Vegan Smoothies and for Children

Refreshing, healthy, non-carbonated drinks are all the rage 🥳. At our EatMyTrip establishments in Madrid, in particular, we’ve been observing for months how customers first order their natural smoothie, and then the rest of their brunch or afternoon snack. Why is there a trend for smoothies in Madrid right now? Well, they’ve always been a popular choice because people are increasingly concerned about eating healthily, but now there is more information about nutrition and people love the combination of flavour, freshness and natural, healthy products.

There are vegan smoothies, smoothies for children, and so on, as far as the imagination can reach. Now we will show you how we make them at EatMyTrip, our selection, and everything good about these creamy and super tasty drinks.

Natural smoothies: What they are made of

Smoothies, as we say, are creamy drinks made by blending fruit and/or vegetables with a liquid base (water, dairy or plant-based milks), commonly with added yoghurt, ice or milk. Wow! 

The consistency is thicker than juice because whole fruits – and in many cases vegetables – are used, which also allows you to benefit from the fibre. We can tell you that smoothies are now almost a trending topic in Madrid, and at EatMyTrip we are delighted with this new trend among our customers.

It is clear that these types of drinks have gained popularity because they combine practicality, flavour and nutritional potential. Although we must say that they are not a ‘panacea’, we know from experience that they are already a very valuable option within a healthy diet.

This is how they are made

Making a good smoothie isn’t complicated, but to ensure it really provides nutritional value, it’s best to follow a structure. Let’s take a closer look:

Choose a liquid base

This could be water, low-fat milk (animal or plant-based), unsweetened plant-based drink, or coconut water. This base will determine the texture and calorie content. 

Add fruit and/or vegetables

Examples: banana, mango, apple, berries; or leafy vegetables such as spinach or kale. Vegetables provide fibre, colour and nutrients. 

Incorporate protein, healthy fats or functional extras

Yoghurt, plant-based yoghurt, chia or flax seeds, nut butter, protein powder, superfoods. This improves satiety and nutritional profile. 

Blend everything together until you get a smooth texture

Use a powerful blender (you can add frozen fruit or ice for a thicker or more refreshing texture) and drink it immediately, as the sooner you do so, the more nutrients will be preserved and the less likely it is to separate or lose its texture. 

Sugar and volume control

Although it may seem ‘natural’, fruit contains sugar. If we overuse sugary liquids, syrups or too much fruit, it may no longer be as healthy a drink as we know our Madrid smoothies to be 🤤.

Let’s look at the ingredients that can be included

Natural smoothies, vegan smoothies, smoothies for children, whatever the type, this drink always consists of a series of common ingredients, but you can play around with them when making it.

At EatMyTrip, we like to combine all kinds of fruits with different milks, such as oat or coconut milk, and other top ingredients that we will tell you about later 😎. 

But bear in mind that typical Madrid smoothies are made with:

• Fruit: Banana, mango, pineapple, berries (blueberries, strawberries), apple, pear.
• Leafy/green vegetables: Baby spinach, kale, Swiss chard, even cucumber or carrot for freshness.
• Liquid base: Water, unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk, cow’s milk (semi-skimmed).
• Extra protein/texture: Greek yoghurt or plant-based yoghurt, silken tofu, protein powder (depending on tolerance).
• Seeds/nuts: Chia, flax (linseed), hemp, almonds, walnuts, almond or peanut butter.
• Superfoods or optional extras: Pure cocoa, turmeric, ginger, spirulina, maca, oats.
• Natural sweeteners (in moderation): Dates, very ripe banana, honey or agave syrup (although it is best not to rely on sweeteners).
• Ice or frozen fruit for texture and freshness.

Quick tip from EatMyTrip: Always opt for at least 1/3 vegetables + 1/3 fruit + 1/3 liquid/protein to achieve balance.

Smoothies Madrid: Healthy for the body

Yes, they are, very much so. Everything we offer at EatMyTrip Gran Vía or what you find at EatMyTrip Malasaña is. And our vegan smoothies are no exception. 

Keep this in mind: well-made smoothies have multiple benefits, although, as with everything in life, ‘it depends on how’ makes all the difference.

Key benefits

• They increase fruit and vegetable consumption, something that many people fail to achieve in their daily lives. 
• Good fibre intake — when whole fruits or vegetables are used, the fibre is preserved, which aids digestion, intestinal health and satiety. 
• They allow you to combine various nutrients: vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, healthy fats. For example, mixtures with red fruits provide flavanols that are good for the heart and brain.
• They can be used as a functional snack, healthy snack, or even a light meal replacement if they are well balanced.

However, there are several precautions to keep in mind when consuming smoothies, both for children and adults. For example, some smoothies, especially commercial ones or those with lots of fruit + syrups + ice + ‘sweet extras’, can have a lot of added sugars/calories. That doesn’t happen at our EatMyTrip establishments, as you know 😉.

If they do not include protein or healthy fats, you may feel less full and be more likely to eat again soon afterwards. Be careful with excessive portions too, because that extra calorie intake will be detrimental. Volume, density and content matter.

Vegan smoothies

Vegan smoothies are versions that do not contain ingredients of animal origin (such as cow’s milk, dairy yoghurt, honey), and instead we use plant-based milks, plant-based yoghurts, seeds and other 100% plant-based ingredients.

Who chooses vegan smoothies over other types of smoothies? People who follow plant-based diets and embrace concepts such as sustainability and animal welfare.

Why choose vegan smoothies?

Mainly because they offer a large amount of fibre, vitamins and minerals from plants. For people with intolerances (dairy) or who follow vegan diets, vegan smoothies are spectacular. A regular feature in everyday meals. 

It is true that we have seen them, and still see them a lot, among people who do fitness or other sports activities related to physical well-being. Of course, it is a super healthy option closely related to general well-being, but in this case, it is closely linked to physical activity. 

