My husband became hooked on smoothies last year after we bought a Vitamix. He drinks one every single morning. I am thrilled about this because there was a time not so long ago when he would never dream of eating fruits or vegetables. He has graduated from straight fruit to fruits and vegetables, and now I can even get him to drink chia seeds. We have come a long way.
One day, I got the idea to make a big batch of smoothies and freeze them. I didn’t know if it would work, or if they would be good still after they thawed, but they are. Wes pulls one out of the freezer when he wakes up, leaves it on the counter, goes for a run, gets dressed, and hops into the car for a good DC commute. By that time, it has begun to thaw, and he drinks it on his way to work. This has made the mornings just a little easier. Less clean up, easy to grab and go.
This is the basic formula that we use for our smoothies, but we change out the fruit and make different variations. We have yet to find a protein powder that tastes really good, so I buy a different kind every time we run out. I sometimes add nut butters, coconut oil, a touch of honey, yogurt, or flax seed.
These smoothies are also great to pack in your child’s lunchbox. By lunchtime, the smoothie should be thawed enough for them to drink. A nice change from the normal peanut butter and jelly.
1 cup almond milk
1 scoop protein powder
1 Tablespoon chia seeds
1 cup frozen berries
1 handful spinach
I like to make 2 or 3 smoothies at a time. If I make 5, it is too much for the blender.
I use 2 cup mason jars.
Pour the smoothie into the jars, leaving some room at the top. otherwise they will expand and the glass can break.
Keep in the freezer until you need a quick breakfast on the go.
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1 scoop protein powder
- 1 Tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 cup frozen berries
- 1 handful spinach
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients in a blender. I like to make 2 or 3 smoothies at a time. If I make 5, it is too much for the blender.
- Pour the smoothie into the 2-cup mason jars, leaving some room at the top. otherwise they will expand and the glass can break.
- Keep in the freezer until you need a quick breakfast on the go.
I am Bree. I love to cook. Even more than I love to take pictures.
I could have a smoothie for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! This is such a great post
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Then this is perfect for you Katrina!
A suggestion for the protein powder. I make a smoothie every morning, and I wound up ordering unflavored, unsweetened protein powder from trueprotein.com. I order 5lb at a time and it runs me about $7 a pound. Then I can just add whatever flavors, fruits, coco powder, etc., that I want and not worry about clashing flavors. I also like knowing that what’s in my protein powder is just whey protein, no chemicals or artificial sweeteners or flavors.
(Btw, I have no affiliation with trueprotein, I just really really love their products)
Thanks Kara! That is just what we were looking for.
Yay! Thank you Bree
I live with roommates who work nights and so making a smoothie in the morning ins impossible for me when they have that schedule. This is perfect. Now to find some room in the freezer….
It is worth moving some stuff around!
Bree I love this idea! My son loves smoothies and he would enjoy this as a treat at school!
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It is perfect for a lunch box. It will thaw just in time for lunch and still be cold.
I live in DC! You should have a meet and greet, or host a cooking class!
I would love to!
great idea! I will try that,but must first buy those cute 2 cup mason jars.I’m not being paid or told to push her protein powder,but George’s Restore by Kathleen DesMaison is hands down the best tasting powder I”ve had-and I”ve tried plenty of disgusting ones.Through Radiant Recovery-google if interested.
Thanks for the protein powder recommendation!
If you’re looking for a great tasting protein powder, “Jay Robb’s” makes a Whey Protein Powder in vanilla, chocolate and a berry flavor. I like the vanilla the best. They’re sweetened with stevia. Very low in carbs, but the flavor is the best I’ve had so far. I blend frozen fruit in it, and 1% or 2% milk. Almost any health food store has it.
thanks for the suggestion.
Hi! I enjoy your blog
I thought I would share that the 365 Whole Foods Chocolate or Vanilla protein podwers are pretty tasty 
I use them in my smoothies. I follow nearly the same method, but I add a little almond butter too. I need to try chia seeds! Are they nutty like flax?
Hi Sara, thanks for the recommendation. We will have to try them. Chia doesn’t really taste like anything.
Great idea! I’ve been wondering lately if it would work to freeze smoothies in advance — this offers some good tips
Katie @ Blonde Ambition recently posted..Meatless Monday: End of Summer Skillet
Yup! They freeze and thaw really well.
Uh yeah, that’s awesome!!
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thanks Rachael!
I am SO jealous that you have a Vitamix! I love that these can be made ahead, so easy as you stated above. Anything to reduce how much I need to do in the morning is a huge help. Thanks for sharing, Bree!
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I love my Vitamix! I was very lucky to use my SIL’s Williams-Somoma discount to buy it. I use it all the time. Glad to make your morning just a little easier.
How do these do thawing out? How long does it take and are they still a good texture?
An hour or so, they do just fine, they come back together with a quick mix of a straw.
This is such an awesome idea.Im on the fence abt buying a blendtec..this post is the motivation i needed..;)
Get one! You will use it more than you even imagined.
Great recipe. I too love smoothies in the morning and will freeze one to see if it will come out tasty.
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I hope this worked for you!
[...] Ahead Smoothies September 10, 2012 By bakedbree 26 Comments If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for [...]
I really liked this! Think we will try at home..there never seems to be enough time in the morning!
Jenna
These save us many a morning.
What a great idea! I work at a bakery at 5am, so I’ve gotten into the bad habit of dragging myself out of bed, rushing to work, and eating scones and muffins every morning for breakfast. I’ve been looking for a delicious solution like this–thanks!!
This should work really well for you. My husband does this every morning.
I was wondering if the protein powder is rilly needed or if you would like something protein but a bit lighter and vegan could you suggest a subsitute? I just discovered your site. I am really loving it!
It is needed for my husband because he needs the protein, but you can make these any way that you like.
Can you completely remove the protein powder?
I’m on a low-pro/no-pro diet (Polycystic Kidney Disease) as protein helps stimulate the growth of the cysts inside my kidneys.
Thanks a bunch, Bree.
Of course you can leave it out.
I love my Green Smoothies, but I wasn’t sure how the spinach would do in the freezer. Does it turn brown (oxidize?). Do the nutrients remain after it’s been frozen?
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I don’t know about nutrients, but it doesn’t change color.
just a quick question, is the recipe posted for one smoothie? Or is that for three?
there are 3 separate recipes.
Hi Bree, if you are looking for a great vegan, no-dairy protein powder, I love Amazing Greens! They have different flavors, and it’s all green proteins like wheatgrass, spirulina, and chlorella. I try to avoid anything with whey to cut down on anything mucus-building and animal based.
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Thanks for the suggestion.
I also was trying every kind of protien powder i could get because of bad taste! i finally found one that fits every smoothie… lean shake! the vanilla, strawberry and chocolate are all just awesome i am so impressed! thank you for the tips i love my morning and post workout smoothies… now it will be even easier!
I will give it a try. Thanks!
Hi there. I was wondering if there is any change to the vitamins, minerals, and enzymes with the freezing process? Just wondering if any of the health benefits are lost?
Thanks Bree!
I really don’t know. I think that even if there were some loss, it is better to drink a smoothie for breakfast than not.
I just love your website! I drink smoothies like this every single morning! I love freezing them, thawing for an hour and then eating them with a spoon, it’s like ice cream!:) You should try Vega One in French Vanilla- it is so tasty!! I also love Sunwarrior Vanilla Warrior Blend which is raw, and also Garden of LIfe Raw Meal which is a complete meal replacement with green foods like Vega One added in and only sweetened with stevia. All those are extremely tasty!!:) Thanks again for the great post and sharing!
Thank YOU for the suggestions. I will keep my eye out for those.