This post may contain affiliate links. See my affiliate disclosure policy.
Table of contents
Let’s be honest: some mornings you’re lucky if you remember to put on deodorant, let alone whip up a fresh and nourishing green smoothie from scratch. That’s why frozen meal prep smoothie packs are my secret weapon. I’m talking about prepped, stored in the freezer, ready-to-blend smoothies to save your time, sanity, and sad spinach from dying a slow death in your fridge.
If you love smoothies but hate daily messes, wasted produce, or chopping pineapple at 7am (who doesn’t?), follow along. Your future self is gonna love you for this!
Benefits of Meal Prep Smoothies
Smoothie prep doesn’t have to be complicated or chaotic. All you need are a few tools—measuring cups, wide-mouth mason jars or freezer bags, a Sharpie, your favorite fruits and greens, and a handful of go-to smoothie recipes. Stick with a few tasty recipes with overlapping ingredients so you’re not buying out the entire produce aisle. Cut your mango into chunks (frozen mango or pineapple works great), and label each jar or bag with the recipe name and what liquid to add later—because let’s be real, you won’t remember.
- Smoothie prep packs save you a ton of time. No more chopping, measuring, or searching your fridge for ingredients every morning—just grab a pack, blend, and go. It makes busy mornings feel way more manageable.
- They also help you save money. When you prep in bulk, you can buy produce in larger quantities (especially at places like Costco or Sam’s Club) and use it before it goes bad. That means less food waste and more bang for your buck.
- Freezing ingredients also keeps produce from spoiling, especially those leafy greens or delicate fruits that always seem to wilt before you get to them. Smoothie packs help cut down on food waste significantly.
- They reduce decision fatigue, too. You don’t have to think about what to make each day or worry about having all the ingredients on hand. Just grab, blend, and you’re good to go.
- And finally, they make it easier to stick with healthy habits. When something is convenient, you’re more likely to follow through. Smoothie prep packs take away the excuses and make consistency a whole lot easier.
Recipes for Frozen Smoothie Packs
Decide which recipes you’ll make for the week and have them on hand. I’ve included 7 green smoothie recipes I recommend starting with below— and I’ve even made you a grocery list. If you don’t just want green smoothies, check out the Smoothie Challenge recipes and grocery list to smoothie prep the rainbow.
Frozen Meal Prep Smoothie Packs
Ingredients
- 5 cups spinach
- 2 cups kale
- 3 bananas
- 3 oranges
- 2 cups mango
- 2 ½ cups pineapple
- 2 cups strawberries
Instructions
- Slice or cut fruit into chunks. You can also cut fruit into smaller pieces and freeze ahead of time on lined baking sheets or use packaged frozen fruit. This will help keep the fruit and leafy greens from freezing together in a large clump and the smoothies will blend more easily.
- Label bag and jar lids with recipe name and date. Be specific. You might also want to include how much of which liquid you will need to add before blending since we do NOT add liquid to smoothie packs.
- Measure out the ingredients and pack into jars or bags.
- Remove as much air as possible from bags and jars when sealing closed. Pack fruit and greens tightly into the jars and screw on the lids.
- Place in freezer. Don't pack too tightly together. There should be some air circulation to help the contents to freeze quickly.
When ready to use
- Remove smoothie pack from freezer. Add liquid to container or bag (which helps defrost the fruit slightly). You can also thaw for a few minutes on the counter or in warm water. The fruit and greens will come out of the jar/bag easier too.
- Pour into blender and blend until smooth.
Equipment
- freezer
- measuring cups
- quart sized jars or bags
- permanent marker
Video
Notes
- Smoothie packs will keep for several months in the freezer but are the very best quality when used within 2-4 weeks.
- This sample prep guide uses naturally sweeter fruits. To lower the natural sugar in a smoothie, swap 1 banana with 1/2 an avocado.
- Store smoothie packs away from foods with strong odors. Glass jars offer the best protection against odors.
- Pick smoothie recipes with similar ingredients for bulk purchasing and to save money.
Nutrition
Make-Ahead Smoothie Tips
I don’t love spending my weekends in the kitchen. I’d rather be outside, yet I also know when I don’t prep my smoothies, I either skip them completely or end up with a waffle in the toaster… or driving through Starbucks for an overpriced breakfast. That’s why I swear by smoothie prep. It’s one big mess, one time—and then the rest of the week, I’ve got delicious, nourishing smoothies ready to go with zero chaos. Total game-changer. Here’s how to make it even easier:
- Buy frozen if you hate chopping. I get frozen pineapple, blueberries, strawberries and mango at Costco and never look back.
