Sometimes, you just need to make ’em fast! Cut down on your smoothie-making time with these perfectly portioned packets.
BY: EMILY HOLDORF, RDN
I love finding ways to cut down on time in the kitchen. Don’t get me wrong, I love to cook and bake, but sometimes I just want food, fast.
Smoothies are an awesome snack or light breakfast option when made with a nice balance of carbs, protein, and fat. I love blending up my favorite fruits in the afternoon to get me to dinner. We already know that smoothies are super fast and a great on-the-go option, but let’s make them even speedier!
Introducing: freezer smoothie packets!
Whenever you’re craving a frosty beverage, dump the bag in your blender, add a little liquid, a few additional flavors…and blend it up! These smoothie packets are perfect pre-portioned baggies, which cuts the prep time to almost 0 minutes! It doesn’t get any easier than that!
By storing a variety of flavors in your freezer, you can can mix it up and never get bored with your options. Here is your perfect smoothie packet formula:
1. Frozen banana
Frozen bananas add a creamy consistency and naturally sweetens your smoothie up. Bananas are great to add because it acts as a great natural sweetener to your smoothie. Depending on how much banana flavor you want, add ½ or a full banana.
2. ½ cup to 1 cup frozen fruits
If you used a full banana, I suggest using ½ cup of frozen fruits. If you went with ½ a banana, then go with 1 cup frozen fruits. This will give you the perfect fruit : liquid ratio.
3. Extras
There are plenty of extra items that you can throw in your smoothie packet while you keep it in the freezer. Try coconut flakes, ground flaxseed, chia seeds, baby spinach, or other flavorings that can also be freezed.
4. Label
Write the name of your smoothie on the baggie, stick it in the freezer, and you’re good to go!
Once you’re ready to blend up a smoothie, all you have to do is add your liquid and add-ins:
1 CUP LIQUID
1% milk is my liquid of choice for smoothies, but you can use whatever you prefer. Nut milks or soy milks are also great options, as well as 100% juices if used in moderation.
ADD-INS
The add-ins are where you can go wild and dress up your smoothie to make it a more substantial snack or meal. Here are a few ideas:
- Some non-freezable add-ins you may enjoy are spoonfuls of nut butters to add protein and healthy fats, plus delicious flavor.
- A drizzle of molasses makes every smoothie basically taste like a cookie.
- Add a drizzle of maple syrup or honey if your smoothie needs a touch of sweetness.
- Spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom add great flavor without adding sugar to the mix.
- Cocoa powder is a great option to add some chocolate flavor.
Blend and enjoy!
Emily Holdorf, RDN is a Scranton, PA-based private practice dietitian on a mission to empower others to live a healthier, happier life. By emphasizing a non-diet approach to eating, Emily helps individuals form a better relationship with food by focusing on why there’s room for every food in moderation. Find out more about about Emily at EmPowered Nutrition.