It’s 8:42 a.m. Your alarm is going off, you slept in too long, and you have a 9 a.m. class. You rush out of the house and all you have to drink before class is a quick sip of water from the fountain. For many college students, this scenario feels a little too familiar. Between two-hour lectures, work shifts that don’t pay enough and late-night studying, meals can become an afterthought.
Social media feeds are filled with numerous wellness trends, fitness routines and colorful smoothie recipes. While grabbing a drink from local juice bars may seem convenient, the $10 price isn’t realistic on a student’s budget.
The good news? With a few affordable items from your local grocery store and a blender, students have the ability to make ready-to-go nutritious smoothies for their commute.
Smoothies can support your immune system and gut health, and there are even courses here at Fullerton College where you can learn what recipes are best for your health goals. Inside Fullerton has created three simple recipes, all taking less than five minutes to make, for a fraction of the cost of a to-go smoothie.
- The King’s Smoothie (Best for post workout)
Ingredients:
- 1 banana
- 2 scoops of peanut butter
- 1 cup of milk
- Handful of ice
Bananas are one of the cheapest fruits you can buy, costing around $0.20 per banana. Fullerton College nutrition instructor Candace Gonzalez says that peanut butter and banana smoothies can be helpful for energy and recovery. Gonzalez says bananas provide carbohydrates that help replenish the body’s energy stores, and peanut butter adds healthy fats and protein to support muscle recovery.
Elvis Presley was a man known for his simple food cravings, especially peanut butter and banana. With one sip, even the King himself might’ve admitted he “can’t help falling in love.”
2. Boost of Berry (Best for heart health)
Ingredients:
- ½ cup frozen strawberries
- ½ cup frozen blueberries
- ½ cup frozen raspberries
- 1 cup milk
When you’re feeling run-down from school and exhausted at work, this bright, refreshing blend of berries is an easy way to add antioxidants to your day. Frozen fruits are often cheaper options than fresh and last much longer, making it ideal for students who aren’t able to grocery shop weekly.
Gonzalez explains how mixed berries provide lots of key nutrients. “Mixed berries are especially rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. These compounds are associated with supporting heart health and reducing inflammation,” says Gonzalez.
3. Purple Rain (Best for supporting digestion)
Ingredients:
- ½ cup frozen pineapples
- ½ cup frozen mixed berries
- 1 ½ cup milk
With Stranger Things bringing the younger generation closer to famous hits made by the legendary musician Prince, this “Purple Rain” smoothie adds a fun twist to your morning. This drink is packed with antioxidants and is full of sweetness from mixed berries to pineapples.
Gonzalez says that pineapple adds additional health benefits when blended with berries. “Pineapple provides vitamin C and an enzyme called bromelain, which may help support digestion and reduce inflammation,” she says. Gonzalez adds that for most people, pineapple’s acidity is not an issue and that people who are sensitive to acidic foods may prefer balancing it with ingredients like yogurt, milk or bananas.
Taken from the Summer 2026 print issue of Inside Fullerton. Read it here.
