It’s hard to make a bad smoothie. Blended fruit tastes good with just about anything!

But there are a few ways to take your smoothies to the next level, so that they’re creamy, thick, flavorful and sweet, yet still healthy.

The key is to add one – or all – of these three amazing ingredients:

1. Avocado. Technically avocado is a fruit, but nutritionally & texturally it’s more like a fat. Adding a little avocado to your smoothie (~1/4 of an avocado) will make it ultra-creamy and smooth. It’s also a great replacement for yogurt if you can’t have or don’t eat dairy.

2. Dates. I never add sugar, honey or other sweeteners to my smoothie, but sometimes I crave a sweeter or more indulgent taste. Dates to the rescue! Even one dried date adds a sweet, caramel-like flavor that makes you feel like you’re eating dessert.

3. Vanilla extract. A splash (1/2 teaspoon or so) of vanilla extract adds a deep, rich flavor to any smoothie. You won’t necessarily taste vanilla, you’ll just get an extra punch of flavor that makes your tastebuds extra happy.

Any other smoothie ingredients you love to add?? Please share!