6 Scrumptious Low Waste Smoothie Recipies!

There’s a pleasant breeze on your neck, the sun is beating down, you look out to the rolling waves as you reach over and grab a cool, ice cold smoothie in your reusable mason jar, topped with a CaliWoods straw and filled with fresh fruity goodness.

We've put together 6 delish recipes for you to whip up, complete with sustainability tips for each one. Which one will you try first?

One of the best ways to get your five plus a day throughout seasonal changes is through the classic smoothie. Blended fruits, nut mylk, leafy greens, natural sweeteners, and a dash of ice. Pure bliss.

Smoothies are simple to make, great for your health (when done well!), and the perfect way to start or end your day under the sun.

Want to get your smoothie on, but don’t know where to start?

Are you a smoothie addict looking for some new inspiration?

6 scrumptious smoothies you MUST try for yourself…

On another awesome note, you can get a lot of these ingredients in sustainable packaging options now too. Before we kick into things, you’ll need a few key items to make your lush smoothies:

• A blender: if you don’t already own one, try hunting in a second hand store (often you’ll find them there in great condition)
• A glass: we prefer upcycling a mason jar
• A CaliWoods’ smoothie straw: How else will you slurp your smoothie without a smoothie moustache?
• A CaliWoods Tumbler to keep your smoothie cold and fresh for hours!

To make the smoothies below: place all ingredients in your blender, whizz for 2-3 minutes until completely combined, pour into your glass, top with the recommended garnish ingredients, and pop in your straw.

 

#1 Chocolate, Peanut Butter & Banana Smoothie

If you're in the mood for a thick, filling and decadent smoothie, this is our go-to.

½ cup of rolled oats

1 frozen banana

2 tablespoons of peanut butter

2 tablespoons of cocoa powder or chocolate protein powder

1 cup nut milk

2 tablespoons maple syrup (or other sweetener)

Top with fresh banana slices

 

Low Waste Tips:

~ Oats are often found at your local bulk store package-free, easy as! 

~ Liquid sweeteners are now available in the bulk stores too. Look out for the vats and bring a clean jar with you ready to fill up

 

#2 Pineapple, Grapefruit & Spinach Smoothie

Healthy, detoxifying and delicious; this hydrating smoothie leaves you feeling fresh!

1 cup coconut water

1 cup frozen diced pineapple

1 cup baby spinach

1 small grapefruit (peeled and chopped)

1 cup ice

½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger

Top with a slice of lemon on the side

 

Low Waste Tips:

~ Take your smoothie with you on the go in your favourite wide-mouth jar or specialised insulated cup. This will help reduce your takeaways, saving money and the waste behind meals we don't see when we buy out. 

#3 Coco Mango:

For mango lovers who also want an excuse to eat chocolate…

½ cup of frozen mango

1 frozen banana or ½ a frozen avocado

2 slices of pineapple

¼ wedge of lime

1 teaspoon of agave (alternatively, honey or brown rice syrup)

1 tablespoon of protein powder (optional)

2 tablespoons of dried apricots

1 tablespoon of coconut oil

200mls of coconut mylk

4 cubes of ice

Top with cacao nibs or chocolate chips, and chia seeds.

Low Waste Tips:

~ Mango isn't grown in NZ so you can sub out this part of the recipe for a local alternative such as kiwi - tropical tasting and still delish! 

~ You can buy dried apricots without packaging at your local bulk store

~ For coconut mylk, powder is now available in NZ. Or simply make your own fresh by blending coconut flakes with water in the blending and straining through a nut milk bag

#4 The Black Sheep:

For coffee addicts who want to spice up their morning espresso…

1 espresso shot

1 frozen banana

¼ teaspoon of Tahitian vanilla

2 pinches of ground cinnamon (optional)

½ cup of dates

1 tablespoon of cashew butter

250mls of almond or coconut mylk

4 cubes of ice

Top with coffee beans and cinnamon.

 

Low Waste Tips:

~ Coffee, lots of us love it but it can have a serious human and environmental toll. Find a Fair Trade supplier and a local store who will grind beans for you straight into your container. Fresher, yum-er, and supporting your local

~ Bananas! Ultra ripe bananas are amazing for Smoothies. Keep an eye out for brown ones in the supermarket and save them from the heading to the skip out the back rather than ripening a fresher looking bunch at home (unfortunately, yes, a lot of supermarkets just chuck food and produce that is 'ugly' or past it's 'use by' date)

#5 Berry Nice

For those who can’t walk past a solid, classic, berry smoothie:

1 ½ cups of mixed berries

2 teaspoons of agave (alternatively, honey or brown rice syrup)

4 tablespoons of plain yoghurt (or coconut yoghurt)

250mls of almond or coconut mylk

Top with fresh blueberries and strawberry slices.

 

Low Waste Tips:

~ Berries were our arch nemesis of ridding plastic from the kitchen for quite some time! We mostly by-pass this by buying in season, in bulk from the farmers market and freezing in advance. Commonsense stores now have frozen berries, package-free in bulk too, what a win!

~ Coconut Yoghurt is a vegan alternative to dairy and totally delish! We have heard success stories of people making their own at home too otherwise buy in a reusable & recyclable glass jar at your local supermarket. 

  

#6 Coconut Blueberry Smoothie

This tropical and bright smoothie is perfect for the weekend for a splash of colour and flavour.

1/4 cup coconut milk

1/4 cup orange juice (fresh if possible)

2 tablespoons coconut cream

1 cup frozen blueberries

1 tablespoon of maple syrup (optional)

 

Blend and Enjoy!

Remember that your daily food choices can be super impactful on the planet...either contributing to your footprint or reducing it. We recommend checking out the Related Posts below for some further ideas exploring sustainability, waste and food. 

 

Related Posts

• Are You A Reducetarian?
• Bulk Food Shopping Guide For New Zealand
• The Ultimate Waste Guide