Taking smoothies on the go has become increasingly popular as more people aim to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Smoothies provide a convenient way to get important nutrients from fruits and vegetables, while also being portable enough to drink during a commute or on a break at work. However, transporting smoothies does require some planning and the right tools to keep them fresh and prevent spills.
Should you prepare smoothies in advance or make them fresh?
There are pros and cons to preparing smoothies in advance versus making them fresh right before you drink them:
- Preparing smoothies in advance saves time in the morning or when you want to drink them later. You can batch blend smoothies and store them in containers in the fridge or freezer.
- Making smoothies fresh allows you to customize each smoothie and account for ingredients that don’t last as long. Fruit like bananas or berries may get mushy if blended in advance.
- Pre-made smoothies may oxidize and lose some nutritional value over time. Vitamins like vitamins C and E degrade more rapidly when smoothies are stored.
- Fresh smoothies will typically taste better, as the ingredients haven’t had time to separate or lose flavor.
In general, it’s best to only pre-make smoothies 1-2 days in advance for the best quality. If you want to store smoothies for longer, consider freezing them in individual portions instead.
How should you store smoothies to maintain freshness?
Here are some tips for storing pre-made smoothies:
- Store in an airtight container, like a mason jar or insulated bottle, to prevent oxidation.
- Fill the container fully to the top to minimize air exposure.
- Refrigerate for up to 2 days. The cold environment helps slow degradation of nutrients.
- Freeze for longer storage. Ice cube trays can be used to freeze individual portions.
- Avoid storing smoothies with ingredients that seperate easily, like chia seeds or powders.
- Give the smoothie a shake or stir before drinking to recombine any separated ingredients.
What containers work best for transporting smoothies?
The best smoothie containers for transport should:
- Have a tight seal to prevent spills and leaks.
- Be insulated to keep smoothies cold.
- Be durable enough to withstand being dropped or tossed in a bag.
- Have a wide mouth for easy pouring and cleaning.
- Hold at least 16-24 oz for a full smoothie portion.
Recommended containers include:
- Insulated stainless steel bottles or tumblers – Often have flip-up lids and rubber seals. Come in various sizes.
- Insulated plastic bottles – Affordable and disposable. May hold temperature slightly less than stainless steel.
- Mason jars – Durable glass jars with tight lids. Must be transported carefully to prevent breaking.
- Insulated thermoses – Excellent for keeping smoothies very cold for hours. May be prone to leaks if tipped over.
How can you prevent smoothie spills while transporting them?
Spills can easily happen while carrying smoothies, leading to a big mess. Here are tips to prevent smoothie spills:
- Make sure lids are tightly sealed before transport.
- Carry smoothies upright rather than on their side.
- Choose containers that don’t leak, even if tipped over.
- Put smoothies in a bag or lunchbox to contain potential leaks.
- Only fill containers 3/4 full to leave room for blending during transport.
- Tape around lids or caps for an extra seal.
- Place containers in cup holders rather than loose in bags.
- Open and pour over a sink in case of drips.
Should you use a straw for drinking smoothies on the go?
Using a straw can make drinking smoothies on the go easier and less messy:
- Straws allow you to drink smoothly without tipping the container.
- They minimize spills since the opening stays covered while drinking.
- You can drink smoothies while still walking or commuting.
- reusable stainless steel straws are eco-friendly alternatives to disposable plastic straws.
Downsides to straws include:
- They may not fit well in some container openings.
- You still need to keep the container upright to prevent spills.
- They can slide around and make smoothies spill out the sides of your mouth.
Overall, reusable straws are recommended for easier drinking on the go. Just be sure your container accommodates them and you drink carefully.
What gear helps make smoothie transport easier?
Having the right gear can greatly simplify carrying smoothies around with you:
- Insulated lunch bags – Keeps smoothies chilled for hours and contains spills.
- Leakproof lids – Tight-sealing lids prevent drips and leaks in bags.
- Silicone bottle sleeves – Improves grip on slippery steel and plastic bottles.
- Reusable straws – Better than disposable. Bring your own metal or silicone straw.
- Ice packs – Help keep smoothies cold if you’ll be out all day.
- Napkins or towels – Useful for wiping up any spills or drips.
