Smoothie bowls have become increasingly popular over the past few years as a delicious and nutritious breakfast or snack. A smoothie bowl is thicker than a regular smoothie, making it perfect for topping with a variety of healthy extras that add texture, flavor, nutrients and visual appeal. The smoothie base forms the foundation, providing a creamy backdrop for any combination of toppings you can dream up. But what exactly should you put on top of a smoothie bowl? There are so many possibilities, it can be overwhelming to figure out good topping combinations. This article will explore some of the best and most creative smoothie bowl toppings to take your breakfast to the next level.
Fruit
Fruit makes for a fresh, colorful topping packed with vitamins, antioxidants and natural sweetness. Here are some great fruit options:
- Banana – Slices or chunks add potassium and creamy texture
- Berries – Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, etc. Choose one or mix a variety.
- Mango – Cubes or slices provide tropical flair.
- Pineapple – Fresh or grilled chunks add sweetness.
- Kiwi – Slices look vibrant against the smoothie base.
- Pomegranate arils – For pops of bright color and sweet-tart flavor.
- Dried fruit – Try raisins, cranberries, apricots or apples for chewy texture.
- Citrus – Wedges or slices of orange, grapefruit, clementines, etc.
- Melon – Cubes of honeydew, cantaloupe or watermelon.
- Stone fruit – Diced peaches, nectarines, plums or cherries.
- Apples – Slices or chunks add crunch.
- Grapes – Halved grapes look festive.
- Figs – Fresh or dried yield sweetness.
- Dragonfruit – Flecks of bright color.
Mix and match fruits to create colorful blends tailored to your tastes. The options are truly endless!
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds make excellent smoothie bowl toppings, providing healthy fats, plant-based protein, fiber and crunch. Some tasty choices include:
- Almonds – Sliced or slivered, natural or toasted.
- Walnuts – Chopped or halved for nutty flavor.
- Pecans – Chopped pecans add texture.
- Pistachios – Shelled pistachios lend their pretty green color.
- Cashews – Try roasted or raw. Chopped is best.
- Peanuts – Crushed peanuts contribute creaminess.
- Hazelnuts – Finely chopped for crunch.
- Macadamia nuts – A buttery complement.
- Pumpkin seeds – Also known as pepitas, a tasty crunchy addition.
- Sunflower seeds – Shelled and chopped.
- Hemp seeds – Nutty flavor and great protein source.
- Chia seeds – Tiny but packed with nutrients, fiber and texture.
- Flax seeds – Sprinkle over smoothies for omega-3s.
- Sesame seeds – Toasted or raw lend flavor and crunch.
Get creative mixing up nuts and seeds for varied flavors and nutrients. Just watch portion sizes, as nuts and seeds are calorically dense.
Granola and Cereal
For satisfying crunch, turn to granola and cereal toppers. Some gluten-free options include:
- Granola – Look for kinds with nuts, oats, dried fruit, coconut, etc.
- Muesli – A healthy uncooked cereal mix with oats, fruit, seeds.
- Puffed rice cereal – Like rice krispies but without the added sugar.
- Puffed quinoa – For protein-rich crunch.
- Puffed millet – Nutty, gluten-free cereal grains.
- Coconut flakes – Dried shredded coconut. Unsweetened is best.
And some cereal options containing gluten:
- All-bran cereal – For a fiber boost.
- Granola clusters – Store-bought or homemade chunks.
- Oats – Steel-cut or old-fashioned provide wholesome texture.
- Muesli – See gluten-free options above.
- Corn flakes – Crushed work well.
- Rice krispies – Another gluten-free choice.
Sprinkle cereals and granola over smoothies or use a heavy hand to create a parfait effect.
Yogurt, Cottage Cheese and Ricotta
Dairy products like yogurt, cottage cheese and ricotta cheese add protein, calcium and creaminess. Types to try:
- Greek yogurt – Provides an extra protein punch.
- Skyr – An Icelandic yogurt, similar to Greek.
- Regular yogurt – Choose plain or flavored varieties.
- Cottage cheese – Offers a savory contrast. Blend in a food processor for smoother consistency.
- Ricotta cheese – Has a milky, delicate flavor.
For plant-based options, use non-dairy yogurts or soft tofu in place of dairy cheeses.
Nut Butters
Nut and seed butters deliver healthy fats, plant-based protein and creamy texture. Drizzle or dollop them onto smoothie bowls, including:
- Almond butter
- Cashew butter
- Peanut butter
- Sunflower seed butter – Great for peanut allergies.
- Tahini – Made from sesame seeds.
- Pumpkin seed butter
Look for brands without hydrogenated oils or added sugars. Almond and peanut butter are popular choices sure to satisfy.
Protein Powders
Adding a scoop of protein powder amplifies the staying power of a smoothie bowl. Options include:
- Whey protein – Fast-digesting, derived from milk.
- Plant-based protein – Pea, rice, hemp and more for plant-powered protein.
- Collagen peptides – For a protein boost plus skin/hair/nail support.
Vanilla and unflavored powders work best. Sprinkle lightly or add to the smoothie base blend.
Dried Fruit
In addition to fresh fruit toppings, dried fruit makes for chewy, sweet bursts of flavor. Some to consider:
- Raisins
- Dried cranberries, cherries, blueberries, etc.
- Dried mango or pineapple
- Dried apples, banana chips, figs, dates, etc.
- Shredded coconut
Shop for unsweetened varieties without added sugars. Sprinkle over smoothies or mix with nuts and granola.
