Have you ever tried putting toppings on a smoothie? Smoothie bowls take a fun twist on the fruit shake.

Smoothie bowls are thicker than regular smoothie drinks, and can be topped with toppings of your choice. Smoothie bowls, unlike smoothies, are also eaten with a spoon! This healthy treat can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, post-workout, or even dessert.

According to “What’s the deal with smoothie bowls?” they can be made with a variety of ingredients and combinations. From veggies, frozen fruit, and milk, you can include proteins, superfoods, and healthy fats.

Lancer Media wanted to see what the hype was all about. In the cooking lab, they made smoothie bowls with blueberries, ice cream, strawberries, and apple juice.

Are smoothie bowls better than regular smoothie drinks, though? Although the participants enjoyed their end results, not all of the students would agree that these bowls are better than the average smoothie drink.

Class of 2017 member, Emma Wynkoop, said, “I like how it’s easier to add toppings than with a regular smoothie.”

Although it is true that putting toppings on it is easier if in a bowl, Beau Cameron said, “Regular smoothies are easier to transport. The only positive for smoothie bowls is the additional toppings or aesthetic value.”

Although smoothie bowls are a fun, creative way to enjoy smoothies, are they really worth all the hype?

Superfoods on Main, in Mount Airy, features four types of smoothie bowls; Darlene’s Chocolate Endurance Bowl, and Austin’s Power Bowl being the two most popular flavors.

Darlene’s Chocolate Endurance Bowl includes: strawberries, banana, raw cacao powder, and maca base. This smoothie bowl is topped with sliced bananas, strawberries, coconut flakes, and cacao nibs.

Austin’s Power Bowl includes: banana, mango, Brazil nut protein, and almond milk base. This smoothie bowl is topped with sliced bananas, cacao nibs, and peanut butter.

To try one of your own, these recipes are simple to make, or you can go to a local smoothie place to get one. Places that serve smoothie bowls near you are Superfoods on Main in Mount Airy, and Good Juju in Frederick.