10+ Healthy Smoothie Bowl Toppings (Gluten-Free)
Smoothie bowls are super thick smoothies that are served in a bowl and eaten with a spoon. One of the best parts about smoothies bowls and acai bowls are the toppings. From granola to sliced fruit to other health boosters, this article shares the best smoothie bowl toppings along with a basic smoothie bowl recipe.
Benefits of Smoothie Bowls
Smoothie bowls are essentially thick smoothies that you can eat with a spoon. Not only are they delicious, but they have other benefits as well.
- Nutrient-Dense and Customizable:
- Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Easily tailored to meet nutritional needs and taste preferences.
- High in Fiber and Hydrating:
- Contains dietary fiber from fruits, vegetables, and toppings.
- Helps maintain hydration with water-rich ingredients (see my list of anti-bloating smoothie ingredients).
- Convenient and Quick:
- Easy to prepare with a variety of ingredients.
- Ideal for a quick, nutritious meal or snack. They are also great on a soft food diet as long as you don’t add crunchy toppings.
Best Smoothie Bowl Toppings
No matter the flavor of the smoothie bowl you make, it’s always nice to top your smoothie or açaí bowl with some delicious toppings.
Here are some of my favorite health-promoting and gluten-free toppings made with real food ingredients that add texture and nutrition.
These are my top 10 go-to toppings for thick smoothie bowls. All of these favorite toppings can be found at your local grocery store or online (see my related clean eating grocery list).
1. Granola
Granola will give you the most “crunch satisfaction” out of all the toppings. Depending on what brand you buy or what recipe you follow, you will get a great range of texture.
Some granolas are like really crunchy cookies, others have the firmness of nuts. You can also find grain-free versions too. See my list of the best gluten-free packaged snacks for specific brands of granola that I like.
I like to make my own Air Fryer Homemade Granola, but you can also buy it too. Try to find gluten-free versions that don’t have too much added sugar.
2. Chia Seeds
Chia seeds look like poppy seeds, and give you the same sort of mouthfeel.
These tiny seeds won’t give you a large crunch, especially if they are stirred in. To top your smoothie bowls or acai bowls, make sure and use them last, on top off all your other toppings. You only need 1-2 teaspoons per smoothie bowl.
They’re also really healthy! Chia seeds are a great source of healthy fats and even some plant-based protein too.
Try making this Dark Chocolate Smoothie Bowl and then sprinkle some chia seeds on top for extra nutrition. You can also use flax seeds instead of chia seeds.
3. Dried Coconut
Shredded coconut is the type used for macaroons, and it is a softer texture on a smoothie bowl than when it is baked into cookies.
If you desire more of a crunch, definitely look for bags labeled as flakes. These are usually wider and more like chips than fluffy shreds, and have a definitive crunch to them.
Coconut is one of the most nutrient-dense foods and one of my favorite foods. A little goes a long way, though, so just add a little sprinkling to the top of your tropical smoothie bowl (try this Mango Strawberry Banana Smoothie recipe).
4. Bee Pollen
Bee pollen is a great topper for smoothie bowls. Most bee pollens have a freeze-dried type texture.
There is some research showing that bee pollen may help reduce allergies, but you want to start out using just a tiny bit to see how you respond to it. If bee pollen works for you, then it makes a great smoothie bowl topping!
If you have seasonal allergies, you may also like my article on the best natural antihistamine foods.
Please note that for strict vegans, bee pollen may not be appropriate.
5. Hemp Seeds
Hemp seeds have a nutty flavor that is fairly neutral. They are chewy without having a large crunch.
Small like chia seeds, they can give you just a bit of texture if that’s what you are after. One tablespoon of hemp seeds offers about 50 calories, 3 grams of protein, and a ton of micronutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, iron, magnesium, and potassium.
I often use hemp seeds in the base of my smoothies, but you can also use them to top smoothie bowls as well. They are pretty too and an overall great option for your smoothie recipes.
I also love to make Homemade Vanilla Hemp Milk for a great dairy-free milk alternative.
6. Cacao Nibs
Cacao nibs are firm and crunchy and are perfect to put on top of smoothie bowls.
If you’ve ever eaten espresso beans (chocolate covered or not!), you’ll recognize the texture here. They are a great replacement for chocolate with so many health benefits. You’ll get a hint of chocolate flavor with a crunchy bite.
I will always recommend adding cacao nibs on top of your smoothies or smoothie bowls as a great addition for chocolate lovers. The best part is that cacao nibs are healthy, providing a lot of nutrients and antioxidants too!
7. Nut Butter
If you are craving something smooth and getting the flavor in every bite, then selecting a nut butter (or seed butter) is your best choice! Nut and seed butters add healthy fat and a little protein per serving.
