Always Chew Your Smoothie

You’ve probably heard me say it before, “Don’t forget to chew your smoothie!” And yes, I know it might sound a bit strange. After all, smoothies are meant to be sipped, right? But there’s a reason I repeat this little tip so often. Chewing, even when it comes to something as smooth as a blended drink, plays a big role in how well we digest and absorb nutrients. In this post, I’ll explain the simple science behind it, and how this mindful (and a maybe a lil quirky) habit can make a big difference for your gut and overall wellbeing.

Chewing Kicks Off Digestion

Digestion begins in the mouth*, not in the stomach. When we chew food, we’re doing more than just breaking it down physically. Our saliva contains enzymes (like amylase) that begin the chemical process of digestion, especially for carbohydrates. Chewing also sends a signal to the stomach and the rest of the digestive system to get ready — enzymes, acids, and movement are all activated.

*Not considering the imagination, and senses of sight (like your favourite banh mi shopfront), smell (like your Mum’s lasagne or baked cookies), and touch (like kneading some dough to make a fresh loaf of bread).

Why Skipping Chewing Can Cause Discomfort

Even though smoothies are blended, your body still needs to chemically digest the nutrients. If you skip chewing and drink too quickly, your digestive system doesn’t get the signals it needs to release enzymes and stomach acid. This can lead to:

·      Bloating and gas from undigested food fermenting in the gut

·      Discomfort or sluggishness because your body’s working harder than it should

·      Malabsorption where nutrients aren’t properly absorbed, meaning you miss out on the goodness you intended to get

Chewing (or even holding your smoothie in your mouth briefly) gives digestion a proper head start, helping your body break down and absorb all those nourishing ingredients more effectively.

But It’s Just a Smoothie…

Yes, smoothies are blended, often quite finely, but many are still packed with fibrous fruits, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and proteins. These ingredients are amazing for our health, but they still need digestive support. By chewing your smoothie (or even just slowing down to let it linger in your mouth), you give your body the chance to register what’s coming, release those helpful enzymes, and better absorb all the goodness you've packed into the glass.

A Mindful Eating Moment

There’s also a mindful eating piece here. Smoothies are often a go-to choice when we’re in a rush.  We can chuck the ingredients in a blender, pour it in a drink bottle, and sip it on the run.  When we sip a smoothie quickly on the go, often while multitasking, we miss out on the sensory part of eating: tasting, smelling, and feeling satisfied. Slowing down, pausing between sips, and “chewing” a little helps you connect with your food and notice how it makes you feel.

So, What Does Chewing a Smoothie Look Like?

It doesn’t have to be awkward or dramatic, you’re not chomping like it’s a steak!

·      Try taking small sips, hold the smoothie in your mouth for a few seconds, gently move your tongue around, and allow the enzymes in your saliva to do their thing before swallowing. Think of it as tasting and savouring, rather than gulping.

·      Leave some texture in your smoothie or add the texture later.  Adding some chopped nuts or seeds afterwards can prompt you to chew a little more, and slows down the process, skipping the sips.

·      Serve your smoothie in a bowl.  If you have the time, pour your smoothie into a bowl - go full blown ‘influencer’ and add some sliced fruit, granola or seeds to the top.  You’ll give your digestion even more of a head start by increasing the anticipation and the visual digestive cues before eating. 

The Takeaway

So next time you make a smoothie, especially if it’s a meal replacement or packed with nutrients, try chewing it. Give your body that gentle head start on digestion, help your gut work smarter, and savour the flavours you’ve lovingly blended together. It’s a small shift with big benefits.

Want to test it out?  Try some of our favourite smoothie recipes here!