If we’ve learned anything from our Instagram feed lately, it’s that smoothie bowls are one of the biggest breakfast trends out there—and for good reason. Whether packed with leafy greens, tropical fruit, or creamy avocado, these super-bowls are filling, nutrient-packed, and most importantly, absolutely delicious.
To make a smoothie that’s best eaten with a spoon (we’re talking extra thick) use slightly less liquid than usual. The result: a thicker, richer, and creamier consistency that’s almost ice cream-like. (Doesn’t this sound way more fun than snoozy oatmeal?)
Better yet: Going sans glass lets you go nuts with delicious additions like sliced almonds, chia seeds, shredded coconut, and other fun toppings. Try one of these amazing recipes this week and get ready to feel like you’re digging into a bowl of fro-yo at the breakfast table.
1. Vegan Berry Crunch Smoothie Bowl
This blend of berries, banana, kale (spinach works too!), chia seeds, almond milk, and agave is sweet, healthy, and even has the creamy texture of frozen yogurt (um, yum). Get creative with your add-ons—from granola to almonds to berries—for a killer breakfast, snack, or light lunch. Since you’re not limited to slurping this drink out of a straw, the topping possibilities are endless. In the words of this blogger: Hallelujah.
2. Coconut Banana Oats Bowl with Black Sesame Quinoa and Mango
Not escaping to the tropics this winter? Right there with you. But before you resort to fake-cationing, make this refreshing recipe with the crazy-good combo of coconut and mango. Less caloric than granola, baked quinoa cereal provides a nice contrast to the creamy base, while gluten-free oats bulk it up to ensure you’ll stay full ‘til lunch. A sprig of mint finishes the bowl off with a pop of springtime freshness.
3. Pitaya Breakfast Bowl
Believe it or not, this bright pink bowl is au naturel. Thanks to the vibrant color of pitaya, or dragon fruit, this breakfast bowl is almost—almost—too pretty to eat. Pitaya, which is slightly sweet and tastes similar to melon, is a great source of antioxidants, magnesium, fiber, and B vitamins, making this an ideal post-workout snack. Look for the pure, frozen purée at a health foods store or online.
4. Chocolate Hazelnut Hemp Smoothie Bowl
This vegan blogger is spot on when she says that once you try a smoothie bowl, you never go back—especially if your first experience involves her decadent (yet healthy) chocolate-infused version. While a chocolate smoothie may not sound the healthiest, the hemp seed hearts are a great source of plant-based protein, iron, and omega-3 fats. Their slightly earthy yet neutral taste pairs perfectly with cacao, banana, and hazelnuts for a breakfast that definitely beats your standard oatmeal.
5. Copycat Acai Smoothie Bowl
You could go out and spend $9 (or more) on an acai bowl. Or you could whip up your own equally-as-delicious (and healthier) version at home! Switching standard coconut milk for almond milk slashes fat and calories, and don’t be intimidated: While it sounds exotic, acai powder, which gives the bowl that vibrant purple color, can easily be found at a health foods store or online.
6. Superfood Avocado Smoothie Bowl with Cashew Cream
Avocado isn’t only for savory recipes. The green fruit is not only a stealth ingredient in healthy chocolate cupcakes, pancakes, and more, but it also makes smoothie bowls thick, tasty, and insanely filling. Top it with pretty pomegranate perils and rich, nutty cashew cream for the perfect finishing note.
7. Carrot Cake Protein Smoothie
With all the flavor of carrot cake—minus the calories and sugar—this gluten-free, vegan smoothie bowl may very well revolutionize your morning routine. Not only does it taste like the classic dessert, but it’s highly filling thanks to vanilla protein powder. It even sneaks in veggies that aren’t leafy greens for a change!
8. Blueberry Bliss Bowl
Soak oats in water overnight to make them super blendable, then whip together this satisfying (but not too heavy) smoothie in seconds. The base, made with blueberries and raw honey, packs an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory punch to up your energy levels. To further boost your nutrient intake, top with goji berries, cacao nibs, slivered almonds, chia seeds, or toasted coconut.
9. Green Smoothie Bowl
We know, veggie-filled smoothies can sometimes taste like a freshly mowed lawn. But this recipe, featuring avocado, banana, and blueberries, masks the taste of the greens so well your tastebuds will never detect the disease-fighting nutrients you’re downing with each bite. The blogger goes so far as to say it tastes like “melted ice cream,” which in our book is always a breakfast #win.
