Four super easy ways to always have smoothies stocked without taking out the blender every single day.

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Today, let’s turn our attention to prep day and smoothies!

How to prep smoothies in advance
prep smoothies in advance

I’m going to be totally honest…

Some weeks I just don’t feel like heating up the oven and baking muffins, making soup, or cooking a whole chicken (even in the crock-pot). When those weeks hit, I remind myself about my reasons for prepping. If I just can’t pull myself out of the prep day blues, I turn to easy foods that can be prepped without an oven: chopping fruits and vegetables, making fruit parfaits, washing greens, or blending smoothies. Even these “small” tasks can make a huge difference in our weekly schedule and the food we enjoy.

Before I share the smoothie prep details, let’s focus on the main reasons why you should think about making smoothies during your prep time. After all, if you’re going to include a task on your prep day printable or mental plan, it must help maximize your time throughout the week (AKA: it better be important!)

Four super easy ways to always have smoothies stocked without taking out the blender every single day.
making smoothies is easy when you prep in advance

Why You Should Prep Smoothies in Advance

1. No-Cook Prep.

Even if you’re stretched for time, smoothies are super simple to prep in advance. A smoothie doesn’t require any cooking or dirtying dishes.

2. Grab-n-Go Breakfast, Lunch, or Snack.

Make-ahead smoothies are my ultimate answer to the famous question, “Mom/Honey, what do we have to eat around here?” I’m all about fostering independence when it comes to the real food choices available in our house, but when the only options available are ingredients versus edible food, this can be a hard task. With smoothies in the fridge or packaged as popsicles or push-up pops in the freezer, a breakfast/lunch/snack is always available.

A smoothie alone won’t fill the hungry bellies in my family. For this reason, I usually pair a smoothie with an easy side: popcorn, cut veggie sticks (sometimes with homemade ranch), crackers, a homemade granola bar (made in advance), sourdough toast, an einkorn muffin (made in advance), or an egg (like scrambled eggs, eggs in a basket, spinach feta omelette, or one of my favorite 16 different eggs styles prepped in advance).

3. Start the Day with Nutrients.

Smoothies are the perfect way to start the morning. By serving my family a smoothie first thing in the morning, I know everyone has been nourished with the best of the best nutrients. No matter what happens that day, I know we have enjoyed a healthy dose of fruits, veggies, probiotics, healthy fats, and even sometimes nuts/seeds and chia or flax seeds.

Four super easy ways to always have smoothies stocked without taking out the blender every single day.
smoothies ready to go in the fridge

What You’ll Need to Prep Smoothies in Advance

1. Blender. 

For years, I used a $40 blender. A few years ago, I received my first high-speed blender, a Blendtec. Then, a couple of years ago, I upgraded to a KitchenAid Pro Blender. If you plan to make a lot of green smoothies, or smoothies containing hard ingredients (nuts, dates, etc.), a high-speed blender is the way to go. Yes, high-speed blenders can be pricey and require budgeting over months and years. To save money, I highly recommend checking out the Blendtec refurbished site (my blender was a refurb) if that’s the brand you’re looking to purchase.

Note: Don’t let the desire or feeling that you need a high-speed blender keep you from prepping smoothies. Any blender will work great for a basic fruit/soft veggie smoothie recipe. My $40 blender lasted 8 years! 

2. Freezer-Safe Jars.

If you have the freezer space and plan to freeze smoothies you’re going to need freezer-safe jars. Freezer-safe mason jars are my favorite with the plastic screw-on lids. I can use them for soups, smoothies, broth, salad dressing, and so much more. They are also freezer safe thanks to the thick glass and wide mouth. The plastic lids don’t rust so I recommend using them for freezing.

3. Push-Up Pop or Popsicle Molds.

I like to freeze extra smoothies in push-up pop or popsicle molds. Over the years I’ve used both reusable and one-time use molds. Personally, I like the one-time use plastic molds–they are are much better for traveling or the lunchbox since they don’t require washing. Smoothies can also be frozen in popsicle molds.

4. Baggies.

I use plastic Ziploc bags for my DIY freezer smoothie packs. I don’t have a ton of freezer space inside the house (we also have a garage freezer for meat), so the bags work best. If space isn’t a concern and you want to avoid plastic, quart-size Mason jars or freezer-safe containers will also work. Stasher bags are also a great reusable option!

How to Prep Smoothies in Advance

Four super easy ways to always have smoothies stocked without taking out the blender every single day.
freezer smoothie packs

1. Freezer Smoothie Packs

To make a freezer smoothie pack, fill Ziploc bags or Mason jars (if you have the freezer space and want to avoid plastic), with smoothie ingredients. I use this formula: 2 cups fruit, 1 sliced banana (for a creamy consistency and sweetness), 1 cup greens (optional). Freeze the bags or jars. When you desire a smoothie, remove a package from the freezer, place 1 cup of liquid in the blender (or 1/2 cup liquid and 1/2 yogurt). Pour the fruit in the blender, and blend!