- Label your jars. Future you will not remember if it’s “Mango Spinach Smoothie” or “Best Green Smoothie.”
- Set a time that works for you. Don’t stress if it’s not Sunday. Monday night, Friday morning, whatever—just pick a window and roll with it.
- Batch it like a boss. Make a week or a month of smoothie packs at one time. Trust me—you’ll never regret having a freezer full of grab-and-blend options when life gets chaotic.
Costco Frozen Smoothie Packs Demo
If you’ve got freezer space and want to save money, watch my video below making 36 frozen smoothie packs for $48 using Costco produce. Watch it if you want to see exactly how I made a month of smoothies with a $50 Costco haul, using mostly organic ingredients. This is a smart way to stock your freezer, save money, and never skip your daily smoothie again. Here’s the bulk grocery list to do this:
- Organic Power Greens: $5.99 (24 oz)
- Organic Spinach: $3.89 (32 oz)
- Oranges: $13.99 for 24 (needed 20)
- Organic Bananas: $1.99 for 8 bananas
- Frozen Pineapple: $7.99 (80 oz bag)
- Fresh Mangoes: $4.49 for 6
- Organic Frozen Strawberries: $9.99 (64 oz)
How to Use Frozen Smoothie Packs
When you’re ready to use your meal prep smoothie pack, remove from freezer. Add liquid base to container or bag (which helps defrost the fruit slightly). You can also thaw for a few minutes on the counter or in fridge overnight. This helps the fruit and veggies come out of the container more easily. Pour into a high-speed blender for smoothies and blend until smooth.
Common Questions
Smoothie packs can last up to 3 months in the freezer when stored properly in airtight bags or containers. For best taste and texture, aim to use them within 4–6 weeks.
Yes! You can add things like chia seeds, cashews, flax, spirulina, or protein powder directly to the pack. Just be sure to label it so you know what’s already in there.
Not necessarily. You can blend smoothie packs straight from frozen if you have a high-speed blender. Otherwise, let the pack sit out for 5–10 minutes or run it under warm water to loosen it up.
Wide-mouth mason jars and quart-size freezer-safe bags (silicone or Ziplock) work great. Bags save space, while jars are reusable and eco-friendly—pick what fits your lifestyle (and freezer).
Freezing smoothie ingredients helps preserve nutrients, especially compared to letting produce sit in the fridge for too long. While there may be a tiny loss, it’s minimal—and way better than tossing wilted greens.
Are you freezing the liquid base with the veggies/fruit or adding the liquid to the frozen stuff once you are ready to blend? Looks like you might add it in and not freeze it.. just wanting to clarify! Thanks!
Hi Danica,
Good question! We add our liquid base right when we’re ready to blend, and just freeze the fruits + leafy greens.
hi, I froze my green leafy vegetables once (straight from supermarket to freezer) and all gone bad (mushy and brown) the next day. Does it make a difference when it is lock in zipper bag or mason jar?
Hi Suzie,
I’m so sorry to hear your leafy greens didn’t freeze well! When using ziploc bags make sure to remove as much air as possible from the bags when sealing closed. When using mason jars pack fruit and greens tightly into the jars and screw on the lids. Also, make sure there is plenty of air circulation around the bags or mason jars to ensure your leafy greens freeze as quickly as possible!
Were your greens mushy in the freezer, or had you thawed them? If you thawed them, share how you thawed your leafy greens! We’d love to get to the bottom of this, and help you out!
If I were to add flax seed oil and whey protein, how much would you recommend using for a two serving smoothie?
Hi Angelee,
We haven’t used flax seed oil, so I would follow the serving size suggestion from the specific product you’re using. We suggest just one tablespoon of ground flaxseed or whole seeds to your smoothie for a subtle, nutty flavor with more than subtle nutrition. And 4 tbs of protein powder!
Cheers 🙂
With greens like kale or collard greens with thick “spines” do you remove and just use leaves, or leave in and blend bones stems/spines ?
Hi Casey,
Great question! Thick spines and stems can be tough on the blender, so we like to remove them before blendin’!
I blend my spinach with half a cup of liquid and freeze it. I defrost it over night and just add fresh fruit and another half cup of liquid. Makes life a lot easier however, I wonder if the spinach looses any nutritional by doing that.
Hi Jenny,
Thanks for sharing your routine! Freezing is a great way to preserve leafy greens + their nutritional benefits!