A good insulated lunch bag or backpack is probably the most useful item to have. Just be sure to still take precautions against leaks and spills!
Should you blend smoothies the night before or morning of?
Blending smoothies the night before has some advantages:
- Saves you time in the morning when getting ready.
- One less thing to do during the morning rush.
- Allows you to blend & go without waiting for the blender.
- Great if you prefer drinking smoothies first thing in the morning.
However, there are benefits to making smoothies fresh in the morning:
- Ingredients will taste fresher and retain nutrients better.
- You can customize smoothies based on what you have on hand.
- Allows you to add items like ice cubes that would dilute overnight.
- Fruit won’t oxidize and brown like berries and banana.
- No need to wash blender the night before.
Overall, morning smoothies will taste better and be more nutritional. But blending the night before can save precious morning time. Choose what works best for your schedule!
What are some good smoothie recipes for a healthy on-the-go breakfast?
Here are some healthy, portable smoothie recipes perfect for breakfast on the go:
Green Morning Energizer
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1 banana
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 tbsp almond butter
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
Orange Creamsicle Smoothie
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 banana
- 1 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup ice
- 2 tsp vanilla
Berries n’ Cream Smoothie
- 1 cup strawberries
- 1/2 cup raspberries
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1 banana
- 1 cup milk of choice
- 1/4 cup vanilla yogurt
Chocolate Peanut Butter Breakfast Smoothie
- 1 banana
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp peanut butter
- 1 cup milk of choice
- 1/4 cup oats
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
Get creative with your own favorite ingredients too! These recipes make nutritious breakfasts you can grab and go.
Should you pack anything else alongside a smoothie to make it a complete meal?
Smoothies alone don’t necessarily make a complete, balanced meal. To make your on-the-go smoothie into a more filling breakfast, consider packing:
- Nuts or seeds – Cashews, almonds, pumpkin seeds add protein, fat.
- Nut butter – Peanut, almond or sunbutter for healthy fats.
- Oats or granola – Add fiber and carbs for lasting energy.
- Protein powder – Whey or plant-based protein boosts protein.
- Greek yogurt – Adds protein, calcium; makes smoothies creamier.
- Fresh fruit – Bananas, apples, berries add nutrients.
The combo of smoothie + nuts, yogurt, oats or fruit makes for a nutritious breakfast you can drink + eat on-the-go. Pack items separately so you can customize smoothie nutrition and texture.
Should you rinse out your portable smoothie container each use?
It’s best practice to rinse or wash smoothie containers after each use, for a few reasons:
- Prevents dried smoothie residue from sticking and getting moldy.
- Gets rid of food odors that linger after each use.
- Removes discoloration or stains from ingredient residue.
- Limits bacterial growth that thrives on organic matter.
- Allows you to reuse container for different smoothies.
For portable plastic or stainless steel containers, a simple rinse with water will often suffice. Use mild dish soap if needed for sticky residue. For glass jars or blenders, wash thoroughly with warm soapy water.
Let containers fully air dry before reuse to prevent odors. Occasionally sanitize containers by filling with dilute vinegar solution.
How can you find time to make smoothies when you have a busy, on-the-go lifestyle?
Here are tips for fitting smoothies into a busy lifestyle:
- Prepare ingredients the night before to streamline morning prep.
- Use a high-speed blender to minimize prep and cleanup time.
- Set out blender and ingredients before bed to save morning time.
- Blend while getting ready for the day – dress, brush teeth, etc.
- Make an extra batch and freeze individual portions for later.
- Blend on weekends and portion into grab-and-go containers.
- Invest in an effective, fast-cleaning portable blender.
- Drink smoothies on your commute rather than at home.
The key is identifying pockets of time where you can prep, blend or clean. Priority smoothie-making by building it into your routine.
Conclusion
Drinking smoothies on the go requires some planning, but can easily fit into a busy lifestyle. Use insulated containers, reusable straws and leakproof lids to prevent spills in transit. Store smoothies for no longer than 2 days and add protein, fats or fiber to make them a complete meal. Rinse containers after each use and aim to blend fresh ingredients when possible. With the right tools and recipes, you’ll be able to take delicious, nutritious smoothies anywhere!
