drinks Recipes

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are smoothies actually healthy?

  It depends entirely on what goes in them. A smoothie made with whole fruit, vegetables, protein, and healthy fat is a genuinely nutritious meal or snack. But smoothies loaded with fruit juice, sweetened yogurt, and honey can pack as much sugar as a soda. Our recipes focus on whole food ingredients and balanced macronutrients.

• What is golden milk and what are its benefits?

  Golden milk is a warm drink made with turmeric, milk or plant milk, and spices like cinnamon, ginger, and black pepper. Turmeric contains curcumin, which has anti inflammatory properties. The black pepper is important because it dramatically increases curcumin absorption. It is a soothing evening drink with a long history in Ayurvedic tradition.

• How do I make nut milk at home?

  Soak raw nuts for 4 to 8 hours, blend with fresh water at a 1 to 3 or 1 to 4 ratio, and strain through a nut milk bag or fine mesh cloth. Almond, cashew, and macadamia all work well. Cashew milk does not even need straining if you blend it thoroughly enough. Add a pinch of salt and a date for sweetness if you like.

• What can I add to smoothies for more protein?

  Greek yogurt or skyr, protein powder, nut butter, hemp seeds, silken tofu, cottage cheese, or collagen peptides all boost protein content. For a smoothie that keeps you full for hours, aim for 20 to 30 grams of protein by combining a couple of these sources.

• Are probiotic drinks worth making at home?

  Absolutely. Homemade water kefir, milk kefir, and kombucha contain significantly more live cultures than most store bought versions, which are often pasteurized. The cost savings are substantial too. Once you have the grains or SCOBY, the ongoing ingredient cost is minimal. A batch of water kefir costs pennies compared to dollars per bottle at the store.

• Can I meal prep smoothies?

  Yes. Measure out individual portions of fruits and vegetables into freezer bags or containers, then freeze them. In the morning, dump a bag into the blender with your liquid and protein source and blend. This saves time and ensures you always have ingredients ready. Smoothies can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours, though fresh is always best.

• What drinks are naturally gluten free?

  Most drinks are naturally gluten free, including coffee, tea, juice, milk, wine, most spirits, and soft drinks. The main exceptions are beer brewed with barley, malt beverages, and some flavored drinks that use malt extract. Always check labels on premixed or flavored beverages.

• How do I make a smoothie thicker?

  Frozen fruit instead of fresh is the easiest trick. Frozen banana is especially effective at creating a thick, creamy base. You can also add avocado, frozen cauliflower rice (you will not taste it), chia seeds, or reduce the amount of liquid. Blending for less time also helps since over blending can thin things out.