk, coconut milk, and hemp milk I like to use them with fruits. 

For example, kefir is delicious with mangoes and pineapples.  I also like to make a healthy chocolate drink by adding cacao to the milk products such as coconut milk, almond milk, and hemp milk.

How Can You Make Smoothies Blend Better?

The first thing you need is a really good blender for smoothies, such as a Vitamix or Blendtec blender.  Additionally, here are a few tips you can use in your blending journey:  Firstly, add liquids to the blender, then add greens,  fruits, nut butter, seeds, yogurt, etc.  Lastly, add hard items such as ice or frozen fruit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Milk Healthy in a Smoothie?

I am assuming you are referring to cow’s milk.   Cows milk is a good source of calcium and protein. If you are lactose intolerant, you can use nut milk such as almond or cashew milk.  You can also consider using soy milk or hemp milk.

Are Smoothies With Water Healthy?

Yes, they usually are; remember, smoothies have both vegetables and fruits, which pack quite a nutritional punch.  Additionally, you can add nut butter, seeds, and superfood powders if you want a healthier smoothie.  

How Much Milk Should You Put in a Smoothie?

This depends on how thick you want to make your smoothies and how many smoothies you are making.  To start off, try 1/2 cup to 1 cup of milk for one to two glasses of smoothies.

In Conclusion, Are Smoothies Better With Milk or Water

I love to make smoothies, and at this point, I feel I could write a book about how to make smoothies!  If you are still not sure whether smoothies are better with milk or water.  Our answer is either choice can work.  It boils down to your personal preference.  As I stated above, you can make a smoothie with water or milk.  The choice is entirely up to you.

About Me

Welcome!

Hi, I am Charms, a self-confessed smoothie fanatic!  Here I will share some of my favorite smoothie recipes, tips and guides and gear reviews.   Learn more .