1) Prep ahead
In general, smoothies keep longer than juice, so go ahead and make two to three servings at once, then cover and store in the fridge. Come morning, simply shake and pour. Want to use fresh produce before it goes bad? Batch out several days’ worth of smoothie ingredients in individual plastic baggies, freeze, and blend when you’re ready.
2) Sneak in some health
Smoothies offer the perfect opportunity to blend in veggies and fruits your kids might otherwise refuse, like spinach, kale or cauliflower. We suggest choosing a milk or milk alternative, a fruit (such as a banana or a handful of strawberries), and a vegetable. Blend with ice, and you’re all set.
3) Top it off
Toppings give smoothies an extra layer of flavor and texture. Coconut flakes, slivered almonds, hemp seeds, cacao nibs—really anything that sounds good to you or your little ones.
Looking for recipes a little less expected than the usual strawberry-and-banana combo? Here are a few of our favorites.
Watermelon Lime Smoothie
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups cubed watermelon
- 1 Tablespoon lime juice
- 1 cup frozen strawberries
- 2 Tablespoons honey
- 4–5 ice cubes
Directions
- Combine all ingredients into blender.
- Blend and serve.
Orange Creamsicle Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 frozen banana, sliced and peeled
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup orange juice
- ¾ cup Greek vanilla yogurt
- 1 orange, peeled and sliced
Directions
- On high, blend the banana, juice and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add yogurt and OJ.
- Blend until combined.
Oat Milk Fruit Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 3/4 cup oat milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 ripe bananas, frozen and quartered
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, frozen and halved
- 1/4 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 1/4 cup hemp seeds (optional)
- Fresh berries, for topping
Directions
- Add all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.
- If smoothie appears too thick, add an additional splash of orange juice.
- Transfer to serving glass.
- Top with fresh berries.
Ready to smoothie? Whip up the recipe of your choice in a compact blender that portions servings into four (included) cups. For recipes that call for whole fruit, we recommend a high-power blender that makes quick work of everything from frozen bananas to apple slices. No counter space? No problem. Try a handheld option that’s easy to clean and stows away in seconds.
