High-protein breakfast smoothie with skyr and berries

5 min
High-protein breakfast smoothie with skyr and berries

For a strong start to your day, try our high-protein breakfast smoothie. This delightful blend combines the creamy richness of strawberry skyr with the natural sweetness of bananas and mixed berries, enriched with the crunch of almonds, flax and chia seeds. Ready in minutes, it is quick and simple, making it perfect for busy mornings or whenever you’re in the mood for a refreshing breakfast.

Ingredients

Frozen banana, in slices
(approx. 100 g) Skyr, strawberry 200 g 1
Skyr, strawberries
200 g
Mixed frozen berries
100 g
Almonds
20 g
Flaxseed
20 g
Chia seeds
10 g
Milk
200 ml

To serve

Fresh berries
Lemon balm

Instructions

  • Add all the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
  • Pour the smoothie into a glass or bowl and garnish with fresh berries and a sprig of lemon balm.
  • Serve immediately.
Recommended information

Serving suggestion

Enjoy!

Pulse blend for the best high-protein breakfast smoothie

To achieve the perfect consistency, follow the pulse blending method, which involves short, controlled bursts in the blender. This prevents overprocessing, particularly when working with frozen ingredients and nuts, giving your smoothie a balanced texture – smooth yet with a pleasant bite. Start with 3-5 second intervals, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides, which prevents overprocessing and ensures even blending. Once the ingredients are broken down, finish with a longer blend to achieve a smooth yet slightly textured finish.

Prevent the chia seeds from clumping

To ensure chia seeds mix evenly, first stir them with a small amount of the recipe’s milk, letting them sit for about five minutes before adding them to the blender. This step allows the seeds to start absorbing liquid evenly, which helps prevent clumps. For even distribution, you can also gradually sprinkle the chia seeds into the running blender. This method ensures the seeds spread throughout the smoothie, rather than sinking to the bottom or forming clumps.

Tips for freezing bananas

For the best results, peel and slice the bananas into even pieces before freezing – this makes blending easier and ensures consistent texture. Arrange the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Properly stored, frozen bananas can last up to three months, maintaining their creamy texture and natural sweetness.

Questions about our high-protein breakfast smoothie

This refreshing recipe sets you up for the busy day ahead. Below, we answer common questions about making this delicious and indulgent smoothie, with advice on choosing ingredients and blending methods.

Why is my high-protein breakfast smoothie lumpy?

Lumps can occur if the ingredients aren't properly blended or added in the wrong order. Start by adding the liquid (milk) to the blender first, followed by softer ingredients like skyr. Then, add the harder ingredients like frozen berries, bananas, almonds, flaxseeds, and chia seeds on top. This layering ensures the blades can work efficiently from the bottom up. If lumps persist, try blending in stages or using the pulse function for better control (see above for tips). Finally, ensure your blender is powerful enough to handle frozen and hard ingredients for a smoother consistency.

Can I blend my smoothie in advance?

While you can prepare this recipe ahead of time, it's best to drink it right after blending for the best texture and freshness. This is because the chia seeds continue to absorb liquid and can thicken the smoothie over time, potentially altering its consistency. If you need to blend it beforehand, keep it in a sealed container in the fridge. Before drinking, shake or stir it well to mix any ingredients that may have settled or separated. For an extra refresh, consider adding a splash of water and stirring it in to restore the desired consistency.

What berries work best for this recipe?

For this high-protein breakfast smoothie, our recipe uses a mix of frozen berries such as strawberries, blueberries and blackberries for a well-rounded flavour that complements the creamy skyr and banana base. Individually, blueberries offer natural sweetness and vibrant color, whereas strawberries add a refreshing, slightly tart taste. Blackberries on the other offer depth with their earthy, slightly tart flavour. For extra variety, you can experiment with raspberries for a sharper tang or even cherries for a rich, fruity twist. Each combination adds a unique flavour profile while keeping the smoothie vibrant and delicious.

Nutritional values

Nutritional value, per

427 Kcal

Fibre 20.6 gram fibers
Protein 18.7 %
Carbohydrates 32.7 %
Fat 24.7 gram

The role of skyr in this high-protein breakfast smoothie

Skyr plays a key role in this recipe’s signature creaminess and tanginess. This Icelandic dairy product has a velvety texture that blends seamlessly, creating a thick and luxurious base. Its mild tanginess complements the sweetness of fruits and balances flavours beautifully. Additionally, skyr is naturally rich in protein, giving this recipe a satisfying boost. Whether you're drawn to it for its creamy texture or complementary flavour, skyr transforms your smoothie into a delightful breakfast experience.

Prep your ingredients in advance

Streamline your morning routine by preparing your ingredients ahead of time. Freeze portioned servings of berries and banana slices in airtight bags or containers, ensuring they’re ready to go straight into the blender. This not only keeps the fruit fresh but also helps create a thick, frosty texture in your smoothie.

For the dry ingredients, measure out the almonds, chia seeds, and flaxseeds into small containers or resealable bags. When it’s time to blend, you can simply grab your prepped portions, add skyr and milk, and enjoy a hassle-free, high-protein breakfast smoothie in minutes.

Customise the texture by adjusting the blending time

Achieve your ideal consistency by fine-tuning the blending time. For a thick, eat-with-a-spoon texture, pulse blend in short bursts, ensuring the ingredients break down while retaining some body. This method is perfect if you enjoy a slightly textured smoothie with hints of crunch from almonds and seeds.

If you prefer a silky, drinkable consistency, blend for a longer period on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth. Adjusting the blending time allows you to customise the texture to match your preference, whether it’s a chunky breakfast bowl or a refreshing drink.

Spicing up your smoothie

Elevate the flavour with a dash of spice. Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg brings warmth and depth, beautifully complementing the natural sweetness of the fruits. For a fresh, invigorating twist, try a splash of vanilla extract or a hint of grated ginger to enhance the fruity tang of the skyr and berries.

If you're feeling adventurous, a pinch of cardamom or a dash of cocoa powder can introduce unique, aromatic notes that turn your smoothie into an exciting flavour experience. Spices are a simple yet impactful way to transform your breakfast into something extraordinary.

Creative serving suggestions

Transform your breakfast into a visually stunning treat with a few creative serving ideas. For an elegant touch, serve it in a frosted glass to keep it chilled and visually appealing. For a striking presentation, layer in the fresh berries instead of using it as a topping: pour the smoothie into a clear glass or jar, alternating layers with fresh berries for a parfait-like effect.

This recipe also pairs exceptionally well with other protein-packed breakfasts. For an on-the-go combination, try our protein breakfast bars. Loaded with nuts, seeds, and dried cranberries, then dipped in a rich dark chocolate coating, they add a delightful crunch and complement this high-protein breakfast smoothie’s creamy texture.

If you have a bit more time, our high-protein egg breakfast, featuring cottage cheese, ham, and spinach, is an excellent choice for an egg-based meal that pairs beautifully with the refreshing flavours of this recipe. For those who prefer to plan ahead, our protein overnight oats are perfect for a busy schedule. Made with oats, banana, blueberries, and almonds, they are a convenient and delicious pairing, offering complementary flavours and textures.

Keep in mind, when pairing your high-protein breakfast smoothie with other dishes, it may change this recipe’s nutritional values, including its protein content.

https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/high-protein-breakfast-smoothie-with-skyr-and-berries/