how to prepare smoothies for the week

There’s a saying, “Fail to plan, plan to fail.” I totally believe that’s true. I’m kind of a procrastinator, something I’m constantly trying to combat. Sometimes that procrastination creeps over into my diet as well.

I love green smoothies. Love them. I blend up a smoothie just about every day…except for the days when I failed to plan. That’s why freezer smoothie packs are an essential part of my meal planning each week.

Reading: how to prepare smoothies for the week

I stock up on fresh greens, veggies and fruit and combine them in easy freezer packs that I can pull out to use each day. Easiest breakfast ever!

Like most moms, I’m always trying to get my kids to eat more veggies. Who am I kidding? I’m also trying to eat more veggies!

I’m normally not a fan of hiding veggies in food-I want my kids to learn to like the taste of the veggies. However, when they can easily be hidden in a yummy, fruity smoothie, I’m all for it.

I find the easiest veggies to add are leafy greens, frozen cauliflower florets and/or shredded carrots. Freezing the greens makes them easier to blend and they also lose volume, so you can use more than you would if you were using fresh. Bam! Each quart-size freezer smoothie pack will serve 2 adults or 3-4 kids.

How To Prep Make-Ahead Smoothie Packs Like a Champ

Smoothie packs are pretty no-stress to prep. I’ve been doing them for so long that I’ve learned a few tricks and tips along the way. Here are my best tips:

1. Have a plan so your smoothies taste good

You’ll notice that I’ve used a formula to help with this. The right proportions of ingredients makes all the difference! Use this basic recipe and swap in your favorite fruits.

Each smoothie bag gets:

– 1 1/2 cups spinach – 1/2 cup veggies (cauliflower and/or shredded carrots) – 1 whole fruit or 1 1/2 cups fruit (peach, mango pineapple, apple, pear, berries or a combination) – For blending: 10 to 12 ounces milk or juice

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2. Always label the bags clearly

Add the date if you aren’t going to be using them within a few weeks. I like to include how much liquid is needed, which makes it easier if older kids are blending on their own.

3. Buy big tubs of spinach or other leafy greens

They’re usually very budget friendly, and by freezing them right after you buy them, you’ll never have to waste the last half of the tub again!

4. Pack those greens into the measuring cup

The freezing process breaks down plant cell walls and the greens lose volume and are easier to blend when frozen. (Totally sub frozen greens if you need to though.)

5. Don’t add the greens to the packs until last

For easier blending, ingredients should be layered in the blender in this way: liquid, leafy greens, frozen fruits and veggies. Layering them in the bag in the opposite order means when you add the bag to the blender, they’ll be right-side up.

6. Use a combination of fresh and frozen fruits if you need to

Frozen fruit tends to be high quality and frozen at the peak of the fruit’s season. Contrary to popular belief, foods don’t actually lose their nutrients when frozen; using some frozen fruit helps the freezer packs to freeze more quickly. Plus, depending on the type of fruit and the season, frozen fruit may be more affordable than fresh and vice versa.

7. Frozen cauliflower makes smoothies super creamy

And you can’t even taste it! But it has to be frozen. Fresh cauliflower just doesn’t work the same. (Trust me. Ha!)

8. Shredded raw carrots or diced steamed carrots are the most blender-friendly

Other root veggies like parsnips and beets can also be used in this same way.

9. Use BPA-free bags or freezer-safe glass jars

Either is fine so use whatever you prefer or have on hand.

10. Thawing the bags for about 10-15 minutes

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Let the bags thaw on the counter for a few minutes; it makes the blending easier than straight out of the freezer.

11. Use plenty of liquid when blending

Don’t burn out your blender’s motor, add extra liquid as needed.

12. Add extras when blending

If you want to add dry ingredients like chia seeds, protein powder, dried spices, etc. to your smoothies, I find it works best to add when blending rather than to the bags. Unless you like digging stubborn chia seeds out of plastic bags. (I don’t.)

But flavor enhancers like fresh herbs and spices can definitely go into the bag before freezing. My favorites: fresh basil, mint, cilantro, parsley, ginger and turmeric.

13. What if you’d rather blend your smoothie than freeze it?

Cool. Add a little lemon juice to help preserve the flavors and leave room for the frozen liquid to expand. Just let the bag or jar with the smoothie sit in the fridge to thaw for a few hours or overnight before drinking.

14. Last, but not least, have fun!

Turn it into a Sunday night activity and get the family involved and set everything up assembly-line fashion. Everyone will have fun putting together their own customized smoothie packs.

Looking for more smoothie ideas and meal prep options? Check out these smoothie recipes designed to help you get a healthy glow!

Smoothie Meal Prep FAQ

How far in advance can you meal prep for smoothies?

If you’re prepping and freezing smoothie packs ahead of time, they should keep in the freezer for up to three months. This is why it’s ideal to prep smoothies-you’ll have an easy breakfast or post-workout snack at the ready for weeks or months at a time.

Should I use fresh fruit or frozen fruit for my smoothies?

The idea that foods lose their ingredients when frozen is a myth. I use both fresh and frozen fruit in my smoothies depending on what is in season and which option is more affordable at the moment.

I also love that using frozen fruits and veggies in my smoothie prep cuts down on rinsing and chopping time, which helps the freezer packs come together more quickly.

What are the best vegetables to add to my smoothies?

Spinach and leafy greens are an inexpensive addition that pack lots of nutrients. We like frozen cauliflower or shredded or steamed carrots but here are 5 smoothie recipes to sneak some veggies in!

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