Seeds
Seeds supply nutrition and crunch. Beyond chia and hemp seeds, other seed toppers include:
- Pumpkin seeds
- Sunflower seeds
- Sesame seeds
- Flaxseeds
- Poppy seeds
Sprinkle seeds over smoothies or combine with nuts and granola for textural contrast.
Sweeteners
If your smoothie bowl needs a touch more sweetness, drizzle with one of these healthy options:
- Maple syrup
- Raw honey
- Pitted dates
- Coconut sugar
- Stevia
Use sparingly to avoid an overload of added sugars.
Spices and Seasonings
Savory spices and seasonings can provide a flavor twist. Possibilities include:
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Cardamom
- Ginger
- Cocoa or cacao powder
- Vanilla
- Cayenne pepper
- Turmeric
Dust lightly over fruit, granola and nuts or blend into the smoothie base for warming or aromatic flavors.
Oats and Grains
For extra fiber and whole grains, sprinkle these over smoothie bowls:
- Oats – Rolled or steel-cut.
- Puffed quinoa
- Chia seeds
- Hemp seeds
- Flaxseeds
- Millet
- Buckwheat groats
- Wheat germ
Or use a heavy hand with oats to create a parfait effect.
Coconut
Coconut adds tropical essence and fiber. Toppings include:
- Shredded coconut, dried
- Coconut chips or flakes
- Coconut butter
Fresh coconut meat or creamy coconut yogurt are also delicious options.
Beans, Legumes and Soy
For plant-based protein sources:
- Beans – Chickpeas, black beans, pinto beans, etc.
- Lentils – Sprinkled over smoothies.
- Edamame
- Tofu – Diced adds creaminess.
- Tempeh – For a savory contrast.
Beans and legumes complement fruit smoothies nicely.
Avocado
Avocado delivers creaminess, healthy fats and richness. Options:
- Avocado chunks or slices
- Mashed avocado
- Guacamole or avocado dip
Let avocado toppings chill in the fridge before adding to prevent browning.
Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional yeast offers savory umami flavor. Sprinkle over fruit and yogurt smoothie bowls.
Superfood Powders
Boost nutrition with a dusting of one of these:
- Maca powder
- Lucuma powder
- Camu camu powder
- Spirulina or chlorella
- Morninga powder
- Cacao powder
- Acai powder
- Matcha powder
Superfood powders add antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
Muesli and Bircher Muesli
For extra crunch and nutrition, try muesli or bircher muesli. Homemade varieties can contain oats, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, fresh grated apple, yogurt, milk, lemon juice, cinnamon and nutmeg. Prefabricated muesli can also be purchased.
Granola Bars and Energy Balls
Crumble your favorite granola bar or energy ball over smoothies for crunchy texture. Homemade versions will be lower in added sugars.
Crumbled Graham Crackers
For a graham cracker crust effect, use crushed graham crackers. The cinnamon hints play well with many smoothie flavors.
Chopped Vegetables
While not traditional, veggies can add interest to smoothie bowls. Go for crunchy types or roast first to soften. Ideas:
- Carrots
- Sweet potatoes
- Beets
- Butternut squash
- Zucchini or other summer squash
- Bell peppers
Veggies complement fruit-based smoothies nicely.
Leafy Greens
For green smoothie bowls, add fresh leafy greens on top. Options include:
- Spinach
- Kale
- Swiss chard
- Beet greens
- Lettuces like romaine and arugula
- Fresh herb leaves like basil, mint or parsley
Rip or chop greens before sprinkling over smoothies.
Edible Flowers
For decoration, add edible flowers like:
- Nasturtium
- Pansies
- Roses
- Lavender
- Hibiscus
- Dandelions
- Marigolds
- Chamomile
- Lilac
Find organic, food-safe flowers free of pesticides. Place them gently over smoothies.
Shaved Chocolate
A light dusting of shaved chocolate – dark, milk or white – adds indulgence. Sprinkle over yogurt or fruit smoothies.
Fresh Mint
Chopped fresh mint gives a burst of color and refreshing flavor. It complements both fruit-based and green smoothies.
Ground Flaxseed
In addition to whole flaxseeds, use ground flax for a dose of fiber and healthy fats. Just don’t overdo it, as flax can become gummy when wet.
Extracts
Pure extracts like vanilla, almond, coconut or mint enhance smoothie bowl flavors. Use a dropper to add judiciously.
Cocoa Nibs
For nutty chocolate crunch, try topping smoothies with bites of cocoa nibs. They pair perfectly with banana-based bowls.
Crumbled Feta or Goat Cheese
A pinch of crumbled feta or goat cheese contributes savory accents to fruit-filled smoothies.
Salted Caramel Sauce
Drizzle salted caramel sauce over sweet smoothie creations. Try making your own healthier homemade version.
Popped Popcorn
Topped with a bit of cinnamon, popcorn can provide a fun crunchy complement to smoothie bowls.
Conclusion
Smoothie bowls offer endless possibilities for creative, nutritious toppings. Fruit, nuts, seeds, granola, yogurt, nut butters and superfood powders all make great mix-ins. Spices, sweets and unexpected toppers like popcorn can take smoothies to the next level. Choose a combination of flavors and textures tailored to your preferences. The foundation is up to you – fruit, greens, protein or a blend. Then pile on desired toppings and dig in! With this huge variety of topping ideas for inspiration, you’ll never get bored crafting new smoothie bowl creations.
