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This Secret Ingredient Will Seriously Upgrade Your Smoothie

Hint: It's Italian

Smoothies are basically like healthy milkshakes—creamy, smooth and easy (too easy, really) to knock back. Which is why we love them. Here, a simple swap to make your next cup even better.

What you need: Your go-to smoothie ingredients (some ice, fruit and maybe a handful of greens) and 1/2 cup of the secret ingredient, ricotta cheese.

What you do: Combine all of the ingredients into a blender, except replace any milk (or yogurt) you’d typically add with the ricotta cheese.

Why it works: The ricotta thickens the mixture and makes your drink extra creamy (rather than soupy). Plus, it packs a hefty dose of protein to keep you full longer. If you want to cut back on calories, try light ricotta, which will add 10 grams of protein to your smoothie, but only 120 calories. Ricotta is completely undetectable when blended in with other ingredients, so if you’re wary of tasting or feeling the clumpy cheese in your drink, fear not. The results are mind-blowing. Try it.


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Freelance Editor

From 2015-2020 Lindsay Champion held the role of Food and Wellness Director. She continues to write for PureWow as a Freelance Editor.