Creating this Black Tea Fruit Smoothie Recipe
With so many fruit smoothie recipes out there, I knew I had to make mine different! Smoothies are perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack or even dessert. This recipe is made with black tea, milk, yogurt, frozen berries and bananas. Smoothies are so versatile; you can mix, and match ingredients based on what you have! Whatever combination of ingredients you choose for your fruit smoothie, it will only take a matter of minutes to whip up a delicious drink filled with ingredients to keep you energized for you day. Plus, it’s fruit & caffeine in one easy drink! This smoothie with an Oatmeal Breakfast Bar or a slice of Cranberry Orange Bread feels like the perfect breakfast pairing to me! Black tea has 47mg of caffeine per cup and green tea has 28mg of caffeine per cup. According to the journal of Nutrients, researchers wanted to know if unsweetened tea drinkers have healthier diets. They found that those who consume unsweetened tea on a daily basis generally have healthier beverage choices, including less high calorie sugar sweetened beverages! Also, daily unsweetened tea consumption is associated with higher good cholesterol (HDL) and lower body mass index (BMI) values (lower body weight) in adults. I love that all tea Lipton® tea bags are sustainably sourced from Rainforest Alliance Certified estates. The Rainforest Alliance is an independent organization that works to reduce environmental impacts and ensure sustainable livelihoods. In this Black Tea Fruit smoothie recipe, I use Lipton® Black Tea and do not add any sugar to the smoothie. I use the natural sugars from the fruit to sweeten the smoothie so you’re reaping all of the benefits from the black tea. Lipton® Black Tea- brewed and cooled. Frozen mixed berries – Be sure to use frozen berries in your smoothie because it helps create a nice thick and cold smoothie. You can use any combo of mixed berries you can find at the store: blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries. Since we’re using frozen berries in this recipe, you’ll be able to buy the berries and enjoy this smoothie year-round! Banana: Adds a subtle flavor, neutralizes bitter flavors and adds a creamy texture. You can use frozen bananas if you have but non-frozen bananas are perfect too. Greek yogurt: A nice calcium and protein boost to the smoothie! Milk: You can use your milk of choice (cow’s milk, almond milk, coconut milk, etc.) Ground flaxseed: Has omega-3s and fiber! Chia seeds: Also has good fats such as of omega-3s. Make a cup of black tea as you normally would and let the tea bag steep for 3-5 minutes. Let cool. In a large high-powered blender, add in all ingredients and blend on high for 1-2 minutes or until all ingredients are well combined. If necessary, add in more milk. Makes 2 smoothies.
How to thicken a smoothie
Add in oats: Raw oats are a great way to thicken a smoothie. Add in 1/3 cup for some thickness and a boost of protein and fiber. Use less liquid: Start with half the recommended amount of milk/water/liquid and then add more until your desired smoothie consistency is reached. Chia seeds: The chia seeds in this recipe act as a natural thickener by absorbing liquid and expanding. Frozen fruit: Frozen fruit, like the berries in this recipe, help to create a nice thick and cold smoothie! Add in 1 Tbsp. nut butter: Adds good fats and calories, making the smoothie more nutrient dense but can also help with the consistency. Avocado is another great option for thickening. Can use non-dairy beverages such as almond milk or cashew milk. Add in a touch of maple syrup, honey or stevia drops if you feel the smoothie needs to be a little sweeter. Be sure to use frozen berries. It blends better than fresh fruit. Don’t use ice! Unless you plan to drink the smoothie RIGHT after making it, the ice will water down your smoothie and make it very slushy. Feel free to add in greens. Adding in spinach or kale is a great option. Baby greens are typically milder in flavor then mature greens. Try starting with baby spinach and then work your way up to trying the kale. I can’t wait to hear how you like this Healthy Fruit Smoothie Recipe!
