These make-ahead smoothie freezer bags are the perfect solution for a healthy breakfast you can sip and enjoy on-the-go. Simply add water or milk before blending!
As a busy working mom with a demanding schedule, I am always looking for ways to be more efficient. Whether that’s meal planning ahead, scheduling my workouts, or developing simple and quick recipes, I am saving time without sacrificing my health or sanity.
That’s where the idea for these make-ahead smoothie freezer bags came from! Smoothies are already a pretty efficient, on-the-go breakfast, but I knew I could do better. Batch cooking is such a time saver because you can make multiple meals in the same amount of time it takes to make one – prep once, cut once, clean once.
When making smoothies ahead of time, it’s easier to pre-freeze any liquids like pureed pumpkin or coconut milk. I simply use ice cube trays! It prevents any unnecessary spills or leaks in your freezer. (Trust me on this one…)
I also like to make sure I have a good mix of colors in my smoothies. Eat the rainbow, as we say! The varied nutrients in fruits and vegetables are what give them their unique colors so be sure to add in some yellow, orange, purple, green, red, and blue to give your body all the boost and strength it needs to thrive.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
How long can I keep smoothies in the freezer?
The ingredients are good up to 2 months! I like to batch freeze a few weeks at a time with fresh, in-season produce.
What if I don’t have these ingredients?
You can feel free to mix it up!! Don’t have (or don’t like) banana? Use something else that you have on hand. As long as you have a variety of color and consistency, you’ll get a good variety of nutrients as well.
Can I store them in something other than a bag?
Yes! Glass mason jars or ready-made smoothie blender cups are even more efficient if you have them. Just add milk or water and blend. Just be sure to leave 1/2 inch of space for liquid expansion.
Does fruit lose it’s nutrients when frozen?
No! In fact, generally speaking, freezing fruit helps retain nutrients. Some nutrients begin to break down over time when frozen, so be sure to use your freezer bags within a couple months.
You don’t have to stick to this recipe though! I have so many favorite smoothie recipes that would be perfect for smoothie freezer bags. After you get the hang of it, next batch prepare my Cucumber Apple Green Smoothie, Vegan Strawberry Mint Chocolate Smoothie, or High Protein Blueberry Kale Smoothie. The sky’s the limit, friends!
Your freezer is waiting.
Make-Ahead Smoothie Freezer Bags
Ingredients
- 2 bananas (sliced)
- 12 cups baby spinach (or leafy greens of choice such as kale)
- 4 cups berries (any kind)
- 2 cups mango (or pineapple)
- 2 cups pineapple
Coconut Milk and Pumpkin Cubes
- 15 ounces full fat coconut milk
- 15 ounces pure pumpkin
Optional Additions
- chia seeds
- flax seeds
- ginger root slices
Instructions
- To make the coconut milk and pure pumpkin cubes, simply divide each can evenly between two ice cube trays. Freeze until firm.
- To assemble the smoothie freezer bags, divide fruit and greens evenly between 12 plastic resealable bags. Place one coconut milk and pumpkin cube in each before sealing. Freeze until you're ready to enjoy. To make a smoothie, simply add 1 cup water or milk before blending at high speed.
Hi. I pull out multiple freezer bags of fruits/veges for a smoothie. Love your individually portioned-out bags…so much easier. Also never thought about ice cube trays for coconut milk/pumpkin. Thanks for the great tips,
Connie James
The coconut milk ice cubes have been SO handy to have on hand!!! Thank you so much Connie!