Smoothies are a staple in the Vega world – if we aren’t blending one up for breakfast, you can bet it’s our go-to for an afternoon snack. While we love to get fancy with our smoothie recipes once in a while, typically we want something that is quick and easy. Here are six things to make making a smoothie easy and efficient.
1. Use One Glass
Don’t dirty five cups to make one smoothie. You can drink your smoothie right out of the glass you use to measure ingredients. Mason jars make great measuring cups, allowing you to precisely measure out liquids thanks to the measurement lines marked on the side. Or, use your blender for everything! Most blenders have cup measurements on the side and we find “handfuls” are pretty good measurements when trying to eyeball 1/2 cup berries or 1 cup baby spinach.
2. Waste Not
Have some leftover coffee in the pot, a spoonful of pumpkin left in the can, or just three sips of almond milk left in the container? Pour or place leftover ingredients into ice cube trays or muffin tins. When you’ve got a hankering for a mocha smoothie (or whatever flavor is calling your name), grab your frozen cubes, add the rest of your ingredients and you’re good to go!
3. Make Smoothie Pops
Do you ever have that annoying ½ cup smoothie left in the bottom of the blender that doesn’t fit into your to-go mug? You could take a big gulp before rushing out the door, BUT alternatively why not pour leftovers into ice pop molds? You’ll have a cool, sweet treat waiting for you (or your kids) for another time of day.
4. Make Smoothie Packs
Carve out a few extra minutes of meal prep on Sundays to prepare some smoothie packs for the week. Measure out fruit and Vega® plant-based protein powder and place into single bags (or even the Mason jar you plan to drink the smoothie from!). In the morning, toss into the blender with your favorite liquid and Vega protein powder and blend. This is also a great “chore” to do with your kids if you want to get them involved in creating their own smoothie recipe.
5. Freeze Smoothie Ice Cubes
If you love thick creamy smoothies, try shaking a scoop of Vega powder with non-dairy milk and pouring into ice cube molds. For an evening when you’re craving a thick chocolate shake (or any time of day) place cubes in a blender with frozen banana and some more non-dairy milk and blend until creamy.
6. Save Overripe Foods
Went a little overboard on your last grocery trip? Don’t throw away fruits and vegetables that you can’t finish before they wilt away. Instead freeze everything from brown bananas, to wilting greens, to very soft avocados, even steamed cauliflower to use for your next smoothie. Pro-tip- peel your banana and freeze in an airtight container to avoid the frustrating task of removing the peel off a frozen one. And PS. Avocados and steamed cauliflower take smoothie creaminess to the next level – trust us!
What are some of your go-to tips and tricks for blending up the perfect smoothie?
