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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
Step 1: 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.
Step 2: 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.
Make Ahead Smoothies (and How to Store Them)
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1 scoop protein powder
- 1 Tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 cup frozen berries
- 1 handful spinach
Instructions
- 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.
- 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..
For kid’s lunches, what container do you send them with?
Hi Jessica, I like using these plastic mason jars: https://amzn.to/3zDb8K6
They are light and safe to my knowledge.
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
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!
Oops the spinach idea not spanish
Your ideas for prepping a smoothie are so helpful! When using a green does your smoothie turn a brownish color in the freezer or when sitting out defrosting?
Hi Rachel – It might get a little different in color, but a slight browning is normal and doesn’t mean your smoothie has gone bad. Enjoy!
I’m making breakfast smoothies for about 1 1/2 years but the last 4 times the second smoothies turn pudding the next day sitting in the fridge
I make them the same way every time what’s the change all off a sutten
Sounds like your chia seeds might be the culprit! They absorb liquid and thicken over time, so if something changed—like using more chia seeds, letting them sit longer, or even a slight difference in your almond milk—it could turn your smoothie into pudding. Try reducing the chia or drinking it sooner!