Finally, we highlight the corporate approach to vegan smoothie consumption. Many companies include them in their brand experience and events. They are perceived as a cool, nutritious drink, and of course, in many business niches, brands want people to associate them with healthy and nutritious food.

Key ingredients in vegan smoothies

Here are a few tips (not all of them 😜) on how we make the best vegan smoothies in Madrid, Barcelona and Alicante at EatMyTrip:

• Plant-based base: Unsweetened almond milk, oat drink, coconut water, or simply water + fruit.
• Fruit and vegetables: For example, mango + spinach + banana; or berries + cucumber + kale.
• Add plant-based protein: Seeds (chia, flax, hemp), nut butter, unsweetened plant-based yoghurt, silken tofu.
• Vegan superfoods: Pure cacao, maca, spirulina, turmeric, ginger.
• Avoid excessive sweetening: Ripe fruit, dates, ripe banana are better than industrial syrups.• Ensure balance: Fruit + vegetables + protein ≠ just fruit + liquid base. This ensures greater satiety and a better nutritional profile.

Smoothies for children

Soft drinks for kids? Better not. Today, in every way, smoothies for children are the best nutritional and healthy option we can give them. If your son or daughter doesn’t like fruit and vegetables very much, smoothies are a great way to introduce these foods that they find so difficult to eat into their diet. And in a fun way too!

How to make smoothies for children

Well, it depends a little on each child, but generally speaking, in terms of size, small glasses (150–200 ml) are usually best, depending on age. Ingredients? Not just sweets, but ripe fruit plus some soft vegetables (baby spinach, cooked carrots, for example), plus dairy or vegetables and small seeds.

The texture should be creamy, but not too “fibrous”, so that it is more pleasant to eat (we know that children are very guided by touch and texture).

The presentation should be fun, with bright colours and toppings (fruit, seeds, small granola) that appeal to them. We should limit the amount of sugar as much as possible. How? By avoiding syrups, excessive dates, or overly concentrated sweet bases.

Let’s try to incorporate these delicious smoothies for children into their healthiest snacks. It’s time to replace those nutritionally unsound snacks with an option rich in fruit/vegetables and pleasant texture 😏.

Why are they good for children?

For all the reasons mentioned above. Because they make it easier to consume fruit and vegetables, they provide fibre, vitamins and minerals, and they can be combined with protein or healthy fats (yoghurt, nut butter) to maintain energy levels and satiety, and because they fit in well with any family event we may have. They are essential in any healthy catering service we may encounter in companies or educational institutions.

Smoothie menu at EatMyTrip

Now it’s time to introduce you to our favourite smoothies in Madrid that we have on our menus 🤤. Made, as you know, with fresh, local products, they are gluten-free, suitable for vegans, children and anyone who wants to enjoy themselves and look after their health at the same time 🙂. 

🧃 Tutti Frutti

Ingredients: Strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, banana, orange juice.

🧃 Tropical

Ingredients: Pineapple, banana, mango, orange, coconut milk. 

🧃 Yankee Smoothie

Ingredients: Banana, peanut butter, chia seeds, cocoa and oat milk. 

But to be fair, we would also like to highlight other places where we have tried smoothies that are worth mentioning.

3 recommended places to enjoy smoothies in Madrid

Just like us at our EatMyTrip locations in Malasaña and Gran Vía, all of the places we are about to mention offer gluten-free, vegan and children’s smoothies too. Because healthy food and drinks know no boundaries!

☑️ Rawcoco Green Bar Madrid

One of our favourite eco-organic places in Madrid for its carefully selected smoothies and bowls. The energy smoothie is the one we order most often at EatMyTrip, made with orange, beetroot, carrots and strawberries. Delicious!

But they have many more, such as the Green smoothie (orange, apple, banana, spinach, chlorella and lime) or the Piña Colada (pineapple, banana, coconut milk, cinnamon and maca).

📍 Calle General Pardiñas 21 (Barrio de Salamanca).

☑️ Frutas Prohibidas

A restaurant to come by whenever you feel like 100% plant-based food, especially if you want vegan smoothies and vegan food in general.

They have drinks such as their Energía Vital, a blend of orange, carrot and ginger, with the option of extras such as açai, pitaya or peanut butter. Quite an experience. 

📍 Calle del Conde Duque, 26 (Malasaña).

☑️ Pomona Club Healthy Bar

Who said you can’t eat and drink healthily at sports clubs? We are regulars at this sports centre where the smoothies are really tasty 😊.

A healthy atmosphere in the heart of the city where you can have a snack and enjoy your smoothie, relaxed and satisfied. We recommend their ‘Post Workout Breakfast’ (oats, strawberries, banana, fresh milk and yoghurt), the ‘Iron Fit’ (oats, banana, dates, superfoods and almond milk) or their protein smoothie (water or fresh milk and whey protein – vanilla or chocolate). 

📍 Calle de Serrano 100 (barrio de Salamanca).

Conclusions

Smoothies have long since ceased to be just a summer drink. As an intrinsic part of the increasingly popular healthy food culture, they now appear on many menus and are a delicious option for brunch, snacks or meals between meals. Vegan smoothies, smoothies for children, gluten-free smoothies… The options are endless. Now it’s time to choose and enjoy 🤗. 

Because when well made, the smoothies we are lucky enough to enjoy here in Madrid are a fantastic drink that fits in perfectly with the healthy eating we have always promoted at EatMyTrip. They provide fruit, vegetables, fibre and nutrients, and allow for a lot of culinary creativity.

Of course, the key is in the composition: choosing the right ingredients, watching the sugar, providing nutritional balance, and presenting it in an appealing way. Just like we do at EatMyTrip! Come and try them 😉.