The Surprising Ingredient I Add to My Smoothies

I love making smoothies for breakfast, lunch, or even a midday snack. I like controlling what I put in, the flavor, and even sneaking in a few good-for-you ingredients to make sure I hit my fruit and vegetable goals for the day.

For years, I was buying spinach for the sole purpose of adding it to my smoothies, until one day, I ran out. I knew I wanted something green, but didn’t have anything in the fridge. I opened my freezer door to see a family-sized bag of frozen peas. Hmmm, I thought to myself. Peas are sweet, creamy, and full of goodness. Couldn’t these work? The results blew me away!

After all, we throw all sorts of ingredients into our smoothies, from protein powders and chia seeds to nut butters and greens. Adding frozen peas to a smoothie might sound weird, but if you’ve ever had a green smoothie, you’re halfway there already!

How to Make My Favorite Smoothie

For one serving, you’ll need:

• 1/2 cup frozen green peas
• 1 frozen banana
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup almond milk

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

Why You Should Add Frozen Peas to Your Smoothies

Vegetable-based smoothies are nothing new—you can make a delicious carrot cake smoothie using grated or roasted carrots, or add your favorite leafy greens to make the ever-popular green smoothie.

While adding greens to your smoothie can impart a bitter flavor and stringy texture, peas give you the nutrition of greens, but with a mild flavor and creamy texture. Like adding banana or avocado, frozen peas make your smoothie thicker and richer. 

I always have a big bag of sweet peas in my freezer because my son happily snacks on them after school. But did you ever wonder why your little one is obsessed with frozen peas… and no other vegetable?

Peas are mild in flavor with a subtle sweetness. In fact, you probably won’t even notice them once you add your favorite fruits to the blender! Plus, the peas take the place of any ice I’d be throwing in, making me a luscious, creamy, thick smoothie that stays cold.