How far in advance can you make a smoothie?
Smoothies make for a quick, nutritious breakfast or snack. They’re packed with fruits, vegetables, protein, fiber and other nutrients. Many people enjoy starting their day with a refreshing smoothie. But can you make smoothies ahead of time, or do they need to be enjoyed right away? Here’s what you need to know about making smoothies in advance.
How Long Do Smoothies Last in the Fridge?
The shelf life of a smoothie depends on a few factors:
- Ingredients used
- Storage container
- Storage temperature
In general, a smoothie stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator will last for:
- 24 hours: Smoothies with dairy products like yogurt, milk or cheese will go bad after a day.
- 3 days: Fruit- and vegetable-based smoothies without dairy will last 2-3 days.
- 5 days: Green smoothies without fruit or dairy can last up to 5 days.
The more acidic ingredients like citrus fruits and the more perishable ingredients like dairy and leafy greens, the shorter the shelf life. On the other hand, smoothies made with just frozen fruit and liquid can last a bit longer.
How to Make Smoothies in Advance
Here are some tips for making smoothies ahead of time so you can enjoy them later:
- Prep smoothie ingredients in advance. Wash and chop fruits and vegetables and store them in air-tight containers in the refrigerator until needed.
- Measure out any liquid ingredients like milk, yogurt, juice or nut milk and place in air-tight containers in the fridge.
- Portion out any powders or supplements like protein powder, greens powder, chia seeds or flaxseeds into small containers or bags.
- Keep frozen ingredients frozen. Don’t thaw fruits or ice cubes until ready to blend.
- When ready to blend, combine the refrigerated ingredients with the frozen ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Transfer the smoothie immediately into an airtight container, leaving 1 inch at the top. Smoothies expand as they freeze.
- Store in the refrigerator. Drink within 24-72 hours depending on the ingredients.
- Give the smoothie a good shake or stir before drinking to recombine any separation.
With some advance prep, you can assemble smoothie ingredients and then blend and enjoy them fresh for the next couple days. The key is keeping frozen ingredients frozen and chilled ingredients chilled before blending.
How to Freeze Smoothies
Freezing is another great way to make smoothies in advance. Here’s how to freeze smoothies for later:
- Start with frozen ingredients. Use frozen fruit and ice cubes or frozen yogurt cubes.
- Blend as usual, pour into an airtight freezer-safe container, leaving 1-2 inches at the top.
- Cover and freeze for up to 6 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before drinking or shake vigorously to mix.
Tips for the best frozen smoothies:
- Don’t freeze smoothies with fresh greens or other perishable produce. The thawed texture will be unappealing.
- Use very ripe or overripe fruits. The texture holds up better when frozen.
- Avoid using bananas or avocado, which turn brown when frozen.
- Include a bit of lemon juice to help maintain color.
- Include high fat and protein ingredients like nut butter, chia seeds, protein powder or yogurt for creaminess.
With the right technique and ingredients, you can stock up on smoothies by freezing a big batch for fast and healthy breakfasts or snacks later on.
How Long Does it Take to Make a Smoothie?
Once you have your ingredients prepped and ready to go, it only takes about 5 minutes to make a smoothie. Here is a typical timeline:
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Add prepared ingredients to blender | 1 minute |
| Blend until smooth | 2 minutes |
| Pour into glass and serve | 1 minute |
| Wash blender | 1 minute |
| Total Time | 5 minutes |
With some prep work like washing and chopping produce done in advance, putting together a fresh and nutritious smoothie only takes about 5 minutes. It’s a great quick breakfast or snack when you’re short on time.
Tips for Making Smoothies in Advance
Follow these tips for enjoying fresh, delicious smoothies even when you make them ahead:
- Store in airtight containers. Use containers designed for freezing to prevent freezer burn.
- Leave room at the top. Smoothies expand as they freeze so don’t fill containers to the brim.
- Label containers. Include ingredients and date to keep track of what’s inside.
- Freeze bananas whole. Bananas turn brown when frozen. Peel and slice just before using.
- Blend well. Make sure there are no chunks of frozen ingredients for best texture.
- Don’t refreeze. Thaw first in the fridge before blending and enjoying.
With proper storage and preparation, you can enjoy delicious fresh-tasting smoothies even when making them 1-2 days ahead. Keep these tips in mind for smoothie success.
Common Smoothie Ingredients and Shelf Life
How long smoothie ingredients last can help determine how far in advance you can prep them. Here is a guide to how long common smoothie ingredients last refrigerated:
| Ingredient | Refrigerator Life |
|---|---|
| Leafy greens (spinach, kale) | 3-5 days |
| Berries (blueberries, strawberries) | 3-6 days |
| Bananas | 5-7 days |
| Chopped fruit (apples, mango) | 5 days |
| Yogurt | 7-10 days |
| Milk | 5-7 days |
| Nut milk | 7-10 days |
| Tofu | 7 days |
When prepping ingredients in advance, store them in air-tight containers and use within the recommended time for safety. Berries, greens and bananas tend to be more perishable than fruits like apples or ingredients like yogurt and nut milks.
Signs a Smoothie Has Gone Bad
How can you tell if your pre-made smoothie is still safe and tasty to drink? Watch out for these signs of spoilage:
- Change in color: Gray, brown or yellow discoloration.
- Clumpy texture: Separation and clumping rather than smooth and creamy.
- Mold growth: Fuzzy or slimy mold anywhere in the smoothie.
- Unpleasant sour smell: A very sour tang that isn’t typical.
- Fizzing or bubbling: Fermentation causes carbonation.
- Off tastes: Strong bitter, sour or unpleasant flavors.
If you notice any of these warning signs when preparing a pre-made smoothie, it’s best to be safe and throw it out. With perishable dairy products and produce, it’s always better to be safe than sorry if there is any doubt.