Make Ahead Smoothies (and How to Store Them)

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Smoothies are a fantastic make ahead breakfast or healthy snack idea. Pre-made smoothies are delicious, made with wholesome ingredients. As a bonus I add an incredibly easy to make recipe!

Can you Make Fruit Smoothies the Night Before and Keep them in the Fridge? //

Yes, you can. If you make your smoothies the night before, and keep them in the fridge overnight, they will be perfectly good to drink the next day. You can keep them for up to 48 hours but we recommend drinking them before 24 hours if you want to keep maximum nutrition and taste!

My husband became hooked on almond milk make ahead smoothies last year, after we bought a high-speed blender. 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. Now, I can even get him to drink chia seed in his smoothies. We have come a long way.

mixed berry smoothie in a glass with berries on top

Can you Freeze Smoothies?

Yes, you can freeze the smoothies in any type of freezer-safe container that you like. I use 2 cup mason jars. If you want to use glass containers, just be sure that they are made of tempered glass. Otherwise, it may crack as it goes from the freezer to room temperature.

5 mason jars full of almond milk smoothies

Also, when you pour the smoothie into the jars, leave some room at the top. Otherwise, when the frozen smoothies expand, the glass can break.

How long can a smoothie last in the freezer? Smoothies can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months.

make ahead smoothies in mason jars

Make Ahead Smoothies

One day, I got the idea to make a big batch of smoothies and then individually freeze them. I didn’t know if it would work, or if they would still be good 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. The pre-made smoothies make our mornings just a little easier. There is less to clean up. Plus, they are easy to grab and go.

Make Ahead Smoothies next to blender and fruit

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.

ingredients for almond milk smoothies

Now my delicious almond milk smoothie recipe

This is the basic formula that we use for our pre-made smoothies. You can change out the fruit and make different flavor variations.

  • 1 cup almond milk
  • scoop of protein powder
  • 1 Tablespoon chia seeds
  • 1 cup frozen berries
  • handful of spinach

We have yet to find a protein powder that tastes really good, so I buy a different kind every time we run out. Also, I will occasionally add nut butter, coconut oil, a touch of honey, yogurt, or flaxseed.

You don’t have to make an almond milk smoothie; you can use any type of milk or nut milk in your smoothie that you prefer. I’ve really been into pea protein milk lately. Using unsweetened almond milk just ensures that the smoothies are dairy-free and low carb.

How to make smoothies

making pre made smoothies in a blender

I like to make a batch of 3 or 4 almond milk smoothies at a time. If I make 5, it is too much for the blender.

blender with homemade protein smoothie next to empty mason jars

Keep your make ahead almond milk smoothies in the freezer until you need a quick breakfast on the go. The consistency is best if you allow them to thaw at room temperature. I don’t recommend thawing them in the refrigerator unless you prefer very loose (runny) smoothies.

non-dairy make ahead berry smoothies next to fruit

Other easy smoothie recipes to make:

blender with smoothie ingredients
mixed berry smoothie in a glass with berries on top

Make Ahead Smoothies

bakedbree
4.66 from 46 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course breakfast and brunch
Cuisine vegan
Servings 1 smoothie
Calories 305 kcal

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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 305kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 31gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 103mgFiber: 13gSugar: 16g
Keyword almond milk smoothie recipes, how to make smoothies ahead of time, make ahead smoothies, making smoothies ahead of time, making smoothies in advance, meal prep smoothies
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
blender with ingredients to make ahead smoothies

Originally published on September 10, 2012, updated with new images and copy on February 24, 2020.

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5 thoughts on “Make Ahead Smoothies (and How to Store Them)”

  1. I have used the Spanish idea before in my smoothies my problem it turned all my smoothies pea green very un appetizing to look at any thoughts on how to fix that

    1. Hey there! To avoid that pea green color, try using fruits with stronger colors, like berries, cherries, or mangoes. They can often overpower the green from spinach. Alternatively, you can use lighter colored leafy greens, like baby kale or romaine lettuce, which won’t impact the color as much. Happy blending!

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