Make-Ahead Smoothie Packs For Busy Mornings

Your morning routine just got a whole lot healthier and happier. Stock your freezer with individually portioned zip-top bags of smoothie ingredients (such as berries, bananas, and greens), then add to your blender with liquid (such as water, almond or soy milk, or coconut water) for an instant nutrition boost. Not only do you save prep time, the frozen packs will preserve produce that might otherwise spoil in your fridge or on your counter. Make a variety of packs so you can pick and choose depending on your mood. Homemade smoothies are also a great afterschool snack; let kids help to assemble and label their own packs.

Tip: Pick a smoothie pack from your freezer the night before and let it chill in the refrigerator overnight. The components will thaw just enough for a cohesive blend that will still be satisfyingly thick and cold. This is also recommended if you don’t have a high-powered blender.

1 cup spinach
1/2 cup fresh or frozen mango
1/2 cup fresh or frozen pineapple
1 small banana
Liquid: 1 cup water

1 peeled and diced green apple
1 cup spinach
1 tsp. chopped fresh ginger
1/2 cup seedless green grapes
Liquid: 1 cup water, 1 tsp. fresh lime juice

1 cup fresh or frozen mixed berries
1/2 small peeled navel orange
1 Tbsp. fresh mint leaves
Liquid: 1 cup soy milk, 1 tsp. honey

1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
1/2 banana
2 Tbsp. 2% plain Greek yogurt
Liquid: 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, 1 Tbsp. almond butter

1 cup fresh or frozen peaches
1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
Liquid: 1 cup unsweetened almond milk

1 cup stemmed kale
1 cup fresh or frozen pineapple
1 small banana
Liquid: 1 cup coconut water

1 cup fresh or frozen mango
1 small peeled navel orange
1/4 cup 2% plain Greek yogurt
Liquid: 1 cup soy milk

1 cup stemmed kale
1 cup fresh or frozen mixed berries
1 small peeled cooked red beet, diced (or ½ cup frozen cherries)
1 cup soy milk