This option allows you to prep smoothies up to 6 months in advance (about 2-3 months if you’re using greens). Learn more about freezer smoothie packs and get started with recipes.

Four super easy ways to always have smoothies stocked without taking out the blender every single day.
blend and freeze into freezer-safe jars

2. Blend and Freeze

Another make-ahead option is to blend a smoothie in the blender, then pour the smoothie into freezer-safe Mason jars, and freeze. This option requires a bit of planning and freezer space.

The night before you plan to drink the smoothie, place a smoothie jar in the fridge and defrost overnight. You can also leave the smoothie on the counter for a few hours for a quick defrost.

Another option is to place a jar in a lunchbox (don’t forget to add a straw–I like these metal straws). By lunchtime the smoothie will be defrosted and the rest of your lunch will still be cold–thanks to the “ice pack” smoothie! If you’re packing the frozen smoothie in a kid’s lunchbox, I recommend defrosting the smoothie in the fridge overnight, then pouring the smoothie into a thermos.

This method allows you prep smoothies up to 3 months in advance!

Four super easy ways to always have smoothies stocked without taking out the blender every single day.
blend and refrigerate for up to 2 days

3. Blend and Refrigerate

This method is similar to the “Blend and Freeze” method. Simply make a smoothie, pour the smoothie into Mason jars (they don’t need to be freezer-safe), and refrigerate. Smoothies will keep in the fridge for 1-2 days. Separation may occur after the first day. This is completely normal. Just stir the smoothie and enjoy! Want to see how I store everything in my fridge? Check out this post and video. I share all my tips for keeping food fresh in the fridge.

Four super easy ways to always have smoothies stocked without taking out the blender every single day.
make grab-n-go smoothies or popsicles

4. Grab-n-Go

This is my favorite make-ahead smoothie option! On busy mornings or afternoons when my kids need a quick breakfast or snack, I can grab a smoothie from the freezer without the worry of backseat or couch spills.

To make grab-n-go smoothies, simply blend a smoothie, and then pour it into push-up molds or even popsicle molds. The push-up molds are great for lunches–simply add them to the lunchbox straight from the freezer. By lunchtime the smoothie is ready to be enjoyed. Need healthy lunchbox ideas? Check out this post of 7 foods you can make and freeze for school lunch.

Or, turn your favorite smoothie into homemade popsicles. This is also a great way to use leftover smoothie so it doesn’t go to waste. Pour the smoothie into popsicle molds and freeze. Learn how to make the best homemade popsicles with these 10 recipes.

Favorite Smoothie Recipes

  • Tropical Mango Pineapple Smoothie: Made with spinach and tropical fruits, this smoothie is a winner with kids and adults.
  • Healthy Summer Smoothies: Fruit smoothies that are perfect for the summer heat.
  • Avocado-Beet Smoothie: Blueberries, avocado (yes, you can freeze avocado), and roasted beets come together to make the most delicious, antioxidant-rich smoothie.
  • 5 Smoothie Pack RecipesChoose from multiple smoothie pack combos that you can freeze and blend as desired.
  • Veggie-Packed Smoothies: Made with veggies, like carrots, these smoothies are sure to delight even a veggie critic.
  • Yogurt Sticks: These are perfect to make and pack for lunch! Made with just three nourishing ingredients.
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Four super easy ways to always have smoothies stocked without taking out the blender every single day.
Make ahead smoothies ready for the fridge or freezer

More Healthy Make-Ahead Recipes & Tips

Chocolate bar marzipan jujubes jelly-o carrot cake caramels. Tootsie roll cookie jujubes powder icing lemon drops. Pastry brownie topping oat cake chocolate cake jelly candy gingerbread tart.

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45 Comments

  1. Hi, I was just wondering if you have any experience with the green smoothies turning brown when you freeze them? I know it happens when they are in the fridge for a while.

    1. I don’t have any experience with that and freezing. It’s just oxidizing. Still good, just not as pretty.

      LS Team

      1. Just wondering which recipe those beautiful pink smoothie jars are in your pics:-) the Hulk ones are green, which one is the pink?

  2. Hi Kristin, thanks for the post!

    I’m looking to freeze some smoothies for about 15 days. I’d be very grateful if you could say whether or not the ingredients I use could lead to problems.

    Here it goes:

    -2% milk, bananas, clementines, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and depending on what I’m making, I also mix in mangos, spinach, chia seeds, rolled oats, and/or almond butter.

