I really love smoothies – especially for an afternoon snack.
But I do not like cleaning my blender, easy as it is to do. Other afternoon snacks require no dish washing and therefore always win out.
But lately I’ve realized that like many other meals I make, I should cook blend once, eat twice!
I’ve been making two smoothies at a time and storing one for later. The ingredients so separate a little, but they are very easily remixed with a quick stir.
Simple Very Berry Smoothie
- 1.5 cups frozen berries
- 1 cup 2% milk
- 1 banana
- 2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
Nutrition Facts
For one serving: 206 calories, 35g carbohydrate, 3g fat, 13g protein, 25g sugar, 4g fiber.
This one was breakfast one day with a side of toast.
Two days later (I waited two just to see what would happen!) I had the second. This photo was taken after I stirred the separation back in. I didn’t notice a difference in texture or flavor at all from a fresh smoothie!
So save yourself some dish washing and double up that blending.
Jane @ Not Plain So Jane says
I hate cleaning blenders as well! I would even put it in the freezer and then eat it as a mock italian ice or something the next day for a snack with a spoon 🙂
Lynn @ the actor's diet says
I’m a blender cleaner hater too.
Emily says
I use an immersion blender when I make smoothies. there’s much less to clean up!
KathEats says
How does it do with the frozen fruit? I have yet to try this since buying a new stick blender
emily says
I’ve blended frozen bananas, and berries and have never had a problem.
Alexa says
I’d love to hear how it does with frozen fruit as well.
Also, where did you find those jars? They look good for smoothie storage.
Paula says
Those are canning jars, like Ball or Mason jars and they are usually available by the case of 12 jars at Walmart and some smaller stores. I suppose it depends where you live. I live in a farming community and lots of people garden so we have canning jars available year round in Lowes, Home Depot,Walmart and the little grocery store. We are serious canners here. When I lived in the city I could only find them in the summer when people might be putting up produce.
Ella P says
I have never purchased a canning jar. I re-use nut butter or jam glass jars after washing them properly.
Eco-friendly Ella
efd says
I just tried using my immersion blender for a smoothie over the weekend for the first time. It worked great- although I should have used a bigger container because I had some very berry splash on my counters…
Laura Z says
I broke my emersion blender trying it on frozen berries. I don’t recommend it.
Carla says
Thanks for this post! I’ve subconsciously always had this attitude, too, it appears, and frankly I never really thought about making two at once…and probably would have thought it would turn out poorly. Good to know!
Casey @ thislittlechickpea says
I often make extra to give to my son and leave it in the fridge if he doesn’t drink it all right away, but never thought to make enough for 2 for me!
Grace says
I don’t know if you have any of those reusable pouches for Mazen (we have some and LOVE them), but when I make a green smoothie for myself and my daughter, I’ll fill up a lot of those pouches and pop the extras in the freezer. They make a great healthy snack for a toddler (and much cheaper and healthier than the individual pouches you can buy at the store). I imagine you’d be able to freeze extra smoothies for yourself as well.
Carly @ Snack Therapy says
I have never thought to do that, but it seems like such an easy simple timesaver! I freakin’ hate cleaning the blender, so this would be a fabulous idea for me :).
Emily @ The Swallow Flies says
I love smoothies so much that I’m fine with cleaning the blender at any time of day. 🙂
Amna says
did the frozen aspect of the berries not loose their oomph in the latter smoothie?
KathEats says
I like my smoothies smooth rather than icy so the texture was the same
Lea @ Greens & Coffee Beans says
Do you store your smoothies in the fridge or freezer? Mine always freeze solid in the freezer or turn into a soup-y mess in the fridge.
KathEats says
Fridge!
Lora lee says
Here’s my Pinterest tip that I too need to use: after using, put water and soap in the blender and blend. Then rinse. Genius!
Amanda Cowan says
We make extra and put them in popsicle molds. I use smoothies as a good way to get in some flax and spinach and all those goodies. My kids know that I do this, but since the strong flavors of the berries and yogurt covers up the taste they don’t care. Haha. But it’s awesome to have those smoothie popsicles on hand for snacks. I never thought of doing an extra one for myself though! I’ll have to try it. Did you freeze it and then let it thaw? I have a magic bullet though, and so really, clean up is not so bad. Not that I’d suggest buying one, because other than that I don’t care for it.
Katie says
Good idea! How do you keep your Vitamix so clean? Mine has a film on it and I’ve tried a number of different things to get it off and I still can’t.
KathEats says
I always rinse ASAP. I just put dish soap in it and blend
Lousi says
I do the same thing and still have the film as Katie above. I’m so jealous of how clean and new yours looks!