Choose from peanut butter, almond butter, pumpkin seed butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter.
For the optimal drizzle texture, let your nut butter or seed butter come to room temperature before drizzling on top of your healthy smoothie bowls.
And, if you don’t have nut butters on hand, you can do the next best thing and just sprinkle some raw sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds on top instead.
8. Sliced Fruit
Pick your favorite fruit for both flavor and texture. Sliced fresh fruit adds extra sweetness to your smoothie bowl without any added sugars.
Choose from sliced banana or strawberries, or just use a handful of mixed berries, blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries.
If you have tropical fruits on hand, feel free to top your smoothie bowl with passionfruit, mango, pineapple, or papaya.
9. Goji Berries
Goji berries are dried like raisins, but are often a bit tougher or chewier.
They are savory, almost sour at times. They will give you something to chew on if you aren’t one to want to drink your meals. It is also easier to find these unsweetened as that seems to be how they are usually dried.
10. Raisins
Raisins are budget-friendly and easy to find. Look for unsweetened varieties, and give different varieties a try like golden raisins.
If you are able to find them in bulk or in clear packages, you can see if you are getting really plump ones that will give you the perfect sweetness.
Looking for more holistic health favorites? Visit my Amazon storefront for my favorite supplements, snacks, appliances, books, and more!
Smoothie Bowl Toppings FAQs
Yes, some healthy protein-rich toppings include Greek yogurt, nuts (like almonds and walnuts), seeds (such as chia and hemp seeds), and nut butters. You can also add a scoop of protein powder to your smoothie base (see my list of best clean protein powders).
To make your smoothie bowl more filling, consider adding toppings that provide fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Examples include chia seeds, flaxseeds, nuts, nut butters, and granola. Additionally, using a base that includes avocado or Greek yogurt can also increase satiety.
Low-calorie topping options include fresh fruits (such as berries, kiwi, and pomegranate seeds), a small amount of shredded coconut (unsweetened), or a small sprinkle of chia seeds. You can also use a few nuts or a light drizzle of honey. See my full list of weight loss smoothie ingredients.
Toppings that boost antioxidant content include berries (such as blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries), goji berries, dark chocolate or cacao nibs, and nuts like walnuts and pecans. These ingredients are rich in antioxidants.
Making Smoothie Bowls
It’s not hard to transform a basic smoothie recipe into a smoothie bowl recipe. Just decrease the liquid you put into the blender by about half of what is called for in a regular smoothie recipe.
Here’s the basic recipe that I like to use with almond milk and frozen fruit!
Vegan Smoothie Bowl Recipe
Here is a recipe for a vegan and dairy-free smoothie bowl with healthy toppings.
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 1x
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana, frozen
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
- 1 tablespoon blueberries (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon gluten-free granola (for topping)
- 1 kiwi, peeled and sliced (for topping)
- 1 teaspoon shredded coconut (for topping)
Instructions
- In the base of a high-speed blender, combine the frozen banana, almond milk, and frozen strawberries.
- Blend on high, using the tamper if necessary, until the ingredients are combined and creamy.
- Pour the mixture into a bowl and top with the toppings.
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the types and amount of toppings for your smoothie bowls to your specific preferences.
- This recipe can easily be doubled or even tripled for more servings.
- Smoothie bowls are best served on the day they are made.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Smoothies
- Method: Blender
- Cuisine: Healthy
- Diet: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving of recipe
- Calories: 333
- Sugar: 39.1 g
- Sodium: 106.7 mg
- Fat: 6.9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 68.1 g
- Fiber: 10.1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Smoothie bowls are the perfect meal option when you are craving something cool and sweet but aren’t a fan of drinking your meals. Smoothie bowls have the same great smoothie flavors, but are made thicker to be able to eat with a spoon. Customize your flavors and textures by selecting a few of the topping ideas in this article.
More Smoothie Recipes You Might Like
- 1,000 Calorie Smoothie
- Dragon Fruit Smoothie
- Gut Health Smoothie
- Iron Rich Smoothie
- Moringa Smoothie
Or, check out my entire index of dairy-free smoothies.
Don’t Miss These Smoothie Resources!
Don’t forget to join my newsletter list to get exclusive clean eating recipes and tips. The newsletter is 100% free with no spam; unsubscribe anytime.
About the Author: Carrie Forrest has a master’s degree in public health with a specialty in nutrition. She is a top wellness and food blogger with over 5 million annual visitors to her site. Carrie has an incredible story of recovery from chronic illness and is passionate about helping other women transform their health. Send Carrie a message through her contact form.
Yum! One of my favorite treats to make in the summer!