    I might have to go into quarantine next week because of the pandemic and am wondering if I will have to give up my daily smoothies while isolated away from my family and the kitchen.

    Thanks for the help!

  3. Hi Kristen!

    I’ve been having a TMJ flare up and have been using smoothies to cut down on chewing. I have been making a big batch, and freezing portions then removing to fridge the night before, but I am getting a gross separating-curdling effect. I use bananas, strawberries, tart cherries, blueberries and raspberries, water and greek yogurt. Am I doing something wrong? Thanks for the help!

  4. Great info thank you!! I am trying to make smoothies on the weekend to have during the week. There are 4 of us so that’s 4 servings a day. I usually make 3 different types of smoothies leave some in the fridge and some I freeze for later in the week. My problem is I’m not sure how to make more than one serving at a time. I’ve messed up the ratios so it’s taking a lot of time to make one at a time. If there is an easy formula you follow or suggestions. Thank you.

  5. is there a concern with the jar breaking in the freezer if you put the smoothie jar in freezer with the lid on?

    I read somewhere else to fill it to the top so trapped air doesn’t oxidize the nutrients?

    1. Hey Laura, If you leave enough room at the top of the jar for expansion, there shouldn’t be an issue. You could leave it off until frozen solid just to be safe, but still leave lots of run at the top for expansion and use freezer-safe jars.

  6. I am wondering where you got those cute mason jars with the straw-ready lid. If I missed a link, I apologize. Thanks.

  7. Hi there I have a question. I have been having issues with my smoothies lately. I make them, put them in the freezer (letting the air out too), I take one out and put in the fridge the night before. However when I go to eat it, it is usually a different color and doesn’t taste all that great. I am a meal preparer. I need something quick and on the go in the mornings. These are a perfect idea in theory but don’t taste great. What do you think is going on?

    1. Hey Melissa, What are you putting in the smoothies? The ingredients? This will help me troubleshoot what the issue may be. There’s got to be something going on with a particular ingredient, or a combo of ingredients.

  8. Hey Kristin,

    If I make a strawberry banana smoothie and place it in the freezer, how many days would I have before they aren’t good and I would mak more?

    I’m really bad about eating breakfast and was hoping to find something I could prep in advance, but I’m not sure how long it will last. Thanks!

    1. Hi Kasey,

      I was able to look up your question and if you seal it well you can store your smoothie for up to 3 months in the freezer. 24 hours in the fridge.

      Hope this helps!

  9. TIP: Biotta sells pure beet juice in a bottle. Not cheap, but this adds a nice fruity pink color along with nutrition to cover the army green color that comes from mixing veggies and fruit. For efficiency I make up and refrigerate 6 bottles at a time for myself. They separate, so need shakimg. Otherwise they taste delicious even on Day 6.

  10. Do you have any experience doing this with protein powder and blending in advance? Looking for a way to get my protein shakes/smoothies ready in advance for work.

    1. Hey Jenna, I don’t think it should be an issue to add the powder in advance. In pre-blended smoothies it may thicken the smoothies a bit, but that would be the only issue.

  11. Hi Kristin!
    What size mason jars should I order for my smoothies and should I get wide mouth or regular mouth size?
    Thank you and have a great day.

    Rosy

  12. Great blog! Do you have an smoothie recipe recommendations for the freezer smoothies? I have an extremely picky toddler (and husband lol), I’m trying to sneak healthy in where I can.

  13. I thought certain food oxidizes quickly, like bananas. If you blend them and leave it in the fridge, they will turn black.

  14. My Sincere Gratitude to Kristin. Great Information. Precise and Apt. Hope You continue to Enrich more Souls And Simplify Lives.

  15. Hi there,
    So I was wondering what is the strategy to fill the the zipzicle zip top freezable pouch… do you have a funnel?
    I love the idea, just curious if there is a trick to filling the pouches…

  16. Hello Kristin

    I was wondering if you can help me with something I am a chef for a high school and I was planning on adding smoothies to my cafeteria menu but my concern is that the life of the smoothie is very short in the fridge. If you where to make a smoothie how long can you leave it in the fridge before you can say “ok now its bad” just so I can make enough and maybe not worry about it until maybe 3 to 4 days after.
    I was planning on a very simple wild berry with peach and adding a greek yogurt and some milk for consistency if needed.

    Please help
    Thanks.

    1. Hey Ace, I personally wouldn’t leave a smoothie in the fridge for longer than two days. I’m not sure the taste or consistency would be very pleasant after that time frame.

      1. Question than in the stores I drink usually natural drinks and I’m looking to begin to start selling smoothies so the same day I prepare them I will basically have to sell them ?

  17. Hi Kristin,
    Thanks for the great blog. I was just wondering where you got your beautiful measuring cups that are shown on your smoothie packs picture?