Real Foodie Rach

This smoothie has over 30 grams of protein, supports gut health with beneficial probiotics, AND boosts skin, nail and bone health via collagen powder. It’s creamy, delicious and will become your go-to smoothie whenever you need a quick protein boost! I honestly cannot say enough good things about the benefits of adding kefir to your diet, and this is a great way to do it!

If you’re not familiar, kefir is a fermented dairy beverage that’s like a drinkable yogurt. It contains beneficial probiotics that help keep your gut healthy– three times more probiotics than yogurt, in fact! Compared to yogurt, kefir is also:

• higher in protein
• lower in sugar (the sugars get “eaten” up during kefir’s longer fermentation process)
• contains more calcium

It’s also generally well tolerated by those who are lactose intolerant. Sounds pretty amazing, right?!

When I was healing my gut from antibiotic overuse, kefir played a key role in my recovery. It helped restore my gut microbiome, and even cleared up some long-standing skin issues I’d had. Since then, I use it on a rotating basis with other fermented foods to help keep my gut, and body, strong.

Common Questions

What type of kefir should I use?

I’m a proponent of raw milk products, so if you can find a healthy source of raw milk kefir and it’s safe for you to consume (e.g. your immune system isn’t compromised), I definitely recommend going this route.

If raw milk is not up your alley, go with a kefir made from organic, grass-fed, whole cow or goat’s milk. Alexandre Family Farm’s A2/A2 kefir is a good one that’s widely available in the US. There are other organic, grass-fed brands out there as well. Take a look around and go with the best quality kefir you can find.

Do I have to add the collagen powder?

Nope. But the smoothie will have a lot less protein as a result (18 grams less to be exact). You can add your favorite protein powder instead, but it will alter the taste of the smoothie some. I recommend vanilla or unflavored protein powder if substituting, and adjusting the sweetener as necessary.

Can I use another fruit besides strawberries?

You sure can. I recommend keeping the fruit to around one cup per serving. Blueberries and mango are two of my favorites. Use frozen fruit or a couple of ice cubes for a frothier smoothie.

I don’t do dairy. Is there something I can substitute for the kefir?

The nutrition in this smoothie rides heavily on kefir being the base. The best non-dairy substitute would probably be a coconut yogurt. If you try it this way, let me know in the comments how it turns out!

I am used to smoothies that are on the sweeter side. What should I expect with this one?

If you are new to kefir, this smoothie may taste a little different. Kefir is more “tart” in flavor than yogurt or milk (milk being the sweetest, because all its sugars are still in tact). Just add more honey or maple syrup to your liking. Alternatively, you can use a sweeter fruit like pineapple or mango instead of the strawberries. Over time you will become more accustomed to the taste.

This smoothie whips up super fast and is a nutrient-dense powerhouse- a great way to enjoy the benefits of probiotic-rich kefir!