Learn how to meal-prep smoothies and store leftovers so you can reduce the work you need to do in the moment and waste less of what you make. I have three methods for you that work really well to make the most of your smoothies.
Meal-Prep Smoothies
We love having smoothies in the morning (or really any time) since they are a favorite way to pack a lot of nutrition and flavor into one food. But sometimes, it can feel a little daunting to get them together in the morning—when there’s so much going on and we wake up tired from being up with the kids.
The good news is that there are a few easy ways to prep smoothies ahead of time to help you serve them often with a little less work.
I’ll cover:
- How to make smoothies ahead, freeze, and serve them on future mornings.
- How to freeze individual smoothies for babies and toddlers in reusable pouches.
- How to store leftover smoothies in the fridge for a future day.
- The easy way to prep ingredients for smoothies in “smoothie packs.”
You may also like Smoothies for Kids, Strawberry Smoothie with Yogurt, Easy Chocolate Smoothie, Blueberry Banana Smoothie, and Smoothie Cups.
Table of Contents
How to Meal-Prep Smoothies
You can actually make your smoothie entirely ahead of time whenever you have the energy. Just stash in the freezer for future days.
- Make your smoothie.
- Pour into an ice cube tray.
- Freeze.
- When ready to serve your smoothie, add about 6 cubes and ½ cup additional milk or liquid of choice to a blender. Blend and serve.
How to Meal-Prep Smoothies for Kids
You can do the ice cube method for the whole family and share it with the kids, or you can add their smoothie to a reusable pouch and freeze that. Then, thaw it overnight in the fridge, at room temperature for about an hour, or in their kids lunch box or lunch bag for kids.
If you add it to their lunch box or lunch bag, it can double as an ice pack, too, which is handy.
How to Store Leftover Smoothies in the Fridge
With many smoothies, you can prepare them and store them in the fridge to serve like you would drinkable yogurt. There are a few ways to ensure this method works well, and that you don’t wind up with smoothies that separate or have a funky texture.
- Avoid trying to store blueberry smoothies for later. They almost always solidify into a strange texture.
- Store the smoothie in a reusable pouch that seals tightly or in an airtight storage container like a small jar.
- You can blend the smoothie with ice to return it to more of a smoothie-like consistency, rather than the thinner drinkable yogurt it will be in the fridge.
TIP: This method works particularly well with this Strawberry Smoothie with Yogurt, Chocolate Protein Shake, and my Yogurt Drinks.
product we ove
WeeSprout Jars
These jars are perfect for storing batches of smoothies for kids.
How to Meal-Prep Smoothie Packs
Another option for making smoothies ahead is to make what are known as “smoothie packs.” This method has you assemble the ingredients except the liquid into a bag or container and store it until you’re ready to blend.
- Measure out all of the ingredients for your smoothie except any liquid (or yogurt) into a reusable storage bag or small container. Make sure the bag or container is freezer-safe.
- Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- When ready to make the smoothie, pour the contents of one pack into the blender and add the liquid.
- Blend and serve.
Smoothie Recipes to Meal-Prep
These recipes work particularly well for meal prepping, either to make fully ahead or as smoothie packs.
Best Tips for Meal Prepping Smoothies
- Decide if you want to assemble the ingredients or make the smoothie entirely ahead of time.
- If making the smoothie ahead, freeze it in ice cube trays and plan to blend the frozen cubes with a little milk when you’re ready to serve it.
- You can also fill reusable pouches with smoothies and freeze them to serve to a baby or toddler on a future day. Thaw for about an hour at room temperature, overnight in the fridge, or in a lunchbox.
- Store leftover smoothies in the fridge in an airtight containers for 3-5 days. They will have a texture that’s more similar to drinkable yogurt.
- Avoid storing blueberry smoothies in the fridge as they can separate and thicken in an undesirable way as they sit.
Related Recipes
I’d love to hear your feedback on this post, so please comment below to share.
How to Meal Prep Smoothies (and Store Leftovers)
Ingredients
Base Smoothie Recipe
- 1 cup milk (I prefer nondairy)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen fruit (such as banana, strawberries, or mango)
- 1/4 cup vegetables (such as spinach, raw cauliflower rice, raw zucchini, or vegetable purees including sweet potato or carrot)
- 1-2 tablespoons add-ins (such as hemp seeds, peanut butter, almond butter, or diced avocado)
Instructions
To Make as Smoothie Packs
- Add all ingredients except the milk to a reusable storage bag or small container. Freeze overnight or up to 3 months.
- When ready to make the smoothie, add to a blender with milk and blend.
To Make Ahead and Freeze in Cubes
To Make-Ahead and Freeze in Reusable Pouches
- Add the ingredients to a blender. Blend well. Pour into reusable pouches and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw at room temperature for about an hour, overnight in the fridge, or in a lunchbox.
To Make-Ahead and Store in the Fridge
- Add the ingredients to a blender. Blend well. Pour into reusable containers or pouches and store in the fridge for 3-5 days. Serve as you would drinkable yogurt or blend with a little ice to bring it back to a classic smoothie consistency.
Notes
- Decide if you want to assemble the ingredients or make the smoothie entirely ahead of time.
- If making the smoothie ahead, freeze it in ice cube trays and plan to blend the frozen cubes with a little milk when you’re ready to serve it.
- You can also fill reusable pouches with smoothies and freeze them to serve to a baby or toddler on a future day. Thaw for about an hour at room temperature, overnight in the fridge, or in a lunchbox.
- Store leftover smoothies in the fridge in an airtight containers for 3-5 days. They will have a texture that’s more similar to drinkable yogurt.
- Avoid storing blueberry smoothies in the fridge as they can separate and thicken in an undesirable way as they sit.
Nutrition
This post was first published May 27, 2022.
Hi Amy! If making smoothie packs, should I add nut butter and hemp seeds to freeze or add those in with liquids when ready to make?
Hi! You can really do either, though if you don’t have a super powerful blender add it in with the liquid (to avoid winding up with a frozen ball of nut butter!) Hemp seeds are fine to freeze though.