So you've already got green smoothies down pat; now it's time to think beyond kale and spinach. The healthy-eating trend exploded in 2018, with customers reacting positively to products that are not only healthy but also taste good.

The industry demonstrated an appetite for novel plant-based foods, from beet ketchup to zucchini noodles. Food manufacturers will continue to respond to consumers' increased food consciousness throughout the new year, continuing this trend.

So many unique natural ingredients can be used in smoothies and other dishes. Read on for some of our favorite superfoods for smoothies that you might want to try in your kitchen. 

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are a great superfood to add to your green smoothies. They are rich in fiber, protein, essential minerals, and vitamins.

You can add them to your smoothie whole or grind them up first. They make an excellent thickener and add a great texture to your smoothie. Chia seeds are perfect for green smoothies since they are the best-added whole.

This way, you get the full benefit of their soluble fiber. When you grind chia seeds, the thread turns into a gel and is not as beneficial. 

Hemp

Like many other superfoods for smoothies, hemp is a protein-rich ingredient that can be added to almost any smoothie. You can try hemp seeds or hemp hearts (shelled hemp seeds).

Hemp is an excellent source of plant-based protein and amino acids. You can also add hemp to your smoothies because it works well in hot and cold liquids. If you choose to add hemp hearts to your smoothies, you can buy them shelled or unshelled.

You can also buy them pre-ground or whole. If you buy them bombarded, store the seeds in an airtight container in the fridge, where they will last up to one year.

Hemp seeds are highly nutritious, containing all nine essential amino acids (no other plant source has all nine). Hemp seeds include large amounts of magnesium, protein, fiber, and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

Matcha Green Tea

Smoothies are a great way to add some to your diet if you're more of a matcha person. Matcha is high in antioxidants that protect your body from free radicals and can help prevent certain cancers.

If you want to try it in your green smoothie, you can choose ceremonial grade or culinary grade matcha. Culinary-grade matcha may be cheaper, but it's less potent, so spending more on an excellent grade is better.

You can add matcha to your smoothies by adding a teaspoon of matcha powder or using matcha green tea bags. You can also use a combination of both. You can add plain yogurt or milk to matcha to make it less bitter. 

Goji Berries

Goji berries are one of the best superfoods for smoothies. These tiny red berries are loaded with nutrients and can be added to almost any smoothie to boost flavor and vitamins.

You can also use goji berries in desserts or toppings on pancakes and yogurt. Vitamins and antioxidants, particularly vitamin A, which is necessary for healthy eyesight and immune function, are abundant in goji berries. These little berries are also high in fiber and amino acids, which help promote a healthy metabolism and digestion.

Spirulina

Spirulina is one of the best superfoods for smoothies and is often added to green smoothies to give them a turquoise color. Spirulina is a blue-green alga rich in vitamins and minerals like B vitamins and iron.

It's also high in protein, making it an excellent option for vegetarians. You can add spirulina to your smoothie by mixing it with your other ingredients or by creating a "green" flavor by adding a bit of lemon juice and some fresh mint or cilantro.

Spirulina is also great for people allergic to eggs or who eat a vegan or vegetarian diet. It's also a fantastic source of plant-based protein, essential for vegetarians and vegans who don't eat dairy or eggs and face other challenges. 

Blue-Green Algae

Blue-green algae is another superfood that can be added to green smoothies. Blue-green algae are very similar to spirulina, but it is not algae (it's a bacteria).

Blue-green algae are high in protein and a great source of vitamins and minerals. Blue-green algae can be added to green smoothies by adding two tablespoons.

If you find it too strong of a flavor, you can also try making a "green" flavor by adding some lemon juice and fresh mint or cilantro. Blue-green algae are also significant for people allergic to eggs or who eat a vegan or vegetarian diet. It also contains a lot of plant-based protein, which can be challenging for vegetarians and vegans who do not consume dairy or eggs.

Conclusion

Superfoods are some of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients that promote health and longevity.

As the name suggests, superfoods are particularly beneficial because they are filled with more nutrients than your average foods. One of the best ways to incorporate superfoods into your diet is by making green smoothies.

You can add a variety of superfoods to your smoothie to give it an extra health boost. From blue-green algae to chia seeds, you can add plenty of superfoods.