The Yogurt Swap That Eliminates Extra Work For Homemade Smoothies

Smoothies are the pinnacle of convenience when it comes to healthy and satisfying breakfasts. They come together quickly with simple ingredients that can be measured with your heart. But, like most things, there's always room for improvement, and who wouldn't love an even easier way to reap the benefits of smoothies? If you want a super tasty and drinkable smoothie, try swapping your yogurt out for kefir.

Kefir is a drink made from fermented milk that has an extremely tangy and almost fizzy texture. It's super high in probiotics and protein and has a consistency thinner than yogurt but thicker than milk, which makes it a great addition to any smoothie. Yogurt is a common ingredient for smoothies because it is a good source of protein, adds a thick and creamy texture, and is complementary to a range of fruits and other smoothie ingredients. Kefir does all the same but can help make your smoothie a little more straw-friendly. It can also help you avoid adding sugary juices to thin out your smoothies and has more flavor than if you were to add plain water or milk.

Kefir is a unique ingredient that is believed to have originated in the Caucuses, and the drink remains popular in this region today. It's made by adding something called "kefir grains" to milk and allowing the fermentation process to take place. Kefir grains are little fatty bundles of probiotics, good bacteria, and yeasts and look like small chunks of queso fresco or cauliflower florets. While both yogurt and kefir are gut-healthy and rich in protein and nutrients, kefir boasts even stronger health benefits than its thicker cousin.

A lot of yogurts available at the supermarket come with added flavors, dyes, and sugars. While you should still reference the nutritional facts on the packaging of any products you're comparing, kefir generally has less sugar and artificial ingredients than major yogurt brands. Kefir also has more probiotics and protein than yogurt, making it a true powerhouse ingredient to add to your morning smoothie.

The best part of any smoothie is the customizability of it all. You can keep it simple with just frozen fruit and kefir, or you can add even more flavor and nutrition with the addition of your favorite nut butter, coconut water, fresh banana, chia seeds, oats, or veggies like spinach, celery, or cucumbers. Truly let your imagination run wild here because kefir has already made it simple to whip up a smoothie whenever you're craving a nutritional boost.