The Best Smoothie Cups for Every Budget (for 2023)
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It’s no secret that America is in the midst of an obesity crisis. We are addicted to sugar and other processed foods, thanks to science and marketing teams which have made it their mission to get us hooked on junk food. One of the biggest draws of these foods is that not only do they taste good, they are just so conventient.
One solution? Drinking your meals! Smoothies are such a wonderful way to get the nutrients you need in one delicious, convenient package. The problem with this is that there are SO many choices when you start looking for a good smoothie cup.
And, while I’m not going to tell you what you should or shouldn’t put in your drink, I will say that if you don’t do your homework before buying a container then chances are pretty high that it won’t be long before the contents end up all over the floor instead of inside your stomach.
It’s worth reading through this list so you can find the best smoothie cup for your needs – and your budget.
One of the best things about smoothie cups is that there is a style and size for everyone. Whether you’re looking for stainless steel, glass or something for the kiddos, there’s certainly a cup out there that can accommodate you.
What to Look for in a Smoothie Cup
With all the options out there you may not even know where to begin, but here are a few things to keep in mind when looking for your next (or first!) smoothie cup.
1. Non-Spill Lid
Let’s face it, we definitely don’t want to be wearing our smoothie on the way to work! This has always been a big issue of mine ever since I gave my two-year-old a smoothie on the way to daycare and he spilled it all over himself (it was a cheap plastic sippy cup).
Ever since then I have been far more careful in choosing the cups that come with me in my car. I have four kids now and they all enjoy healthy smoothies – but from cups that are spill-proof! I’ll share with you my favorite kid cups, too!
Luckily adults usually don’t spill as much as kids do, but accidents happen, so the first thing to check for is the secure lids. You can have a secure lid even with a straw, but with that small opening there is always the possibility of a spill, so be careful.
2. Fits in a Car Cup Holder
The cup you choose should fit in the cup holder of your car or on the side of a backpack if you are using one. This is another biggie for me as I like to take my smoothies with me in the morning in place of breakfast, and I carry my backpack with me for the gym.
It doesn’t make sense to buy a cute mason jar with a handle because it really can only be used at home. You can’t put a jar with a handle like that in any cup holder! A larger cup holder can accomodate a mason jar, and you’ll see some on our list – but NO handles.
Really reusable smoothie cups shouldn’t be bigger than a travel coffee cup so they fit in your car’s cup holder comfortably.
3. Keeps your Drink Cold
Let’s keep that smoothie the temperature it should be. I don’t know anyone who likes a hot green smoothie! You need a cup that can handle a cold drink and keep it cold.
While your cup doesn’t have to be insulated (or cost a fortune), it should defintely be able to keep your drink colder than a disposable cup.
A bonus of this is that an insulated cup will also be good for hot drinks, so you can use it for hot or iced coffee if you feel in the mood instead of your smoothie.
4. Be Made from a Reusable Material
There are two overarching categories of materials you will see in our lineup – stainless steel or glass. Stainless steel is a good choice if you’re looking for something that will last, doesn’t break easily and can be recycled. Glass is durable, microwave-safe, taste-free and somewhat more expensive.
A blender that has a plastic container is also an option for a smoothie cup, but most of us are shying away from plastics so I haven’t included a plastic cup in our list.
So, now that we have an idea what we’re looking for, let’s dive in to the list!
Best Smoothie Cups for 2023
I’ve broken down our list into the following:
1. Best Stainless Steel Smoothie Cups
2. Best Glass Smoothie Cups
3. Best Smoothie Cups for Kids
4. Best Inexpensive Smoothie Cups
Some of these items are containers with straws and others are more of a bottle type, but they all will get the job done taking your smoothie with you in a spill proof container.
Best Stainless Steel Smoothie Cups
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Best Glass Smoothie Cups
Many of these options include stainless lids and even stainless steel straws, but the body of this type of cup is glass.
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Best Smoothie Cups for Kids
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Best Inexpensive Smoothie Cups
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Common Questions about Smoothie Cups
The best cup for smoothies is going to be made of a durable material such as glass or stainless steel. It will be durable, easy to clean and fit in your car cup holder for easy transport.
A typical smoothie cup will range from 11 oz for the smaller cups (good for kids or those who don’t want a lot) all the way up to 24 and even 32 oz. The standard size at most smoothie bars is 16-20 oz.
A lot of smoothie bottles and cups are hand wash only, so if you are looking for an easy care cup you will want one that says it is dishwasher safe. If you don’t mind washing your cup it is best to use a mild vinegar solution to clean it and then rinse well.
You will need to blend your smoothie in a blender and transfer it to the smoothie cup. Use fresh greens, fresh fruit or frozen fruit and other healthy ingredients like peanut butter, juice or almond milk (or any healthy ingredient) for your smoothie recipe. Pour it in your smoothie cup and head out the door! Think of it like a healthy milkshake.
For the kiddos, I recommend a screw top lid and reusable straws for their smoothie cups. I like either a glass or stainless steel cup as long as the glass is super strong like a mason jar. Kid’s cups should be around 12 oz. Bonus is you can use these cups for any beverage, not just smoothies.
How to Choose the Right Smoothie Cup for Your Needs
Equipment
- Smoothie Cups of Choice
Instructions
- Decide what size smoothie cup you would like.
- Check materials and decide upon glass, stainless steel or plastic.
- Decide if you want a cup that accomodates a straw.
- Check that the cup would fit in a cup holder or backpack if using.
Be sure to check out our smoothie recipes!
