High Calorie Berry Smoothie

This high-calorie berry smoothie is perfect for anyone who wants to boost their calorie intake in a healthy and delicious way. It combines mixed berries, creamy coconut milk, juice and protein to create a refreshing and satisfying drink.

You can prepare this weight gain smoothie in just 2 minutes, making it excellent as a regular calorie, vitamin, and protein booster.

Ingredients and Substitutes

• Frozen Mixed Berries: Frozen berries provide natural sweetness, vibrant color, and an antioxidant boost. I prefer using frozen mixed berries with a wide variety of types to maximize the range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in the smoothie. If mixed berries aren’t available, fresh berries with ice or separately sourced frozen berries like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries added together can be used as substitutes.
• Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk makes the smoothie rich and creamy while adding healthy fats and calories. If you prefer, you can swap coconut milk for milk, but keep in mind that this will lower the calorie count considerably.
• Apple Juice: Apple juice adds a subtle sweetness and helps thin out the smoothie. Use 100% juice for natural flavor without added sugars.
• Protein Powder: A scoop of protein powder increases the smoothie’s protein content. If you prefer not to use protein powder, you can substitute it with 2 tablespoons of nut butter, which will add a nutty taste.

Types of Protein Powders for this Smoothie

There are many types of protein powders to choose from. Here are three popular choices: whey, casein, and pea protein.

• Whey Protein Powder: It absorbs quickly, making it an excellent choice for post-exercise recovery. It blends smoothly into the smoothie without significantly altering its texture or thickness.
• Casein Protein Powder: Casein protein is absorbed slowly, making it ideal for muscle repair over extended periods, such as overnight or during long gaps between meals. It naturally thickens smoothies, so you may want to use about half the usual amount or add extra liquid to achieve your desired consistency.
• Pea Protein Powder: Pea protein is a good vegan alternative to animal-based protein like whey and casein. It is rich in essential amino acids and doesn’t thicken as much, unlike casein.

Chef Tips

Start Blending Slowly: Begin blending on a low speed to prevent the ingredients from splattering up the sides of the blender. Then, slowly increase the speed to high until it is smooth. This tip will stop the smoothie from splattering up the sides of the blender and on the lid as much, making clean-up easier!

Add Greens: Add a handful of spinach or kale to your smoothie for an extra nutritional boost.

Add Extra Calories: For an even higher calorie smoothie, mix in a tablespoon of nut butter, a drizzle of honey, or a handful of oats.

Step by Step Instructions

1) Add the frozen mixed berries, coconut milk, apple juice, and protein powder to the blender.

2) Start blending on low speed to prevent splashing, then gradually increase to high and blend until smooth.

3) If the smoothie is too thick, add a little more apple juice and blend again until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add more frozen mixed berries and blend until smooth.

4) Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.

Storage and Leftovers

To store the smoothie, pour it into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Before drinking, stir it well or shake it, as the ingredients may settle or separate over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this smoothie even higher in calories?

To further boost the calorie count, add a tablespoon of nut butter, half an avocado, or high protein yogurt. These ingredients increase the calories and provide extra healthy fats and protein.

Can I use fresh berries instead of frozen?

Yes. Fresh berries work just fine, but the smoothie will be less thick and cold. To help with the consistency you can blend ice cubes into the smoothie.

Can I make this smoothie without protein powder?

Yes. If you prefer to skip protein powder, you can replace it with high protein yogurt, nut butter, or chai seeds to help keep increase the protein content.