Blueberry Gelatin Protein Smoothie

This smoothie features one of my new favorite ingredients, gelatin.

Gelatin is basically pure protein, and thus a great source of this macronutrient. I’ve had success with a couple high quality protein powders over the years. Problem is, they’re a little pricey and not a whole food, and I strive to get the majority of my nutrients from whole foods.

What is gelatin and what’s so special about it?

Gelatin is derived from the collagen that’s found in many animals, including humans. Collagen makes up about 35% of our bones (calcium phosphate about 65%) and almost a third of all the protein in the human body. Humans have consumed gelatin for years by way of nourishing bone broths.

Here are some key health benefits associated with gelatin:

• Great for bone and joint health
• Promotes skin, hair, and nail growth
• Good source of protein with an amino acid profile ideal for building lean muscle
• Supports proper digestion and helps heal a compromised gut lining
• Rumored to help reduce cellulite and wrinkles
• Reduces inflammation
• Supports the liver in detoxification
• Boosts metabolism

There are two brands of gelatin I recommend. Bernard Jensen’s 100% Pure Gelatin (pictured to right of smoothie above) and Great Lakes Kosher Gelatin. Jensen’s gelatin contains a whopping 12 grams of protein per serving (1 tablespoon). Both have virtually no flavor.

You can easily add gelatin to pretty much any smoothie recipe. Combined with blueberries and a few other of my favorite ingredients and you have one healthy protein-packed smoothie. Enjoy!

Blueberry Gelatin Protein Smoothie Recipe

The Ingredients

• 1 cup milk (almond, coconut, hemp, or my favorite, raw milk)
• 1/2 avocado, seed removed
• 1 cup frozen blueberries
• 1 tablespoon gelatin
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• A little honey, maple syrup, or stevia to sweeten

The Add-ons

• 1 tablespoon spirulina (protein rich superfood that’s about 65-70% protein by dry weight)
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (full fat preferred)
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds or chia seed gel
• Anything else that tickles your fancy

Show Time

Place all of the ingredients into your high-speed blender and blend for around 30-45 seconds or until nice and smooth. Note, if you don’t have a very powerful blender you might want to blend everything except the coconut oil first, then drizzle it on and blend for another 5-10 seconds to avoid clumping.

Nutrition Information

• Calories: 379
• Fat: 23g
• Protein: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 12g
• Sugar: 16g
• Vitamin A: 11% RDA
• Vitamin C: 41% RDA
• Calcium: 33% RDA
• Iron: 8% RDA

I’d love to know if you tried this blueberry gelatin protein smoothie – please do tell in the comments below. Happy Blending!