Date Smoothie

If you've put dates in a smoothie before, you know that they can sometimes be a little tough to blend. Soaking pitted Medjool dates in a bowl of hot water for a few minutes will help soften them up. If you choose not to soak them first, just know that there may be a few small pieces of fruit in your smoothie as you sip.

If you prefer to eat a smoothie with a spoon vs. sip with a straw, some of the different ways to add protein to smoothies will also make them thicker. Plus, more protein adds to the long list of health benefits of dates! Your favorite vanilla or chocolate protein powder should also do the trick, but make sure you love the flavor of the protein powder you add—a protein powder you don't love can ruin a smoothie. Otherwise, a scoop of oats, chia seeds, vanilla Greek yogurt, more peanut butter or more ice will get you closer to the consistency you like.

What else can you add to a date smoothie?

If you simply want to add additional flavors to your smoothie, consider cocoa powder, cinnamon or a dash of vanilla. A drizzle of honey or maple syrup will add even more sweetness, while cacao nibs would add both flavor and texture to each sip. If you love making smoothies for breakfast, be sure to try more of our best smoothie recipes, and if you love dates, be sure to try more of our favorite date recipes.