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Letโs be honest: some mornings youโre lucky if you remember to put on deodorant, let alone whip up a fresh and nourishing green smoothie from scratch. Thatโs why frozen meal prep smoothie packs are my secret weapon. Iโm 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 doesnโt?), follow along. Your future self is gonna love you for this!
Benefits of Meal Prep Smoothies
Smoothie prep doesnโt have to be complicated or chaotic. All you need are a few toolsโmeasuring 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 youโre 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 laterโbecause letโs be real, you wonโt remember.
- Smoothie prep packs save you a ton of time. No more chopping, measuring, or searching your fridge for ingredients every morningโjust 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 Samโs 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 donโt have to think about what to make each day or worry about having all the ingredients on hand. Just grab, blend, and youโre good to go.
- And finally, they make it easier to stick with healthy habits. When something is convenient, youโre 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 belowโ 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 ยฝ cups pineapple
- 2 cups strawberries
Instructions
- Slice or cut fruit into chunks.ย 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.ย
- Remove as much air as possible from bags and jars when sealing closed. Packย 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.ย
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 donโt prep my smoothies, I either skip them completely or end up with a waffle in the toasterโฆ or driving through Starbucks for an overpriced breakfast. Thatโs why I swear by smoothie prep. Itโs one big mess, one timeโand then the rest of the week, Iโve 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 itโs “Mango Spinach Smoothie” or “Best Green Smoothie.”
- Set a time that works for you. Donโt stress if itโs not Sunday. Monday night, Friday morning, whateverโjust 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 meโyouโll never regret having a freezer full of grab-and-blend options when life gets chaotic.
Costco Frozen Smoothie Packs Demo
If youโve 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 4โ6 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 5โ10 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-friendlyโpick 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, itโs minimalโand way better than tossing wilted greens.
Hi!
Can you tell me the size of those mason jars used in the pictures above? How many oz do they hold?
Thanks!
Hi Laura,
Great question! The jars pictured above are Kerr’s 32oz freezer safe mason jars. They’re perfect for prepping as they fit two servings perfectly!
Cheers ๐
Thank you!! ๐
You’re so welcome, Laura!
Can you substitute raw Brussel Sprouts for some of the greens? or should they be cooked?
Also wanted to say I am starting today with this next step in my Lifestyle change. This seems like a great way to add some veggies for the nutritional value.
Hi Thisbpie,
We’re so excited to have you blendin’ with us! We love experimenting with new vegetables, brussel sprouts sound like a great addition. We suggest trying raw + cooked, and start small initially, then add more as you enjoy the added flavor!
Cheers ๐
Hi. I was wondering if anyone ever tried freezing the smoothie in the actual blender bottle with the little blender ball already in it? I make 5-6 smoothies every night for five people in the morning and usually just put them in the fridge. It would be so much easier to make enough for at least 3 days and freeze them. Do you think they would be okay since the blender bottles are not air tight like a freezer bag? Thanks in advance for any tips!
Hi Jeannie,
Great question! Blending + freezing green smoothies is a great way to make enjoying your green smoothies even easier! We suggest freezing in an airtight container like a Ziploc or freezer-safe mason jar…but it’s worth a try! Try one out + see how it works for you.
Cheers ๐
Hi!
I am not crazy about kale. Can I substitute spinach for it? Any suggestions on how to use kale to get used to the taste?
Hi Beth,
Not a fan of kale, no worries, substitute spinach or another leafy green you enjoy more! Or reach for baby kale, it has a mild flavor, but is still packed with the same nutrients as mature kale.
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/leafy-greens
Hope this helps!
I LOVE these smoothies and got my husband hooked. We decided we wanted to lose some weight and get healthier so we have a delicious green smoothie with a protein every evening for supper and it’s working! Our kids love the smoothies too and I have even shared some recipes with my mother and sister and sent them your link so they can get on board for the next 30 day challenge. Thanks for the awesome recipes! Cannot wait for the book to come out!!
Hi Kristine,
YAY! We’re so excited to have your whole family blendin’ with us. What a great way to ensure your family is getting tons of nutrients, vitamins, + green goodness!
Sending lots of love and leafy greens your way.
Cheers ๐
My question is “Chia seeds”. Will they be beneficial in the blender cuz aren’t they suppose to soak a bit b4 you use them? Thanks you gals are great
Hi Ellie,
We love blendin’ with chia seeds! They’re perfect pre-soaked, blended in, or sprinkled on top! Either method, you’ll be reaping their nutritional benefits!