KathEats says
Maybe it’s an ingredient y’all use? Or maybe I just don’t use mine enough!
Claire @ Live and Love to Eat says
This is why I love my Magic Bullet – you only have to clean the blade and can stick the whole cup in the fridge to save it for later / the next day.
Nina @ Too Hottie For That Body says
I’ve always assumed it would be gross later on. This is perfect for a post workout snack. I was craving a yummy green smoothie for breakfast today but it snowed so oatmeal won out.
Natasha Solvason says
I use a bullet, the clean up is super easy!
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
I never seem to be good at planning ahead like this. I need to get better about it. You’ve definitely encouraged me to try it out though!
Renee F. says
I am the same way, I HATE constantly cleaning the blender. I spend about 1 hour on a Saturday making smoothies for hubby and I for the week. I put them in 8 oz. mason jars with about 1/2″ of head room for expansion and I do not screw the lid all the way down. Once they are frozen by Sunday I screw the lid the rest of the way down and line them up in the freezer. It takes up a little room but it makes it SOOO much easier for the week. I get that 10 extra minutes of sleep. LOL
KathEats says
Brilliant!
Lousi says
Kath,
I love Renee’s idea. My hubby needs a lot of smoothies because he’s a cyclist. We like to put an acidophilus supplement in our smoothies. Would that be OK to freeze, or should we just stir it in later?
Laura Z says
So how long are they out of the freezer before you can eat the smoothie? Do you have to mix them? Are they like slushies? I’m very sensitive to brain freeze.
pam says
I freeze mine in the double insulated glasses with the straws..take one out when I leave for work and they are usually thawed by mid morning..if not, I microwave for 30 seconds and then I have a cold smoothie. I usually make 5 or 6 for the week.
Amanda says
So smart! I actually made my breakfast smoothie last night since my husband is out of town and I had to do double dog duty and needed to save time. Never even considered making two days’ worth at once – duh!
kris says
Totally on a smoothie kick right now – Glad to know that smoothies can made ahead to be put in the fridge and still taste great!
Kelly says
I am getting into smoothies again. This morning I tried some spinach with a banana and it was soooo good! So easy too. I will think about making two at a time from now on!
Deb @ Dietitian Debbie Dishes says
My boyfriend does this same thing! He makes enough smoothie to last all week on Sunday night and keeps it in a pitcher in the fridge. Makes for a super easy on-the-go breakfast!
Mommypage says
We are really into smoothies right now! And we love using almond milk- it is our newest addiction! The easiest way to make it is with the Magic Bullet. It is so easy and quick. We just put the cup in the dishwasher after we are finished!
Molly says
I make my smoothies on the weekend and freeze. Ball Jar makes freezer containers (in 8 oz and 16 oz) and I use these to freeze my smoothies. They are jelly/jam jars for the freezer/fridge, but work well for this! I take out a smoothie at about 7:00 the night before, and put it in the fridge. In the morning, I take it out of the fridge and enjoy! I eat at about 6:30 in the morning and it is thawed enough to enjoy.
Natalie says
Besides a magic bullet and a vitamix, does anyone have a recommendation for a good blender? I’m in the market and would LOVE a vitamix, but its not in the budget right now. I’d love some suggestions! Making smoothies ahead of time would be a great way to save time and energy and drink my breakfast on the way to work!
Natalie
Oystersandpearls.net
Bella says
I second this! My magic bullet is driving me insane and I have to wait on the Vitamix. Suggestions?
Elisabeth says
I do have a Vitamix so I can’t say personally, but I’ve heard the Ninja blender also works great and is less than $100.
Marina says
I thought about getting a Vitamix a few months ago when I started making green smoothies really often, but ended up just using my food processor instead and it works great! I don’t use ice so that’s not a problem, and you can still toss in frozen berries or whatever else you use. It’s nice because you can stick the whole thing in the dishwasher afterwards, and you don’t have to buy a whole new appliance for a specialized task!
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says
I’d always wondered about storing smoothies for later, I was concerned about separation. I’m guessing it’s easy to mix back together and still tastes the same?
Eileen says
Now this is a brilliant idea! Who doesn’t hate dealing with the blender all the time? Making a double batch is such a good way to actually eat (er, drink) more delicious fruit-filled breakfasts.
Heidi G says
What a simple, but great idea. I also hate washing the blender, so I generally put off making smoothies until it’s really warm out and that is the only thing that sounds good to eat.
[email protected] says
Did you freeze it or just keep it in the fridge? I’d imagine it looses it’s thickness and isn’t quite as chilled? I love the thick super freezing chilliness of a fresh smoothie!
