When making a smoothie, one of the most important factors is getting the ingredient ratios right. Using the correct number of evive cubes for your smoothie is key to achieving the perfect texture and flavor. But with smoothies varying so much in size and ingredients, how do you know how many evive cubes to use?
What are evive cubes?
Evive cubes are concentrated fruit and vegetable smoothie boosters that are Flash frozen into individual serving size cubes. Each 1 oz cube contains the juice and pulp from 1 lb of fresh fruits and vegetables with no added sugars, preservatives or fillers. Evive cubes come in a variety of flavors like strawberry, mango, pineapple, acai berry, spinach, kale, and more. They provide an easy way to get a concentrated boost of nutrients into your smoothies.
Benefits of using evive cubes
- Convenient – Just grab a cube from the freezer and add to your smoothie
- Nutritious – Packed with nutrients from whole fruits and vegetables
- Flavor – Adds delicious fruity flavor without overpowering
- Smooth texture – Creates a smooth, creamy blended consistency
- Customizable – Mix and match flavors to create your own combinations
- Portable – Individual cubes are easy to take on-the-go
How many cubes for different smoothie sizes
The number of cubes needed depends on the size of your smoothie. Here are some general guidelines:
For a small 8-12 oz smoothie:
Use 1 cube
For a medium 16-20 oz smoothie:
Use 2 cubes
For a large 24-32 oz smoothie:
Use 3-4 cubes
Keep in mind that these are just general recommendations. You can adjust the number of cubes to achieve your preferred flavor and thickness. Using too many cubes can make a smoothie overly thick. Start with the minimum and add more as desired.
Factors that affect how many cubes to use
There are a few factors that impact how many evive cubes you should use in a smoothie:
1. Other ingredients
The more ingredients you add to a smoothie, the more cubes you typically need to maintain the right balance of flavors and thickness. Ingredients like ice, juice and yogurt tend to thin out a smoothie, so you may need extra cubes. Ingredients like nuts, seeds, nut butters and protein powders can thicken a smoothie, so you may need fewer cubes.
2. Fruit and vegetable content
If you are making a fruit-based smoothie, you’ll likely need more cubes than for a veggie-based smoothie to achieve the right sweetness. For example, a strawberry smoothie may need 2-3 cubes versus a spinach smoothie only needing 1.
3. Personal taste preferences
Everyone has different preferences when it comes to smoothie flavors and thickness. If you prefer thicker, more flavorful smoothies, use more cubes. If you like them on the thinner, milder side, use fewer cubes. Factor in your own tastes when deciding how many to use.
4. Blending appliance
The power and capacity of your blender or smoothie maker also impacts the number of cubes needed. More powerful blenders can handle thicker smoothies with more cubes while lower powered blenders work best with fewer cubes and more liquid.
Tips for using evive cubes
Here are some helpful tips for incorporating evive cubes into smoothies:
- Start with 1 cube per 12-16 oz of smoothie base as a general guideline
- Add cubes gradually and blend until smooth to prevent over-thickening
- When adding multiple flavors, use slightly less of each for balance
- Use frozen cubes for thicker, frostier smoothies
- Use defrosted cubes if you want a smoother, liquified blend
- Mix with juice or milk instead of water for more flavor
- Blend cubes with soft fruits like bananas or mangos to avoid freezing
Sample smoothie recipes with evive cubes
To give you an idea of how many cubes to use, here are some sample smoothie recipes made with evive cubes:
Tropical Smoothie
1 pineapple evive cube
1 mango evive cube
1 cup pineapple juice
1 banana
1 cup coconut water
2 cups ice
Green Machine Smoothie
1 spinach evive cube
1 kale evive cube
1 cup almond milk
1 tbsp almond butter
1 banana
1 cup ice
Strawberry Banana Smoothie
2 strawberry evive cubes
1 cup milk
1 banana
1 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 cup oats
1 cup ice
Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie
1 chocolate evive cube
2 tbsp peanut butter
1 banana
1 cup milk
1 scoop protein powder
1 cup ice
Should you use evive cubes every time?
While evive cubes can add great flavor and nutrition to smoothies, you don’t need to use them every single time. Here are some pros and cons:
Pros of using evive cubes frequently:
- Boosts nutrients in every smoothie
- Provides concentrated flavor consistently
- Easy way to customize smoothies
- Saves time prepping fruit
Cons of using evive cubes frequently:
- Can get expensive compared to fresh produce
- Limits variety in flavors and ingredients
- Easy to over-blend cubes resulting in icy texture
In the end it comes down to personal preference. For convenience, using evive cubes can be great in most smoothies. But switching it up with all fresh or frozen ingredients can also be beneficial. Find what works best for your smoothie habits!
Best practices for storing and handling evive cubes
To get the most out of your evive cubes, follow these best practices for storage and handling:
- Store cubes flat in a single layer in freezer
- Seal freezer bag tightly to prevent freezer burn
- Store at 0°F or below for maximum shelf life
- Handle frozen cubes gently to avoid cracking or breaking
- Let cubes defrost 5-10 minutes before blending for smoother texture
- Rinse cubes briefly before use to remove any freezer odors
- Use cubes within 8-12 months for best quality and freshness
Frequently asked questions
Can I use too many evive cubes in a smoothie?
Yes, using too many evive cubes can make a smoothie too thick or icy. It can also overwhelm the other flavors. Start with the minimum suggested amount and add more cautiously until you achieve the desired consistency and taste.
Do I have to use a full evive cube?
No, you can divide a cube in half or quarters to adjust the amount as needed. Just be sure to reseal the remaining portion in an airtight bag for freshness.
Can I substitute fresh or frozen fruit for evive cubes?
Absolutely. 1 evive cube is equivalent to about 1 cup of fresh fruit or veg. Just adjust the amount accordingly to achieve a similar flavor and thickness.
How long do evive cubes last in the freezer?
If stored properly at 0°F or below, evive cubes typically last 8-12 months in the freezer before quality starts to decline. Always check for signs of freezer burn before use.
Will evive cubes change the consistency of my smoothie?
Yes, adding evive cubes will typically make your smoothie thicker and frothier, while also making the flavor more pronounced. Make adjustments based on your preferred thickness and taste.
Conclusion
Determining how many evive cubes to add to your smoothie depends on the size, ingredients, and your personal preferences. Start with the suggested guidelines of 1 cube per 8-12 ounces. Adjust the amount up or down based on your desired thickness, taste, and nutrition goals. Vary the flavors and combine with fresh or frozen fruits and veggies too. Proper storage and handling will ensure you get the most out of your evive cubes. With some experimenting, you’ll find your perfect smoothie formula with the ideal number of cubes!