What ‘liquid’ are you using? Water? Just curious, because it seems most people say liquid and I want to know specifically. Thanks in advance!
Hi Reneigh,
We use a wide variety of liquid bases. Here are some of our favorites…
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/dairy-free-smoothies
I made a week’s worth in around 30 min and put them all in freezer bags. I did freeze my spinach because over a weeks time it starts to go bad and loose more of the nutrients. So to not have to spend more on smaller packs or throw out any, I just put them in the bag as well; I also add kale. I do find though that they do take longer to blend when I do this (although the spinach goes in first and blends with no problem it’s that all the fruit is frozen so it takes longer), so I may just stick to pulling out what I would like for the day when I need it. I do enjoy smoothies, and found it’s helping cut down on sugar cravings, and my Acid reflex (since I add Pineapple)! That is a huge plus for me, and my skin color is improving. Thanks!
Hi Esther,
Sounds like you’re rawking the green smoothie lifestyle!
i didnt know you could frreeze in the jars, dont they break?
Hi Amber,
We like to use the 32oz freezer safe mason jars, just to be safe!
Cheers 🙂
I can’t find 32oz freezer safe jars anywhere. Where do you get them?
Do you use the 32 oz jars per recipe or per serving? If per serving,would the 16 oz jars be okay?
Hi Wendy,
Yes, we use the 32oz jars to prep an entire recipe (2 servings), so the 16oz jars should be a great option if you’re only wanting to prepare 1 serving!
Cheers 🙂
Hi Chris,
Kerr makes great 32oz freezer safe wide-mouthed jars! I love picking mine up from Sam’s Club.
My favorite size of mason jars is the 24 oz wide mouth. The sides are completely straight, so the contents slide out even when frozen. And the size works, for me, as a single serving.
Thanks for sharing, Laurel!
I find that if you move the freezer bag out of the freezer and into the fridge the night before, The fruit is a perfect consistency for blending. Also, I do not freeze the greens….how much time does it really take to grab the couple of handfuls from the container!?!
Prepping is the best way to go for anyone on a tight morning schedule (OH, that is pretty much EVERYONE!!!)
Hi Liz,
Thanks for sharing your prepping tips! Cheers to peace, love + leafy greens! 🙂
But you use almond milk in the Meal on the Go Green Smoothie. Do you no longer include almond milk in any of your recipes?
Hi SR,
We love almond milk! We’ve made the personal decision to avoid cow’s milk, but you need to find what works for you!
Cheers 🙂
I started drinking smoothies last summer and was doing great w/ them…then school started and i slacked off. i have a blender that i use and it does fine, but it was taking me too long to make them in the morning. i haven’t looked at your recipe cards and have a base that i always use (almond milk, spinach/kale, greek yogurt, oats, chia/flax seeds, 1/2 a banana) and to that i add about 2 c of various fruits. i was wondering about blending the spinach & milk together and keep it in the fridge?
Hi Amy,
We’ve made the personal decision to not include dairy in our recipes, we’ve talked with a lot of nutritionists and milk isn’t all that it’s been hyped up to be. Therefore, I’m sorry, but I’m not sure how using milk products will effect storing your smoothies!
What size are the canning jars?
Nevermind, I read it again, lol
Hi Meech,
Just in case, we love using the 20oz wide mouth freezer safe mason jars, as they are perfect for prepping! But any freezer safe jar or freezer bag will work!
Cheers!
If you buy frozen fruits from the store, do you need to wash them before use?
Hi Lindsay,
Frozen fruit from the grocery store should have already been washed prior to packaging by the company, so you’re all set to just go ahead and blend!
I am joining today. Instead of a blender can I use my nutribullet?
Hi Regina,
Yes! We love the Nutribullet blender, especially when we travel!
Can the jars that spaghetti sauce comes in be used instead of the mason jars?
Hi Mike,
Of course! That’s one of our favorite tips and money savers!
Hi there tried the Orange Julius so far I was brave and doubled recipe to save a little time with blending. Not sure if it’s the Almond milk I will need to develope a taste for but im looking forward to trying different smoothies. I was adding 3-4 different fruits with spinach kale and arugulal
Hi Kathy,
Our recipes are here to inspire you, so don’t feel like you need to follow them to a T. If you’re not a fan of almond milk, swap it out for another liquid base. Here are some of our favorites:
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/dairy-free-smoothies
Do I need to pick the stems off the spinach?
Hi Kathryn,
We love to blend ALL of the spinach, stems + all!