Skip to Content

Is it OK to make smoothie the night before?

Smoothies make for a quick, nutritious breakfast or snack. Many health-conscious people like to whip up a smoothie to enjoy first thing in the morning. However, mornings can be hectic. An appealing solution is to prepare smoothies the night before.

The Benefits of Making Ahead

Preparing smoothies in advance offers several advantages:

  • Saves time in the morning when you’re rushed
  • Allows you to stick to a healthy routine even on busy days
  • Lets you make a larger batch to last for several days
  • Gives you a convenient on-the-go breakfast or snack

So if you want to gain back some time in your morning routine, making smoothies the night before could be an effective strategy.

Potential Downsides

However, there are a few potential downsides to keep in mind:

  • Ingredients may separate or sink to the bottom
  • Smoothie texture can become watery
  • Flavors may dull slightly over time
  • Nutrient content may decrease somewhat

The extent of these downsides depends on the specific ingredients in your smoothie. So you’ll need to experiment to see how well your favorite combinations hold up overnight.

Ingredients That Work Best

When it comes to making smoothies in advance, some ingredients maintain their texture and flavor better than others:

Best Ingredients for Overnight Smoothies Ingredients to Avoid
  • Chia seeds
  • Flaxseeds
  • Oats
  • Nut butters
  • Greek yogurt
  • Frozen fruit
  • Leafy greens
  • Carrots
  • Apples
  • Avocado
  • Ice
  • Ice cream
  • Wheatgrass
  • Fresh berries
  • Celery
  • Cucumbers
  • Herbs
  • Ginger

The ingredients on the left hold up better after being refrigerated overnight. The items on the right don’t fare as well.

Tips for Success

Here are some tips to help your pre-made smoothies retain maximum freshness and texture:

  • Use frozen fruits and vegetables rather than fresh
  • Replace ice with chilled coconut water or yogurt
  • Add a bit of lemon or pineapple juice to help prevent browning
  • Store smoothies in an airtight container to minimize oxidation
  • Give the smoothie a good stir in the morning before drinking
  • Drink within 24 hours for best quality and taste

Recipe Ideas

Certain smoothie recipes hold up better overnight than others. Here are some of the best options:

Tropical Overnight Smoothie

  • 1 banana, frozen
  • 1 cup pineapple, frozen
  • 1 cup coconut water
  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds
  • 1 cup spinach
  • 1/4 cup vanilla Greek yogurt

Berry Almond Smoothie

  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 1 cup mixed berries, frozen
  • 2 tablespoons almond butter
  • 1 scoop protein powder
  • 1/2 cup oats
  • 1 tablespoon flaxseed

Green Pineapple Smoothie

  • 1 cup pineapple, frozen
  • 1 banana
  • 1 cup coconut water
  • 1 cup spinach
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds

Feel free to customize these recipes based on your own taste preferences and what ingredients you have on hand.

Should You Make Smoothies Overnight?

Making smoothies ahead of time can be a great morning time-saver and allow you to stick with a healthy routine. However, keep these precautions in mind:

  • Certain ingredients like leafy greens, chia seeds, and frozen fruit hold up best overnight.
  • Avoid ingredients like fresh herbs, ice, and ice cream which don’t fare well.
  • Store your smoothie in an airtight container and give it a good stir before drinking.
  • Drink within 24 hours for optimal freshness.

As long as you follow proper storage and preparation, making smoothies the night before can be a nutritious and convenient strategy for busy mornings. But you’ll want to tweak your recipes over time to determine which ingredient combinations work best after sitting overnight.

With a little testing, you can discover great smoothie recipes that retain their texture, nutrition, and taste when made 12+ hours in advance. So give it a try and find out if overnight smoothies can streamline your morning routine!