How to Meal Prep Smoothies
Updated: Mar. 01, 2021
When you're in a time crunch, meal prep smoothies are a lifesaver. Learn how to make these no-fuss drinks in advance!
Life can get hectic. We all have those weeks when the only way to make it through the day is with a drink in hand. (No…not that kind of drink!) I’m talking about cool, quick, refreshing smoothie recipes. Smoothies are an easy way to pack in a speedy and nutritious breakfast before you take on the day. And when you really want to put your morning routine into hyperdrive, a little prep work in advance can make this easy meal even easier.
Can you make smoothies ahead of time?
Yes! And it’s super simple. You’ll only need to set aside about 30 minutes to meal prep smoothies for the entire week. Before you begin, stock up on fruit and all of your favorite smoothie toppings. (Looking at you, chia seeds!)
How to Meal Prep Smoothies
Step 1: Grab a few zip-top bags
Set aside time on a Sunday afternoon to make individual smoothie packs. To get started, grab a pack of sandwich-sized resealable plastic bags that are freezer-safe.
Editor’s Tip: I like to label each with the type of fruit and date. This keeps the freezer organized and, more importantly, keeps me from playing the guessing game with food expiration dates. Psst! Here’s how long fresh produce really lasts.
Step 2: Load in fresh produce
Next, load in your favorite fruits and vegetables. Berries, bananas and stone fruit are freezer-friendly and taste great in smoothies, but don’t be afraid to experiment with greens like spinach, too. (Here’s a complete list of summer produce you can freeze.) I like to measure a cup of each fruit and place in the freezer bags. Of course, you can buy already-frozen fruit and use that in your individual bags, too.
Step 3: Freeze
Place each carefully labeled bag in the freezer and give yourself a pat on the back. You’ve got breakfast (or a healthy snack) for the entire week! Looking for more breakfast inspiration? Explore our most surprising smoothie add-ins.
Step 4: Add liquid and blend
When ready to enjoy your smoothie, just grab a fruity freezer pack and dump it in the blender. Add a cup or so of your favorite juice, yogurt or milk, and blend. Simply pour your finished smoothie into a travel mug or mason jar—and go!
Editor’s Tip: Control the consistency of your smoothie by adding more or less liquid. Extra juice or milk will give your drink a straw-friendly consistency.
5 Make-Ahead Smoothie Recipes
Need some recipe ideas? Try one of these tasty smoothie blends!
1. Berry Smoothie
Place in a make-ahead freezer bag:
- 1 cup unsweetened strawberries
- 1 cup unsweetened raspberries
Add to the blender to prepare:
- 1 cup milk
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 cup ice
2. Nutty Banana
Place in a make-ahead freezer bag:
- 1 banana
Add to the blender to prepare:
- 1 cup vanilla yogurt
- 1 cup coconut water
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
3. Peaches & Cream
Place in a make-ahead freezer bag:
- 2 cups peaches
Add to the blender to prepare:
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon honey
- a splash of vanilla extract
- dash of cinnamon
4. Orange Cooler
Place in a make-ahead freezer bag:
- 1 cup pineapple
- 1 banana
Add to the blender to prepare:
- 1 cup orange juice
Editor’s Tip: For an extra kick of flavor add a dash of turmeric.
5. Cafe Frappe
Place in a make-ahead freezer bag:
- 4-6 cubes frozen coffee
Add to the blender to prepare:
- 1 cup vanilla yogurt
- 1/2 cup milk or your favorite flavored coffee creamer
- 1 tablespoon caramel sauce
- Splash of vanilla
Editor’s Tip: For frozen coffee, I like to pour my leftover, room temperature coffee into ice cube trays and freeze for later use.
For more quick and easy breakfast ideas, check out these make-ahead breakfast casserole recipes.
