Making smoothies at home is a great way to get more fruits and vegetables into your diet. Blending up fresh or frozen produce into a cold, creamy beverage is easy and delicious. But after you’ve made your smoothie, what is the best way to store any leftovers for later?
Can You Freeze a Smoothie in a Glass?
If you have leftover smoothie, freezing it for later is a smart idea. This locks in the flavor and nutrients. However, you do need to take some precautions when freezing smoothies in glass containers.
Glass is safe for use in the freezer – but only if you choose an appropriate type of glass. Regular drinking glasses are not suitable for freezing because they can easily crack or shatter. This is because the liquid inside expands as it freezes, putting pressure on the rigid glass walls.
Instead, you’ll want to use a glass jar or bottle specifically designed for freezing. Look for glass containers labeled “freezer safe” or “safe for frozen foods.” Mason jars are a popular option, as are some juice and milk bottles. The glass for these containers is tempered to withstand freezing temperatures without breaking.
When freezing a smoothie in any glass jar, be sure to leave at least 1 inch of headspace at the top. This allows room for expansion as the contents freeze solid. If you overfill, you risk cracking the glass. It’s also important not to put a hot smoothie directly into the glass container. Allow it to cool first so you don’t thermal shock the glass.
Should You Freeze Smoothies in Plastic?
Freezing smoothies in plastic containers or bags is another option. This has a few advantages over glass:
- Plastic is flexible, so it won’t crack from expansion.
- Lightweight plastic takes up less space in the freezer.
- Plastic lids provide an airtight seal to prevent freezer burn.
- Some plastics are impact-resistant in case of drops.
However, not all plastics are well-suited to freezing. You’ll need to select BPA-free plastic designed for the freezer. Good options include:
- Freezer bags – Look for heavy-duty bags made to hold up in sub-zero temps without getting brittle.
- Plastic containers with tight-fitting lids – Choose rigid plastic like polyethylene or polypropylene.
- Ice cube trays – Flexible silicone trays work great.
Avoid cheaper plastic containers and flimsy plastic bags that can easily crack. Don’t reuse yogurt or cottage cheese tubs – these aren’t built for freezing.
How Long Does a Smoothie Last in the Freezer?
The shelf life of a frozen smoothie depends on a few factors:
- Ingredients – Smoothies with dairy products like yogurt, milk or cheese will keep for 2-3 months. Fruit- and veggie-based smoothies last 4-6 months.
- Storage method – Airtight containers preserve smoothies longer than porous bags.
- Freezer temperature – Colder freezers around 0°F extend shelf life. Keep freezer full for optimal temp.
For best quality and nutrition retention, drink frozen smoothies within 4-6 months. Portion into single-servings before freezing so you aren’t repeatedly thawing and refreezing. Thaw in the fridge overnight before drinking.
Smoothie Freezing Tips
Follow these tips for successfully freezing and storing smoothies:
- Make sure smoothie is completely cooled before freezing.
- Fill containers 3/4 full to leave room for expansion.
- Exclude carbonated beverages which can explode.
- Leave 1/2 inch of headspace in glass to prevent cracking.
- Label bags or containers with contents and date.
- Squeeze out excess air before sealing bags.
- Store in back of freezer where temp is most stable.
- Avoid storing longer than 6 months for best quality.
Choosing the Best Containers for Freezing Smoothies
Picking the right freezer storage containers for smoothies helps maintain flavor and texture. Here are some good options:
| Container | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Glass jars or bottles | Reusable, environmentally friendly | Risk of cracking if overfilled, heavy |
| Plastic tubs or bags | Lightweight, flexible, stack efficiently | Can absorb odors, not as durable |
| Silicone molds | Easy to pop out frozen cubes | Smaller portions, have to transfer from pouch |
| Ice cube trays | Convenient portions, reusable | Have to transfer from tray to storage |
Glass jars and freezer bags are simple, versatile options for freezing smoothies. Match the container size to the portion of smoothie you plan to thaw and drink at once. Small silicone molds or ice cube trays are great for popping out single servings.
Smoothie Recipes Ideal for Freezing
Almost any smoothie can be frozen, but some ingredients hold up better than others. Here are some of the best smoothie recipes for freezing:
All Fruit Smoothies
These fruit-based smoothies retain their flavor and texture beautifully when frozen:
- Strawberry banana
- Mixed berry medley
- Tropical mango pineapple
- Cherry peach
- Pomegranate blueberry
Green Smoothies
Leafy greens stay fresh-tasting when frozen in smoothies like:
- Spinach kale apple
- Kale pineapple coconut
- Chard lemon ginger
- Collard greens peach mango
Vegetable Smoothies
These veggie-packed smoothies freeze extremely well:
- Carrot apple ginger
- Sweet potato cinnamon
- Pumpkin banana
- Beet berry
Protein Smoothies
Boost the nutrition in your smoothies by adding protein powders and frozen fruits:
- Chocolate peanut butter banana protein smoothie
- Vanilla almond strawberries and cream smoothie
- Chai spice protein smoothie with frozen banana
Conclusion
Freezing smoothies in glass jars or plastic containers lets you make a big batch and enjoy later. Use freezer-safe glass and leave headspace. Label bags and containers with contents and date. Store smoothies 6 months maximum for best quality. Fruit, greens, and protein smoothies freeze especially well. With the right prep and storage, you can enjoy delicious homemade smoothies without the hassle.
