Inspiration For the Smoothie
Let me tell you the story behind this Strawberry Coconut Kefir Smoothie Recipe. Like a handful of other recipes this one was inspired by Erewhon, a grocery store in LA. This market has the most delicious & swoon-worthy tonic & smoothie bar. They have delicious treats like homemade ice cream and probiotic smoothies, just like this one. To be honest, we drive to Erewhon about every week for their amazing food and treats.
I especially enjoy going to Erewhon since I have a digestive system that is very sensitive to specific foods. For example, I am dairy, gluten, and sugar-free. I don’t just mean refined sugar-free, I mean all sugars. This even means sugar from fruit. Even a bowl of melon my body goes into a flare-up. Because of this, we tend to drive all the way to Erewhon for a smoothie & will end up paying $20 at the same time.
The reason I decided to try Erewhon’s smoothie, despite my sensitivity to sugar from fruit, was because when fruit is paired with coconut kefir, my body is able to digest it easier. Paired with the coconut kefir, it helps to break down the sugars & carbohydrates.
So one weekend morning, we were driving through LA while we were showing family from out of town around. I decided to treat myself to the smoothie. In reality, Dan was kind enough to buy me one. Once I had the smoothie I was hooked! Let me also remind you that I used to live off of smoothies, until I started my journey of healing my gut. So this was a treat indeed! I kept visiting Erewhon just to purchase this smoothie, until I had the idea. Why not try to make one myself? I know how to make Coconut Milk Kefir (if you want to try it, check out the recipe).
So I did just that! As summer approached and the days started to get hotter and hotter, I tried my hand at making the smoothie. The verdict? It turned out AHMAZING! I am slightly addicted to it and I save $20 by making my own. But if you are in the LA area I still recommend stopping & trying it for yourself. Or you can make this copycat version at home.
What does it taste like?
It tastes like Strawberries & Cream. Only with the whole, simple & good for you ingredients. Read here about how to make coconut milk kefir and the benefits. The strawberries combined with the coconut kefir give the delicious, sweet, summer taste of strawberry cream, just easier to digest with the kefir.
Do I Have to Make My Own Coconut Milk Kefir?
No, you don’t! You can just buy a bottle of coconut milk kefir. I’d see if you can find them at your local health food store. My favorite Southern California Brands are Fermenting Fairy & Coconut Cult.
If you do make your own, I have to say it is SO easy to make. Especially if you are comfortable with the fermenting process. If you aren’t – this is the perfect recipe to start with, since it’s just pouring a kefir packet of powder into coconut milk.
May I Use Dairy Kefir Instead?
If you have a body that does well off of dairy than yes! You can absolutely make what works best for you! You can also use a goat milk kefir. It would be absolutely delicious & easier on the digestive system. I personally don’t tolerate dairy very well therefore, I stick to coconut milk kefir.
What about Yogurt Instead of Kefir?
If you have yogurt that you absolutely love, then yes! I would just recommend adding more liquid than what is recommended below. Yogurt is a lot thicker and I’d recommend a little bit more fluid density for a smoothie.
This strawberry coconut kefir smoothie is one of my favorite uses for the homemade coconut kefir. I absolutely love the taste and it’s so refreshing and filling. It’s a treat and good for the gut at the same time! If you have any questions or want to know more about the fermenting process used to make coconut kefir. Or you have any ideas for recipes, feel free to reach out in the comment section below or on Instagram (@mytinylagunakitchen).
Strawberry Coconut Kefir Smoothie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup of frozen strawberries
- 1 cup of coconut milk kefir
- 2 scoops of collagen peptides (or tocos if vegan)
- 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla powder or extract
- Dash of cardamom
- Dash of cinnamon
- Pinch of stevia (to taste)
Instructions
- Place all ingreients in a powerful blender.
- Blend for 30 seconds to a minute or until smoothie is a blended to a drinkable consistency.
- Pour in glass, serve and enjoy!