Ultimate Breakfast Burritos
I recently started eating healthier foods, and this is one of my favorite items for breakfast. The peppery eggs and crunchy veggies are sure to wake you up.—Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia
Overnight Oatmeal
Start this breakfast the night before so you can get some extra sleep in the morning. My husband adds coconut to his, and I stir in dried fruit. —June Thomas, Chesterton, Indiana
Lemon Chia Seed Parfaits
These bright and tangy parfaits start the day on a healthy note, but they're also sweet enough to double as dessert. —Crystal Schlueter, Babbitt, Minnesota
Hash Brown Quiche Cups
Quiche cups are my showstopper potluck dish. Hash browns and Asiago cheese make up the crusts. Eggs, spinach and bacon do the rest. —Nicole Stone, Gilbertville, Iowa
Yogurt & Honey Fruit Cups
This tasty combo of fresh fruit and creamy orange-kissed yogurt is guaranteed to disappear fast from your breakfast table. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Almond-Chai Granola
Whether you snack on it by the handful or eat it with milk or yogurt, you’ll be happy that you found this granola recipe. —Rachel Preus, Marshall, Michigan
Microwave Egg Sandwich
If you're looking for a grab-and-go breakfast for busy days, this high-protein sandwich is low in fat and keeps me full all morning. Plus, it's only about 200 calories! —Brenda Otto, Reedsburg, Wisconsin
Get-Up-and-Go Granola
My family loves to have this soul-warming granola before hiking, biking or even when camping. It smells delicious while baking up and you can easily make in large batches for special occasions or to send in gift packages to family and friends. —Sabrina Olson, Otsego, Minnesota
Overnight Maple Oatmeal
I tasted muesli on a trip to Switzerland, and when I came home, I made it my way. Keep things interesting (and avoid midmorning munchies) by adding different fruits and nuts every day. —Maddie Kirk, Springfield, Pennsylvania
Rhubarb Compote with Yogurt & Almonds
My Grandma Dot used to make rhubarb compote and always had some in the freezer when I came to visit. This breakfast is a tribute to her. No two stalks of rhubarb are exactly alike, so make sure to taste the compote before you chill it. It should be tart, but sometimes it needs a little extra sugar. —Michael Hoffman, Brooklyn, New York
Ham Muffinwiches
I concocted this fun recipe when looking for something to pack for lunch. I had leftover ham but no bread, so I got creative with cornbread mix. They freeze well and are handy for an on-the-go breakfast or lunch. —Jenny Wiebe, Villa Hills, Kentucky
Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
This recipe for apple cinnamon overnight oats couldn't be easier to make. Prep takes only five minutes! —Sarah Farmer, Taste of Home Executive Culinary Director
New Mexico Green Chile Breakfast Burritos
Back when I lived in the Southwest, we wrapped everything up in a tortilla. Breakfast burritos in every possible combination are very popular in New Mexico. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
Waffle Sandwich
Breakfast for lunch or dinner? Why not, when the recipe's this easy! I like to serve it with some crisp, juicy sweet apples. Sometimes I add raisins and nuts to the filling of the waffle sandwich for sweetness and crunch. —Michele McHenry, Bellingham, Washington
Cranberry-Walnut Oatmeal
My family loves cranberries but we can get them fresh only during the holiday season. This recipe lets us enjoy the tartness of cranberry with the comfort of oatmeal all-year long. —Teena Petrus, Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Rise and Shine Parfait
Start your day with a smile. This fruit, yogurt and granola parfait is so easy to make. If you like, use whatever favorite fresh fruits are in season and are looking best at the supermarket. —Diana Laskaris, Chicago, Illinois
Italian Sausage Breakfast Wraps
My husband leaves for work at 4 a.m., and I want him to have a healthy breakfast to start the day. I usually make half a dozen of these on Sunday and keep them in the fridge so he can grab one and go. —Dauna Harwood, Union, Michigan
Pigs in a Pool
My kids love sausages and pancakes but making them during the week was out of the question. I bought the frozen variety on a stick but wasn't keen on the calories, additives or price. This version of pigs-in-a-blanket is a tasty, thrifty alternative. —Lisa Dodd, Greenville, South Carolina
Blueberry Cantaloupe Salad
The simple citrus and poppy seed dressing in this fruit medley really dresses up the refreshing mix of berries and melon. —R. Jean Rand, Edina, Minnesota
Maple Apple Baked Oatmeal
I've tried a number of different types of fruit for this recipe, but apple seems to be my family's favorite. I mix the dry and wet ingredients in separate bowls the night before and combine them the next morning when it's time to make breakfast.—Megan Brooks, Saint Lazare, Quebec.
Feta Scrambled Egg Wraps
My daughter jokes that I am so predictable when it comes to dining out. I always order chicken souvlaki. So I thought, why not incorporate my favorite Greek dish into a breakfast wrap? It's healthy, tasty and easy to make.—Mary Jo Kempf, West Seneca, New York
English Muffin Egg Sandwiches
You can't beat the delicious combination of mushrooms, onions, peppers and cream cheese! Leave out the red pepper flakes for a less spicy taste.—Amy Lloyd, Madison, Wisconsin.
Sausage and Egg Pizza
I love breakfast pizza, but not all the fat and calories that go along with it. My lighter version gives you a big energy boost whether you eat it at brunch, dinner or somewhere in between. —Vicki Meyers, Castalia, Ohio
Sausage-Egg Burritos
My husband and I try to eat healthy, but finding new meals for breakfast is a challenge. By adding tomatoes, spinach and garlic to traditional eggs and egg whites, we can have a dish that is both light and satisfying.—Wendy G. Ball, Battle Creek, Michigan.
Southwest Breakfast Wraps
I always thought eating healthy wouldn't be as enjoyable as eating whatever I wanted. This recipe proved me wrong; healthy ingredients taste wonderful and are just as mouthwatering without the extra calories. —Nicole Hackley, Culbertson, Montana
Garlic-Herb Mini Quiches
Looking for a wonderful way to impress guests? You’ve got it—and you need only five ingredients to make these tasty apps! —Josephine Piro, Easton, Pennsylvania
Slow-Cooker Honey Granola
It's so simple to put this granola together, and it really helps with breakfast on busy mornings. Change up the fruits to fit your preferences or the seasons. —Arisa Cupp, Warren, Oregon
Fruit-Filled French Toast Wraps
Here’s my go-to whenever we have brunch guests. If I have extra berries, I just make a fruit salad for later. —Dawn Jarvis, Breckenridge, Minnesota
