Prepping Smoothie Cubes Is a Time-Saving Hack for Enjoying a Healthy and Creamy Sip: 4 Flavor Ideas
All you need is five minutes and your favorite add-ins to create a batch of smoothie cubes for busy mornings
I wish I could say that I’m a morning smoothie kind of gal. But, I don’t always want to go through the hassle of prepping the drink and then cleaning my blender early in the day. Luckily, I found the hack to making smoothies in advance so they’re ready to enjoy at any time: smoothie cubes. These cubes are made by pouring the blended drink into an ice cube tray and freezing it until solid. When you’re craving a smoothie, simply pop the cubes into a glass where they’ll melt into a creamy drink. It’s the ultimate time-saving trick for sipping delicious smoothies even during busy mornings. Here’s how to make smoothie cubes using your favorite mix of fruits, vegetables and other add-ins.
What are smoothie cubes?
Smoothie cubes are simply frozen squares of a blended smoothie. These days, the freezer aisle sells smoothie cubes in a variety of flavors. However, these store-bought options can be pricey — sometimes costing nearly $10 for a 10-ounce bag that produces up to four smoothies. Making them at home is the cheaper alternative that allows you to customize the ingredients. Also, this process takes just five minutes before it’s time to freeze the cubes.
The health benefits of homemade smoothie cubes
The fruits and veggies in homemade smoothie cubes can provide a nice dose of fiber for gut and digestive health along with antioxidants that protect your body against illnesses and chronic diseases. Furthermore, Megan Maisano, MS, RDN, director of nutrition and regulatory affairs at the National Dairy Council, notes the importance of adding protein to the smoothie base. “For a more well-rounded recipe, choose a liquid base that provides protein like dairy milk, lactose-free dairy milk, kefir or fortified soy beverage for those with a dairy protein allergy,” she says. “You can also boost protein content with extra add-ins like Greek yogurt, seeds, nut butter or whey protein powder. This will help you stay fuller longer and prevent a sugar crash.” Ultimately, having a stash of DIY smoothie cubes means you’ll savor this nutrient-packed drink with no additives or preservatives!
How long do smoothie cubes last?
The best part about smoothie cubes is that they last two to three months stored in the freezer. Once the cubes are frozen solid, you can keep them in the tray. Or, transfer them to an airtight container for grab and go convenience — which is a great back to school meal prep option.
A simple recipe for frozen smoothie cubes
In 2017, Buzzfeed teamed up with American Express to showcase how to make smoothie cubes in four different flavors. You won’t be disappointed by any of these ideas as they all produce creamy and filling smoothies.
Smoothie Cubes
Ingredients:
Green:
- 1½ cups kale, stem removed
- 1 banana
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup almond or oat milk
Tropical:
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 cup fresh mango chunks
- ½ cup coconut water
- ½ cup diced carrot
Berry Beet:
- 1 cup raspberries
- ½ cup cooked red beets, diced
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cup almond or oat milk
- 1 tsp. honey
Berry Blue:
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 banana
- 1 cup almond or oat milk
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
Directions:
- Yield: Each recipe makes 1 serving
- Add smoothie ingredients to high-powered blender and blend on high until fully combined.
- Pour into ice cube tray and cover with lid (if desired). Play tray into freezer and freeze until solid.
- To enjoy smoothie, place cubes into glass or to-go cup. Allow cubes to melt as they’ll gradually form your smoothie. Sip and enjoy!
- Note: Feel free to increase measurements of ingredients to make smoothies for a few days or the entire week.
Keep reading for more refreshing drink recipes!
This Frozen Mangonada Drink Is Pure Tropical Bliss: Sweet, Spicy + Easy to Make in 10 Minutes
Copycat Shamrock Shake Recipe Is the Perfect Minty, Creamy Sip + It’s Dairy-Free!
Brazilian Lemonade Puts a Creamy Spin on the Classic Drink: Easy 5-Ingredient Recipe
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