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/pumpkin-chia-pudding
Hi ๐
I have a quick question about the he quantity of greens… when the recipe call for 2 cups let’s say, should it be tightly or loosely packed? Or is that really more of a preference?
Thanks so much!
Hi Jenn,
Great question! We prefer to pack our leafy greens when measuring them, but then again, we can’t get enough!!
Cheers ๐
what is actually in the 21 day challenge or is it 31? I see its a cleanse. I’m living in Paris, France till the first week in September. I would like to get back to a healthy “me” as I have been really enjoying the delicious food here and though is not unhealthy too much of anything isn’t great. Thanks, Miquella
Hi Elsa,
I have a sweet tooth, and couldn’t image the willpower it would take walking the streets of France with the smell of fresh pastries in the air. Interested in learning more about our FreshStart21 Cleanse…Our resident holistic nutritionist, Meg Thompson, recommends making cleansing a regular part of your health care regime to recharge and reset your body. Your body will love you for it!
Cleanse your body with vegan friendly, detoxing recipes!
Learn more by trying our Free 1-Day Cleanse Kit here…
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/
If slicing bananas ahead of time & placing in glass jars……won’t the banana pieces turn brown ?
Hi Elizabeth,
Great question! Yes, the bananas will brown, but they will taste delicious + their nutritional value will still be there! Want to try and prevent browning, coat your banana slices in lemon juice prior to freezing!
Hope this helps!
Hi there, i just have a question about the freezing process.. I froze some kale (in a ziploc bag) and 3 days later is smelled/tasted terrible! What did i do wrong??
Hi Melissa,
Oh no! Any chance your kale was past its prime prior to freezing? If your kale was fresh, make sure you dry your kale prior to placing it in the freezer. Any additional moisture can cause the kale to wilt, leaving your leaves soggy, instead of delicious!
I love your website too, and the BEST suggestion is to blend liquid with greens first. I have a simple drink blender, just 1 high and 1 low speed, and do not have a problem with chunks. I also blend after each added ingredient. So good!
Hi Mb,
Thank you so much for reaching out + blending with us! We love hearing from our community, so thank you for taking the time to let us know how our tips are working for you!
Cheers ๐
I’m fairly new to using greens in my smoothies, but excited to start trying your recipes. I love kale, so started with that (curly kale). I use a nutribullet, but it’s leaving little chewy bits of kale. Any suggestions for getting a smoother consistency?
Hi Chris,
We’re so excited to have you blendin’ with us, thanks for reaching out! I just picked up a NutriBullet this week, and I absolutely love it! To help breakdown your leafy greens, we suggest blending your leafy greens + liquid base first, then add your remaining ingredients. Adding at least one frozen fruit will help breakdown any remaining pieces, as well. Hope these tips help, reach back out + let us know how these tips work for you!
Cheers ๐
I use a magic bullet for my smoothies. I think I can freeze all the ingredients in those plastic jars ahead of time, just like mason jars?
And why not add all ingredients, including almond milk before freezing?
My favorite recipe is 1 C greens (chard and kale), 1 C unsweetened vanilla almond milk, half a banana, 1 C of blueberries, 1 T Chia Seeds, 1 T whey protein and 1 T fresh ground peanut butter. I add a little agave nectar to sweeten it a bit.
I would think the above would be fine to layer in a container ahead of time?
Hi Jamie,
Great questions! Using your magic bullet containers (which are freezer safe!) sounds like a great idea, and will make prepping just that much easier! We suggest waiting to add your liquid base until you’re ready to blend, you need that liquid to help your blender breakdown all of the frozen fruit + leafy greens!
And your favorite recipe looks perfect! Just hold off on the almond milk when prepping your smoothies!
Hi just purchased the July recipe cards and noticed that the cards are only for 5 days and not 7. Do I do them Monday to Friday with the weekend off? Also can you freeze the leafy greens in the same bags as the fruits?
Thanks in advance
Davey
Hi David,
Great questions! We share five recipes for each week + then use our weekend’s as “free days” – they’re perfect for finishing up any remaining ingredients from our shopping list, or re-blending our favorites from that week!
And yes, leafy greens freeze great! Include them while prepping your smoothies!
Happy Blending!
Since when is almond milk considered dairy?
Hi Tomeka,
Almond milk is a great non-dairy milk option!
Can you freeze raw leafy greens or do you need to steam or blanch them first? I always hear mixed responses it gets confusing what you can & can’t do!!!
Hi Corrina,
Great question! We love freezing our leafy greens raw. It’s perfect for preserving their fresh nutritional value! Learn more about freezing your leafy greens here…
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/how-to-freeze-spinach