Sure throwing a few ingredients in a blender to make a smoothie doesn’t take long, but on a busy weekday morning we all know…every minute counts! And after trying out this make ahead method of bagging (or bottling) up smoothie ingredients myself, I can attest that it really does make a difference.
Even in the afternoons when the girls get home from school, I might not always be into the idea of getting out all the different ingredients to make a smoothie, but if the fruits and veggies were already packaged up in the exact right proportions? Sure, we can have a smoothie snack any day!
It’s amazing how sometimes a little advance preparation can go a long way.
– 3 Ways to Freeze Smoothie Ingredients
Canning Jars – No need to “can” or process jars in any way. Just put them directly into the freezer.
Ziploc Bags – Yes, not the most eco-friendly, but handy and technically washable and reusable. :)
Reusable Bags – For this application I love the pictured bag from “neat-os” because they are most like the Ziplocs I am used to (silky smooth on the inside and out).
If you enjoy smoothies but this sounds like it may require more time than you have, SmoothieBox may be just what you need! SmoothieBox delivers pre-packaged and ready-to-blend frozen smoothie (ingredients) directly to your door, helping you to save time and feel great.
After trying out this make ahead method of bagging (or bottling) up smoothie ingredients, I can attest that it really does make a difference on busy mornings.
2cupsspinach, or other greens like kale or swiss chard – with tough stems discarded
3tablespoonspeanut butter, or sunflower seed butter or almond butter
2bananas, the riper the sweeter. These do not get frozen with other ingredients
1cupmilk, any kind, this also does not get frozen with other ingredients
Instructions
Combine the berries and fruit from one of the version options along with the spinach and peanut butter in a freezer-proof bag, jar, or other container. Freeze for later.
When ready to make the smoothie, break up the frozen ingredients with your hand or a utensil (or by banging the bag against the counter) and add them to your blender along with 2 fresh bananas and 1 cup of milk or water (or a combination).
Blend, serve and enjoy.
Recipe Notes
* For a dairy-free smoothie, sub water for the milk. * For a nut-free smoothie, sub sunflower seed butter for peanut butter.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Make Ahead Smoothies (2 Ways)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 452Calories from Fat 126
% Daily Value*
Fat 14g22%
Saturated Fat 4g25%
Cholesterol 12mg4%
Sodium 225mg10%
Potassium 1312mg37%
Carbohydrates 75g25%
Fiber 10g42%
Sugar 47g52%
Protein 15g30%
Vitamin A 3985IU80%
Vitamin C 94.5mg115%
Calcium 201mg20%
Iron 2.4mg13%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link, your cost will be the same but 100 Days of Real Food will automatically receive a small commission. Your support is greatly appreciated and helps us spread our message!
Lisa is a wife, mother, foodie, blogger, and New York Times Best-selling author who is on a mission to cut out processed food.
Reader Interactions
Comments
Amy
What am I doing wrong? I purchased those kid tubes to freeze smoothies in for lunch. I love the way they work but no one wants to eat them after they have been frozen. The texture and the taste changes. I usually use a little oj, banana, frozen fruit, sometimes yogurt and a little honey as well. Any suggestions?
This is a great idea. I was wondering how long they would last just in the fridge. I was thinking of alternating these with my overnight oatmeals. Do you think I could make them on Sunday and they would still be good for wednesday and friday? Thank you!
One of the reasons I like using ziploc bags for freezing is that I can write on them what is inside, which comes in handy when items look similar. Any thoughts on ways to write on the reusable neat-os?
Hi Traci. Nope, you can freeze bananas without effecting their nutrients in any significant way. Frozen bananas really thicken a smoothie so it depends on the consistency you care after. ~Amy
I’ve gotta say this article changed my life! I’ve been freezing my smoothie ingredients in bags ever since I read this and it has made my like so much easier! My husband and I drink smoothies every day so I package up 10-15 bags in the freezer, ready to go. Just add water. Thank you so much for the idea!!!!!!!!!
School Lunch Photo Contest Results!
What am I doing wrong? I purchased those kid tubes to freeze smoothies in for lunch. I love the way they work but no one wants to eat them after they have been frozen. The texture and the taste changes. I usually use a little oj, banana, frozen fruit, sometimes yogurt and a little honey as well. Any suggestions?
What if you let them thaw a bit before they eat them? So they aren’t completely frozen?
Hi
work 2jobs looking to change my eating habits and eat healthier .need more energy. …
This is a great idea. I was wondering how long they would last just in the fridge. I was thinking of alternating these with my overnight oatmeals. Do you think I could make them on Sunday and they would still be good for wednesday and friday? Thank you!
Hi Leslie. I wouldn’t store them in the fridge. They are best enjoyed freshly blended otherwise the texture can become unpleasant.
Hi! These look great! I was wondering if you could freeze some greek yogurt along with the fruit and veggies?
Hello. I’ve never tried freezing yogurt for a smoothie. You do need to have some wet/unfrozen ingredients to get a drinkable smoothie consistency. :)
One of the reasons I like using ziploc bags for freezing is that I can write on them what is inside, which comes in handy when items look similar. Any thoughts on ways to write on the reusable neat-os?
Hi Kathy. You can use a piece of scotch tape on the clear area. It can be removed each time you change what you are freezing.
You can also write on the canvas with washable markers :)
I’m curious, is there a nutritional reason you don’t freeze the bananas?
Hi Traci. Nope, you can freeze bananas without effecting their nutrients in any significant way. Frozen bananas really thicken a smoothie so it depends on the consistency you care after. ~Amy
Hi, can you blend the smoothies up ahead of time and freeze as is without losing nutritional value?
Hi Margie. Freezing will not harm the nutrient value significantly. ~Amy
ANY RECIPES FOR USING NUTELLA IN SMOOTHIES. KATHY
Not specifically, though I often use nut butters in my smoothies.
I’ve gotta say this article changed my life! I’ve been freezing my smoothie ingredients in bags ever since I read this and it has made my like so much easier! My husband and I drink smoothies every day so I package up 10-15 bags in the freezer, ready to go. Just add water. Thank you so much for the idea!!!!!!!!!