Katie @ A Full Plate says
I’ve been thinking of making smoothies the night before so I can quickly have one for breakfast, but wasn’t sure how they’d look/taste. Now I know! The Vitamix is just WAY too loud for me to run at 7 a.m. while my boyfriend is still sleeping.
Lisa @bitesforbabies says
This is my kind of smoothie…just a few simple ingredients yet so tasty! My all-time fave (as simple as it is) is frozen banana, coconut milk and almond butter ;-))
Emily @ Life on Food says
I just like the idea of sticking the extra in a jar and bringing it along to work with the rest of my lunch.
Katie @ Balanced RD says
That looks so good! I don’t drink many smoothies during the winter, but I am more than ready to bust out the blender and start making some!
Jen says
If you don’t want your unused smoothies to go dark in color from the bananas, just add a little lemon juice and it will retain its colour for the next day.
Kirsten Roberts says
Hey Kath,
Thanks for posting the nutritional facts on this recipe. I find it really helpful when you include this information on your recipes as it helps me be able to keep my diet balanced, so thanks!
Kirsten
Olivia says
I just did the same thing two days ago, with the same ingredients (almost – no yogurt/milk, but I added spinach), and the same blender (I think). Forgot about it yesterday; had a glass this morning. I always make a huge quantity and jar it up for later. Good stuff!
Ashli - The Sweat Revolution says
My breakfast staple is a smoothie – I love them! Can’t believe I never thought of making two at once haha! Thank you!
DS says
Can’t you just put your vitamix in the dishwasher? That’s what I do with my blendtec so there’s no hand washing required.
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Diana @ Eating Made Easy says
Genius! I also use a single serve attachment to my blender so it’s a cup and “bender” all in one, only one thing to clean makes it easy peasy.
Aja says
I’ve never thought of making them ahead. You would think it would be obvious since making things ahead is such a great idea.
BroccoliHut says
Smart!! I make several smoothies per week, and I alternate between hand-washing and putting it through the dishwasher. Love this idea for cutting down on water use and time!
Liz @ iheartvegetables says
Ok speaking of cleaning your blender… this is a stupid question but how do you get it CLEAN. Like, I run it with soapy water, like the vitamix instructions say, but mine is all like… not clear anymore. Like it always looks dirty… any tips?
Maria Tadic says
I never made extra smoothies because I always thought that the separation meant they weren’t good anymore. Good to know!!
Kristen @ Change of Pace says
So simple! I wonder if this would freeze ok?
Sara @my less serious life says
i agree. blender cleaning is THE WORST!
Susan H @ The Food Allergy Chronicles says
Mmmmm…smoothies! Great idea to double up! 🙂
Amber @ Busy, Bold, Blessed says
I haven’t made a smoothie in FOREVER! Quite honestly, I forgot about them since it’s been so cold. I never thought about storing extras in the fridge, definitely doing this!
Holly @ A Year in Wichita says
I was surprised to see a couple of people not loving the magic bullet above, because I am absolutely obsessed with mine. The clean up is virtually non-existent. The blade is completely separate from the container and just slides in and out of the base of the blender. Literally as soon as you are finished blending, you rinse the blade off and then throw the container in the dishwasher when you are done eating. I love smoothies, but used to HATE making them because of the clean up. Now I have one every single day. Seriously…magic bullet changed my smoothie life!! 🙂
taylor @ taylormade says
great idea!! also love the idea of adding granola on top of the smoothie… yummm!
Celeste says
Count me in as someone else who loves the magic blender. We use it for smoothies at least 3x a week, and it was amazing for making baby purees!
Sarah says
The calories you posted look too low. Are they accurate? What do you use to calculate? Just curious.
KathEats says
They are. They don’t include any toppings and remember it’s for two smoothies… The recipe ingredients that is
Jenny says
This is such a great idea! I’d love if you wrote a whole post on these small time-saving tips. they may seem insignificant by themselves but any moment counts when you have jam-packed days! i would also love it to see a Day in the Life post from you, it’s so neat to get a peek into bloggers’ days 🙂
Love the blog!
Ashley says
An easy way to clean the blender – rinse, add some dishsoap and more water and blend it! dump the frothy soap water and do some minor scrubbing on the outside and you’re done! Super easy; the blender itself cleans the entire inside with the soapy smoothie.
jocelyn says
Dear ladies (and gentlemen, as it may be),
To clean a blender: put a drop or two of dishsoap and fill about halfway-2/3s with water. Blend for 30 seconds or so. Rinse. Voila.
I have an affinity for blended…lots of stuff, and have been able to include them more frequently now since I’ve evicted the anguish of the anticipated clean..