NANCY SNYDER/TASTE OF HOME
NANCY SNYDER/TASTE OF HOME
Pros:
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Keto-friendly (2 grams net carbs)
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12 grams of plant protein
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5 grams of gut-friendly prebiotic fiber
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Delicious flavors
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More filling than a traditional smoothie
Cons:
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Can only be ordered as an add-on to meal delivery service
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High in saturated fat
Factor is known for their keto-friendly meal kits; so it only makes sense that they also curated a few keto-friendly shakes. Just like with Hungryroot, you’ll need to order Factor’s meals to take advantage of their add-on shakes and smoothies.
What I love: The shakes are 100 percent plant-based, utilizing a proprietary pea protein blend. For those following a keto-friendly diet, they check off the boxes of a high protein, high fat, low carb snack—containing just two grams of net carbs and zero added sugar. They also contain a prebiotic fiber blend to support gut health and help ensure keto followers are getting adequate fiber.
What I don’t love: While they come in yummy flavors like Vanilla Cake and Chocolate Brownie, they fall more into the category of a tasty treat than a plant-powered smoothie (which is fine, as these are technically shakes and not smoothies, which Factor does also offer, albeit they’re not keto-friendly). But one serving contains 13 grams of saturated fat, which already puts you over half your daily recommended value for the day (if following a 2,000 calorie diet).
NANCY SNYDER/TASTE OF HOME
NANCY SNYDER/TASTE OF HOME
Pros:
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Shelf-stable powder requires no refrigeration
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Includes portable shake cup, meaning no blender necessary
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Perfect for travel, camping, hiking or on-the-go
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2.5 servings of fruits and veggies per pouch
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Variety of ingredients
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3 grams of gut-friendly prebiotic fiber
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Certified organic, gluten-free, non-GMO, no artificial additives or added sugars
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Carbon-neutral shipping and compostable packets
Cons:
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Did not mix completely
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Not as tasty as other smoothies
Kencko smoothies are unlike any smoothie I’ve ever made before. My delivery arrived with 20 pouches of shelf-stable powder alongside a portable mixing bottle. The pouches—which were labeled as “Blues,” “Greens,” “Reds” and “Purples”—each contain 2.5 servings of freeze-dried fruits and vegetables. And Kencko promises that’s all they contain. No filler, no additives, just 100 percent organic plants.
The instructions were simple (and, dare I say, fun). Massage the packet to break up any clumps, add chilled water or plant milk to your bottle, add the packet and shake until smooth. You can either enjoy your smoothie right away, or refrigerate and drink within 24 hours.
NANCY SNYDER/TASTE OF HOME
I tried out the “Reds” smoothie, combining it with chilled almond milk. This particular freeze-dried concoction consisted of various fruits, chia seeds and a pinch of ginger (I especially like how each pouch lists the exact ingredients and their quantity). After shaking, it recommends letting it sit for roughly one minute to hydrate.
The verdict? While not all of the smoothie mixed completely (and there were a few noticeable clumps), the taste was not bad! I’ll admit that it wasn’t my favorite taste of all the smoothies on this list, but for a shelf-stable, on-the-go smoothie option, it truly is impressive that Kencko was able to pack in this many organic ingredients without any preservatives, additives or extra fluff.
While I’ll admit I was a little hesitant about my smoothie coming from a powder, I immediately imagined all the scenarios that would call for an on-the-go smoothie mix: Camping trips, hotel stays, road trips, etc. With Kencko’s smoothies, there truly would be no more excuses about getting in your daily fix of fruits and vegetables while traveling (especially at less than $3 per pouch!).
Kencko also offers plant-protein pouches to be mixed in with any of their smoothies.
What to Look for When Choosing a Smoothie Delivery Subscription
Here are some considerations when selecting the best smoothie delivery subscription for your lifestyle, goals and budget:
- Type: Smoothie deliveries come in a variety of forms, from frozen and ready-to-blend to pre-made grab-and-go bottles. Consider what will be most conducive to your lifestyle and what equipment you can access.
- Ingredients: Be mindful of ingredients and opt for smoothies that contain whole fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. When possible, avoid added sugars, fruit or vegetable juices, preservatives or additives. If you have a dietary allergy, be sure to scan the ingredient statement prior to purchasing.
- Dietary Preference: Smoothie delivery services suit a variety of dietary preferences and needs, including those following vegan and gluten-free diets. If you’re interested in keto-friendly or higher protein, check to see which smoothie services accomodate additional preferences and needs. That being said, a dash of your favorite at-home protein powder can be tossed in with most of the smoothies on this list.
- Quantity: Consider whether the smoothies will be for just you or for your family. Some smoothie delivery companies ship large quantities at once, and others, like Frozen Garden, contain two servings per pouch, making it convenient for two-person households.
- Price: Consider your budget and whether the smoothie subscription cost is feasible (don’t forget to factor in shipping!).
Why You Should Trust Us
As a culinary dietitian, I have nearly a decade of experience working with restaurants and food manufacturers to provide nutrient analysis and label consulting for thousands of menu items and retail goods. As a result, I’m no stranger to scrutinizing an ingredient statement or nutrition facts label to ensure our recommendations are quality products from reputable brands. I’ve evaluated everything from the best healthy snack subscription to the best mushroom coffee brands on the market.
How We Found the Best Smoothie Delivery Subscription
I rounded up the most popular smoothie delivery companies on the market while also including smoothie add-ons from popular meal delivery services such as Hungryroot and Factor. From there, I evaluated them on a variety of factors, including delivery, ingredients, flavor profile, variety of options, ease of prep, storage life and price. When prep was necessary, I utilized my Vitamix blender, chilled plant milk or water. In the end, I narrowed down my top seven favorites, with choices spanning from ready-to-blend concoctions, pre-made smoothies and one shelf-stable powder.
FAQs
Is it cheaper to make or buy smoothies?
While it’s arguably cheaper to make your own smoothies at home, smoothie delivery subscriptions offer a quick and convenient (and often tastier) way to pack in your fruits and veggies.
Is it OK to have a smoothie every day?
Ultimately, this depends on what is in your smoothie and your health goals. Look for smoothies that contain whole fruits and vegetables as opposed to juices or any added sugars. For added satiety, ensure your smoothie contains fiber, protein (such as Greek yogurt or your favorite protein powder) and healthy fats (such as nut butters, avocado or chia seeds). That being said, don’t overdo it with ingredients just because they’re good for you. You wouldn’t eat three bananas in one sitting, so don’t load your smoothie with three bananas—a half serving will do!