Level up your morning smoothies with my Strawberry Collagen Smoothie Recipe. Made using collagen powder, strawberries, almond milk, chia seeds and other healthy, wholesome ingredients that promote healthy skin, hair and nails. This smoothie is balanced with complex carbohydrates, protein and good fat, making it an easy breakfast smoothie or balanced snack. Incorporating collagen powder into your diet is a great way of increasing your protein intake as well as supporting collagen production in your body!
Another favourite collagen smoothie of mine is my Fresh Cranberry Smoothie! But of course you can add collagen powder into any smoothie recipe.
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What is Collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and is made up of 3 amino acids - glycine, proline and hydroxy-proline. Other nutrients that are essential for collagen production in the body are Vitamin C and Zinc. Eating a diet rich in foods that contain these nutrients will help to promote collagen production. There are also many powders available on the market that can be easily added into smoothies, yoghurt, coffee, hot chocolate, porridge etc. Some will contain just the collagen protein and others will contain the collagen as well as the nutrient cofactors. The most important thing to research is if the collagen powder is tested for heavy metals - a quality collagen powder will have negligible levels of heavy metals.
The different sources of collagen powder are bovine (cow), porcine (pig) or marine (fish). The body parts of these animals containing high amounts of collagen (tendons, bones and cartilage) is processed to create collagen powder. It doesn't sound very pleasant but I've used bovine collagen quite a bit and you really wouldn't even know that's where the powder comes from. The best way to use collagen is internally as there is no real benefit shown when using collagen topically.
Health Benefits of Collagen
For a long time I wasn't really sold on collagen, after all, our bodies produce collagen themselves so why not just make sure we're eating enough of all of the nutrients we need to do so effectively right? Well, that was before I did more research into the benefits of collagen and I became a collagen convert. I personally have noticed positive effects on my hair, skin and nails when taking collagen, but there are so many more benefits that aren't as noticeable straight away. Collagen supplementation may have the following health benefits:
- improve skin elasticity, healthier skin and improved skin hydration
- better joint mobility and decreased joint pain due to improving connective tissues
- healthy hair
- improved gut health
- nail health
- bone health
Ingredients Notes & Substitutions
This delicious collagen smoothie recipe is made using just a handful of simple ingredients, which can mostly be found at the grocery store. I've listed all of the ingredients to make this healthy smoothie below, along with any possible ingredient substitutions and notes.
- almond milk - you can use your preferred milk. I like to use a dairy free milk like almond milk, soy milk or cashew milk. You could also use coconut milk beverage, regular milk or even coconut water if you prefer not to use milk.
- collagen powder - collagen is much easier to use in powder form. Always look out for a good quality collagen powder.
- almond butter - you can also use peanut butter, cashew butter or if you are nut free then use a seed butter like tahini or sunflower seed butter instead.
- chia seeds - chia seeds are an excellent source of healthy fats like omega 3. You can also use hemp seeds or flaxseeds instead.
- frozen banana - frozen banana helps to make the smoothie more creamy. You can also use frozen mango chunks if preferred.
- frozen raspberries and strawberries - always use frozen fruit for smoothies as it makes the smoothie thicker and so nice and cold!
- vanilla extract - this is optional but I do love a little vanilla flavour!
- ice cubes - ice cubes make this delicious drink even more refreshing.
- coconut yoghurt - feel free to use Greek yoghurt or a vanilla yoghurt if preferred.
Optional:
- handful of spinach - I love using baby spinach as you can add a handful without really tasting it in the smoothie. I'm always looking for extra ways to add leafy greens into my diet!
Optional Toppings
- cacao nibs
- coconut flakes
- granola
How to Make Strawberry Collagen Smoothie
As with all smoothies, this collagen smoothie is very easy to make. For best results, follow the instructions below.
First, add the almond milk, collagen powder, almond butter, chia seeds, banana, spinach, strawberries, raspberries, vanilla and ice cubes to the jug of a high-speed blender. Blend on high until smooth and creamy, with all of the fruit blended well.
Use the back of the spoon swoosh coconut yoghurt onto the inside of the smoothie glass to create "clouds". Pour the smoothie into the glass and drink straight away.
📖 Recipe
Equipment
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- High Powered Blender or bullet blender
- Glass
- Dessert spoon
Ingredients
- 1 cup Almond milk
- 1 tablespoon Collagen powder
- 1 teaspoon Almond butter
- 1 teaspoon Chia seeds
- 1 medium banana frozen in pieces
- ⅓ cup strawberries frozen
- ¼ teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon coconut yoghurt
Instructions
- Add the almond milk, collagen powder, almond butter, chia seeds, frozen banana, frozen strawberries and vanilla extract to the jug of a blender.
- Blend on high until smooth and creamy.
- Use the back of a dessert spoon to swoosh the coconut yoghurt on the inside of the glass to resemble clouds.
- Pour the smoothie into the glass and drink straight away.
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