Strawberry Collagen Smoothie Recipe with Chia Seeds

This Strawberry Collagen Smoothie with Chia Seeds is perfect for a delicious healthy breakfast or a refreshing snack. It is packed with strawberry flavor and has a superfood chia boost!

Ingredients

Collagen Peptides

Collagen is a structural protein that contributes to the health and elasticity of your skin (source: NIH). Collagen peptides, available in powder form, are easily digestible and a convenient way to incorporate this vital protein into your diet.

I use these marine collagen peptides, and I love them! The collagen powder is totally tasteless and dissolves easily in liquid. (Collagen is great in coffee, too! See my recipe for protein coffee with collagen and the benefits of protein coffee).

*Update! (ad) Naked Nutrition shared their Marine Collagen with me, and it was excellent in this smoothie! Naked Marine Collagen is single-ingredient (no additives or sweeteners) from wild caught cod, and it is flavorless and odorless like you’d expect in a premium collagen product. Mixes easily into coffee, too. Give it a try! 

Chia Seeds

These tiny seeds are a nutritional powerhouse, providing fiber, healthy fats, and omega-3 fatty acids. When added to the smoothie, chia seeds contribute to a rich texture and add a boost of nutrients.

Frozen Strawberries

Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants (source: Cleveland Clinic article on Vitamin C), frozen strawberries not only enhance the flavor but also promote collagen production, supporting your skin's health (source: Cleveland Clinic article on collagen).

Water

Staying hydrated is essential, and water is the base for our smoothie. It helps blend the ingredients smoothly while keeping you refreshed.

Sweetener

Choose your preferred sweetener to balance the tartness of the strawberries. Options like maple syrup add a natural sweetness, as do calorie-free natural sweeteners like stevia, erythritol, and monk fruit. (I used erythritol in this smoothie recipe.)

Equipment Needed

To prepare this Strawberry Collagen Smoothie, you'll need a high speed blender to create that perfect, smooth texture. And I recommend using kitchen scale for best results and easy cleanup. (I find this to be the best smoothie blender for it's power and affordability.)

Instructions

1. Add Ingredients to the blender. Place frozen strawberries in the blender cup, and follow with water, collagen peptides, chia seeds, your chosen sweetener.
   
2. Blend for 30-60 seconds or until smooth.
   
3. Pour and enjoy! Pour your strawberry collagen smoothie into a glass and savor the cold refreshing flavor packed with nutrients.

Ingredient Substitutions

Collagen peptides: well, this wouldn't be a collagen smoothie without the collagen powder, so there really is't a sub for that. While I opt for marine collagen peptides, bovine collagen protein will work just the same. (And here is the link again for Naked Marine Collagen.)

Strawberries: Other berries or cherries would be great in this easy smoothie recipe.

Chia Seeds: Flax seed, hemp seeds, or seed butters can be substituted for chia seeds without sacrificing the superfood nutrition boost.

Sweetener: Maple syrup, honey, agave nectar, and coconut sugar are great sweetener choices, or opt for a calorie-free sweetener like stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit.

Recipe Variations

Chocolate Collagen Smoothie: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder for a rich, chocolatey twist.

Strawberry Watermelon Smoothie: Swap half the strawberries for fresh or frozen watermelon for a burst of summer flavor.

Green Collagen Smoothie: Add a handful of leafy greens or a scoop of green powder for an extra nutrient boost.

Storage Info

This strawberry collagen smoothie is best enjoyed immediately, but can be stored up to 24 hours in an airtight container in the fridge. I love these insulated tumblers for storing smoothies in the refrigerator or taking them on the go.