I was at Smoothie King yesterday and I was wondering which of the smoothies are keto-friendly. So I researched all the nutrition facts of each smoothie and I have found 3 low-net carb smoothie drinks that anyone can enjoy even on a keto diet.
All the smoothies I’ve found are all protein-based smoothies so you can also drink them as your post-workout drink. As a regular gym goer myself, I love the fact that these keto-friendly smoothies can also help me get stronger in the gym.
Here is the list of Smoothie King drinks that you can order on a keto diet:
- Best Overall: Gladiator Vanilla
- Best Tasting: Gladiator Strawberry
- Runner-Up: Gladiator Chocolate
3 Keto Smoothies You Can Order At Smoothie King
Best Overall: Gladiator Vanilla
Starting off the list is my favorite and most recommended keto-friendly drink in Smoothie King Gladiator Vanilla. I have always been a fan of vanilla, even way before keto. I’d travel to the nearest Starbucks to grab a Grande Vanilla Bean Frappuccino!
With only 3 grams of total carb and 1 gram net carb per 20 oz serving, this is by far, with the lowest carb content, making it the perfect keto-friendly drink. You wouldn’t even think it’s made for keto because of the vanilla!
The texture is terrific, smooth, and non-grainy, no outrageous amount of calories. This is my Top 1 recommendation for keto-friendly drinks at Smoothie King.
Best Tasting: Gladiator Strawberry
The Top 2 on my list is for the long-time strawberry lovers out there, the Smoothie King Gladiator Strawberry.
Did you know strawberries are allowed to be eaten on the keto diet, with only 7 grams net carbs for a full cup, this makes it one of the top fruits recommended in keto, and Smoothie King heard you right! With the Smoothie King Gladiator Strawberry, you enjoy the strawberry drink, without the guilt of being kicked out of ketosis.
Even with the fresh strawberries in your drink, there’s only a total carb of 4 grams and 1 net carb per 20 oz serving. If you’re looking for a quick meal replacement, this one’s for you. Even your friends won’t think you’re doing keto because of the creamy, fruity flavor goodness of this smoothie.
Runner-Up: Gladiator Chocolate
Capping off the list is Smoothie King Gladiator Chocolate. Honestly, sugar-laden meals, especially chocolate, was my addiction before diving into Keto.
For starters who are not adapted yet to Keto, this refreshing drink can curb your chocolate cravings as well. A little indulgence won’t hurt, knowing this drink doesn’t have any added sugars.
This keto-friendly drink has a total carb of 5 grams and net carb of 2 grams per 20 oz serving. I order this drink so I don’t have this idea that I’m depriving myself of the good stuff while on Keto. Because hey, at least make your new way of eating sustainable and enjoyable.
Why Only 3 Smoothies?
Maybe you’re thinking why are the other drinks featured at Smoothie King not allowed in the keto diet? I believe in their claim that their drinks are “Smoothies with a Purpose,” which means, these drinks are specially created for a certain type of lifestyle.
Individuals practicing Keto, Paleo, Vegan, Low carb, Atkins, etc. have different needs in a drink. I personally prefer their Gladiator blends because of the protein load. And if there’s one important thing I learned in keto, is to always check the nutritional facts and ingredients before consuming the product.
Frequently Asked Questions About Smoothies
Most smoothies are not keto-friendly since they are typically made from a combination of high-carbohydrate ingredients like fruits, milk, and sugar. However, green smoothies and protein-based Gladiator drinks from Smoothie King can be considered keto-friendly since they are low in net carbs and sugar content.
It really depends on the ingredients of the smoothie. Green smoothies are usually low in carbs while fruit-based smoothies are usually high in carbs.
Yes, most smoothies contain milk, except for green smoothies. Some people also substitute milk with small amounts of water, especially when making a smoothie out of high-liquid fruits such as orange, lemon, and watermelon.
It depends on the sugar content of the smoothie. For instance, green smoothies made from green leafy vegetables without added milk and sugar are good for diabetics. On the other hand, fruit-based smoothies, even without added sugars, are naturally high in fructose and are not good for diabetics.
Yes, smoothies typically contain fiber. It is usually made from vegetables and fruits, which are both high in fiber content.
Yes, most smoothies available are fattening and is not recommended when you are trying to lose weight. However, green smoothies made from green leafy vegetables without added milk and/or sugar are low in calories and are not fattening.
Yes, smoothies can make you poop because of its fiber content from the fruits and vegetables used in the smoothie. However, take note that some smoothies are purely protein-based and contain little to no fiber.
No, smoothies from Mcdonald’s are not healthy. It contains 0 gram of fat, 39 grams of sugar, and 2 grams of protein per serving which will raise your blood sugar level, make you gain weight, and increase your chances of having diabetes.
Yes, vegetable smoothies made from green leafy vegetables without added milk and sugar are good for you. They are low in calories and sugar, and high in fiber and nutrients which makes it a healthy food.
Yes, most smoothies are gluten-free since they typically don’t contain wheat or flour. However, you should still check the labels since it may vary for some brands.
Yes, kale smoothies without added milk and sugar are good for you. They are low in calories and sugar, and high in fiber and nutrients which makes it a healthy food.
Yes, smoothies are better than juicing because smoothies retain the fiber content of the fruit and/or vegetable unlike in juicing. The fiber content from smoothies can help your digestion and can make you feel full longer.
Smoothies made from a mix of protein and fruits can make you bloated. Fruit requires alkaline while protein requires acidic juices. Combining the two ingredients in a smoothie can make your stomach produce both alkaline and acid which results in bloating.
Yes, smoothies are good for digestion since they are usually high in fiber content from fruits and vegetables used in the smoothie.
No, smoothies still retain the nutrients from unblended fruits and/or vegetables. Blending just changes their texture and appearance into a more liquid form, but it does not cause them to lose nutrients.
Yes, smoothies are good for constipation because of its fiber content from fruits and/or vegetables.
It depends on the sugar content of the smoothie. For instance, green smoothies made from green leafy vegetables without added milk and sugar won’t make your blood sugar to spike due to its low sugar content. On the other hand, fruit-based smoothies, even without added sugars, are naturally high in fructose and will raise your blood sugar levels.
Don’t forget to share this Smoothie King keto guide with your friends!
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5946216/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4506063/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29601488