Better smoothies on a budget

If your morning ritual is anything like ours, there’s probably a blender whizzing gently in the background. Smoothies are the portable breakfast choice of thousands, but let’s face it: they’re not always easy on the wallet.

By the time you’ve sprung for organic produce, a specialty milk (macadamia, anyone?), protein powder and the endless list of add-ins designed to give your chosen mix a quick flavour and nutrition kick, you may have parted with a fair amount of cash. While store-bought powders and mixes definitely have their place, you can get more nutritional bang for your buck by switching out expensive and hard-to-source products for ones you can find in the supermarket. And it’s as easy as ditching goji berries for blue!

THE SPLURGE: CACAO NIBS

THE SWAP: COCOA POWDER

WHY: Unsweetened cocoa powder delivers the same flavour and hefty dose of magnesium, which helps your body produce mood-lifting serotonin. It’s basically happiness in a glass!

THE SPLURGE: GOJI BERRIES

THE SWAP: FROZEN BLUEBERRIES

WHY: Blueberries boast plenty of brain-boosting polyphenols and anthocyanins, which also improve your heart health. These icy fruits are packed at peak ripeness, so they may have more nutrients than a punnet.

THE SPLURGE: CHIA SEEDS

THE SWAP: FLAXMEAL

WHY: We love chia, but flaxseed is also packed with the phytochemicals, omega-3s and fibre that can help lower cholesterol levels. Pop it in the trolley at just over $5 for a 500g bag.

THE SPLURGE: EXXY SUPERFRUIT POWDERS

THE SWAP: KIWI FRUIT

WHY: Powdered baobab and camu camu are praised for being rich in vitamin C, but using just one of these fuzzy green fruits instead will deliver more vitamin C than you need in a day. Just scoop the flesh and blend.

THE SPLURGE: COCONUT OIL

THE SWAP: PEANUT BUTTER

WHY: Coconut oil isn’t cheap, but you can find a jar of natural peanut butter, full of healthy fats, protein and vitamin E, for around $5. Plus, you get to lick the spoon after you add it in!

THE SPLURGE: GREEN POWDERS

THE SWAP: FRESH GREENS

WHY: Powders add a quick punch, but spinach, Swiss chard, kale, celery and parsley cost just a few dollars and deliver plenty of vitamins like A, C, and K. Squish in as many as will fit in your blender for maximum benefits.