Meal prep is when you pre-prepare a meal for later. This is a great way to save time when you know you have a busy day ahead. Many people will meal prep for the next day on the night before.
However, can you do this with smoothies? You know you have a busy day tomorrow, so you ask yourself – can I meal prep smoothies?
Well, if you are curious about meal-prepping smoothies, we are here to tell you everything there is to know about doing it. So, stick around and learn just how you can save yourself time tomorrow by prepping your smoothie for tomorrow!
Can You Meal Prep Smoothies?
Yes, you can meal prep smoothies. Smoothies are not always fast to make, and if you are in a rush, they can still be inconvenient, but you can still have a smoothie if you meal prep your smoothies.
There are so many ways you could meal prep smoothies. You could store your ingredients ready to be blended in a container, or you could simply pre-make your smoothies and keep them chilled or even frozen if you know you are going to be very short on time.
Whatever the case, you can meal prep smoothies, it is easier than you may think as well!
How To Meal Prep Smoothies?
Smoothie meal prep can be done in many ways. We have looked into 3 ways you could do this, let us share them with you.
Using Jars.
In this type of meal prep, you prepare your ingredients so that they are ready for the blender, chill them, and then all you need to do is add them in the blender, blend, and you’re good to go.
You use jars as your container, storing your dry ingredients, powders, and fruit or greens, fully prepared inside. You can then proceed to freeze this for as long as 3 months.
Then when ready, add your liquid of choice on top, and blend your smoothie using an immersion blender, inside the jar. Alternatively, you could just dump the contents of your jar into your blender and blend away before pouring them back into your jar to enjoy.
Made In Advance
This method speaks for itself really. There is little else to say, you simply pre-make the smoothie and refrigerate it until it is ready for consumption.
The smoothie will have to be consumed within 2-3 days from making, however. Also, smoothies can separate, in some cases, when they have sat for a while, so, it is worthwhile giving it a good shake before you drink it.
If you do this, you should avoid thickeners such as flax and chia seeds as they will keep on thickening the smoothie and within a day it will be gloppy.
Also, skip greens, leafy greens especially, the smoothie will taste fine, but it will turn the smoothie a brown/gray color. You should also skip frozen fruit, as it defrosts in the fridge it will become very thin.
The smoothie will still be tasty, but it will be a lot thinner.
Bagged Up
This technique is ideal, as it takes us less room when in the freezer, and you can usually reuse the bags as well. The concept is the same as the jarring concept, but be sure you use proper freezer bags as they will keep your ingredients fresher for longer.
When you’re ready to make your smoothie, just pour the contents of the bag into your blender, add your liquid, blend, and enjoy!
Smoothie Meal Prepping For Kids
When meal-prepping smoothies for kids it is best to have an easy container to use for the smoothie. If your kids are joining you in the process, then you will probably want to use a countertop blender, as immersion blenders can get very messy with kids.
The most critical part of smoothie meal prep for kids is the container. There are some fantastic smoothie cups for kids out there, make sure this is clean and ready for the smoothie when you meal prep.
Many of these containers will come with lids and cups with no-spill features, so even a messy kid won’t make a mess.
Meal Prep Smoothie Containers
1. Jars
Jars are a good way to keep your ingredients fresh and in one place for smoothie meal prep. You can use an immersion blender with these or pour it into a countertop blender. Jars are also convenient as they can be frozen if you have enough space in your freezer for them.
Pros
- Can use an immersion blender for quick blending.
- Can contain a lot.
- Reusable.
Cons
- Takes up a lot of space.
Check out these great meal prep smoothie jars!
2. Freezer bags.
Freezer bags are another great way to store ingredients. These are better if you don’t have ample freezer space for a jar. They are usually reusable after a good wash as well, and they are cheap too!
Pros
- Reusable.
- Space Saving.
- Easy storage.
Cons
- Have to empty ingredients to blend.
We recommend these great freezer bags to store your ingredients in!
3. To-go cups/personal blenders.
Click On The Image to Buy!
These are a bit more comprehensive. If you know you will need to meal prep your smoothies often it can be better to get a blender that doubles as a to-go cup.
This means you have less clean up, and you can meal prep your smoothie in the same container as you will drink it out of later without having to use an immersion blender or empty the contents. It’s the perfect answer for busy people!
Pros
- Less clean up.
- Quick & Convenient.
- Container & Blender all in one.
Cons
- More expensive.
We love this personal blender from Ninja.
Tips For Meal-Prepping Smoothies
- If you want to meal prep smoothies for weight loss, be aware of what ingredients you prepare. Things such as spinach, kale, and other leafy greens will discolor over time and if you can’t stand the thought of drinking a gray smoothie, it is best to avoid them, but also be cautious of adding too much fruit due to the sugar content!
- Pick your ingredients carefully, frozen fruit, leafy greens, and chia/ flax seeds do not do well being stored for a long time.
- If you pre-make the smoothie and refrigerate it, it needs to be consumed within 2-3 days of making it.
- If making smoothies for your kids, consider getting a smoothie cup for kids!
FAQs:
Can You Meal Prep Smoothie Bowls?
You can meal prep smoothie bowls, however, it is not highly recommended, they are better when fresh. Although, you can freeze them and then defrost them in the fridge overnight.
Is It OK To Meal Prep Smoothies?
Yes, meal-prepping smoothies are fine! You do need to be aware of ingredients when you prep as not all ingredients do well-being meal prepped.
How Long Do Meal-Prepped Smoothies Last?
A meal-prepped smoothie will last 2-3 days in the refrigerator if blended. However, they can last a lot longer if frozen, usually up to a few months.
Can I Premake Smoothies And Freeze Them?
Yes, premade smoothies can be frozen. In the freezer, they can last up to 3 months. You will need to defrost them in the fridge, however.
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