K-12 blenderless smoothies ace the test

When you think of smoothies, you might envision a complex process. Think again. Blenderless smoothies are a trendy, tasty option ideal for K-12 foodservice.

Traditional smoothies are a lot of work for a well-equipped kitchen. How would you like to put an end to chopping lots of fruits and veggies, mixing them in yogurt or juice, then creating a mess when blending everything together?

Blenderless smoothies provide an answer by meeting many fruit and meat alternative requirements, delivering nutrition for students and revenue for K-12 operators—a win-win smoothie solution.

Thinking beyond the blender

If you have some juice, yogurt and canned or puréed fruit, you are well on your way to easy-to-prepare smoothies for a crowd. Their endless varieties fit breakfast, lunch and snack service. Even better, blenderless smoothies can be prepped and refrigerated for serving over the next day or two.

Because there’s no blender, your equipment needs are simple:

• A measurement-marked plastic storage container.
• A whisk or rubber spatula.
• A pitcher.
• 9 oz. cups and lids for breakfast service or 14 oz. cups and lids for lunch.

After that, it’s just a matter of choosing ingredients. Here are two smoothie recipes from chefs Monica Coulter and Jessie Kordosky at General Mills Foodservice:

Food Court Smoothie
(16 servings)
8 c. Yoplait ParfaitPro Lowfat Vanilla Yogurt (one bag)
4 c. Unsweetened Orange Juice, chilled
4 c. Unsweetened Canned Applesauce, chilled

Preparation instructions:

1. Empty the yogurt into an 8 qt. or larger container.
2. Add the juice and stir, then add the applesauce and stir until smooth.
3. Transfer to a pitcher for easier portioning. 
4. Pour into 9 oz. cups just below the rim for an 8 oz. serving. 
5. Place lids on cups and serve chilled, or refrigerate if not serving immediately. 

Tips: 

• Create different varieties by using different flavors of juice and/or yogurt, such as pineapple juice and strawberry Yoplait ParfaitPro, or cranberry apple juice and blueberry Yoplait ParfaitPro. 
• Use the juice drained from canned fruit.
   

Berry Banana Smoothie 
(16 servings)
4 c. Overripe Bananas, mashed until smooth, chilled
4 c. Unsweetened Apple Juice, chilled
8 c. Yoplait ParfaitPro Strawberry Yogurt (one bag)

Preparation instructions:

1. Combine the yogurt and apple juice in an 8 quart or larger container and stir.
2. Add the mashed bananas, 2 c. at a time, until smooth.
3. Pour into 9 oz. cups just below the rim for an 8 oz. serving.
4. Place lids on cups and serve chilled or refrigerate if not serving immediately. 

You can let your creativity—or your students’ ingenuity—lead the way. Consider school or holiday colors for a fun option. Invite students to create their own smoothie with customized toppings and flavors. Host a contest for the next featured flavor. 

Join the smoothie craze with blenderless creations. They save time and effort, so you support your team at the same time you serve a student favorite. 

Ask your Gordon Food Service Sales Representative for ideas, or visit the General Mills site and download more blenderless smoothie ideas.