Load up on vitamin C the natural way with this refreshing Vitamin C Powerhouse Smoothie. This immune-supporting smoothie combines bright, vitamin C–rich fruits and superfoods for a delicious, revitalizing drink.
I developed this smoothie several years ago while studying culinary nutrition, and I was delighted to rediscover it. It’s light, refreshing and packed with ingredients high in vitamin C. Blend it up and enjoy a tasty boost for your immune system.
Benefits Of Vitamin C
Vitamin C is widely known for supporting the immune system, but it also has many other important roles in the body. Key benefits include:
- Supports growth and repair of body tissues
- Helps produce collagen for healthy skin, cartilage, tendons and blood vessels
- Assists wound healing and maintenance of bones and teeth
- Helps improve iron absorption and prevent deficiency
- Acts as a powerful antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals
- Associated with lower risk of certain chronic conditions when part of a healthy diet
Which Foods Are High In Vitamin C?
Your body doesn’t make vitamin C, so it’s important to eat foods rich in this water-soluble nutrient. Fruits and vegetables are the best sources: guava, bell peppers, citrus fruits, strawberries, papaya, broccoli, pineapple, cantaloupe, tomatoes and dark leafy greens are all excellent choices.
This smoothie brings together several vitamin C powerhouses — goji berries, orange, strawberries, lemon, guava (or pineapple) and camu camu powder — for a bright, flavorful drink that’s both refreshing and nutritious.
How To Make This Vitamin C Powerhouse Smoothie
Gather your ingredients:
- Goji berries: 2 tablespoons, soaked in 1/2 cup water for 5–10 minutes to soften
- Orange: 1 whole, peeled, seedless
- Strawberries: 1 cup
- Fresh lemon or lime juice: 1 tablespoon
- Guava or pineapple: 1 whole peeled guava or 1 cup pineapple as a substitute
- Camu camu powder: 1 teaspoon (optional — very high in natural vitamin C)
- Ice cubes: 1–2 handfuls
- Soaking water: the 1/2 cup used to soften the goji berries
Adjust quantities to taste. Detailed ingredient amounts and directions appear in the recipe card below.
Blend it: Add all ingredients, including the goji soaking water, to a high-speed blender. Blend on high until smooth. If the smoothie is too thin, add more ice; if too thick, add a splash of water or more citrus juice.
Serve and enjoy: Pour into two glasses and savor this immune-supporting, vitamin C-rich smoothie.
FAQ
Camu camu is a small fruit from the Amazon known for its very high vitamin C content. It’s commonly sold in powder form because the fresh berries are extremely tart. Adding a teaspoon of camu camu powder boosts the smoothie’s vitamin C naturally.
Yes — the smoothie remains rich in vitamin C from the fruits. Camu camu is optional and simply increases the vitamin C concentration if you have it on hand.
More Healthy Drinks
Green Blender Juice
Orange Spice Mulled Tea
Strawberry Slushie
Non Alcoholic Mulled Wine (Kinderpunsch)
I hope you enjoy this smoothie and the vitamin C boost it provides. Let me know if you try it!
Vitamin C Powerhouse Smoothie
- Author: Vanessa | Maple + Mango
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Total Time: 10 min
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Drink
- Method: Blender
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Load up on vitamin C the natural way with this refreshing Vitamin C Powerhouse Smoothie. This immune-supporting smoothie is full of vitamin C–rich ingredients and makes a bright, revitalizing drink.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons goji berries
- 1/2 cup water (for soaking goji berries)
- 1 whole peeled seedless orange
- 1 cup strawberries
- 1 whole peeled guava (or 1 cup pineapple)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon or lime juice
- 1 teaspoon camu camu powder (optional)
- 1–2 handfuls ice cubes
Instructions
- Soften the goji berries: Soak the goji berries in 1/2 cup water for 5–10 minutes.
- Add to blender: Add all ingredients, including the goji soaking water, to a high-speed blender.
- Blend: Blend on high until smooth. Adjust thickness by adding ice to thicken or a splash of water to thin.
Notes
- Guava note: Guava is very high in vitamin C but can be hard to find. Pineapple is a good substitute and still yields a vitamin-rich smoothie.
- Adjust consistency: Add ice if the smoothie is too thin, or a little water if it’s too thick.
- Optional ingredients like camu camu powder and goji berries are available at health food stores or online and add extra vitamin C and antioxidants.