Stop Buying This at Trader Joe’s—Make 5 Coconut Smoothies at Home Instead
Updated: 7 hours ago
A simple, budget-friendly swap that saves money and makes busy mornings easier
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The Backstory
I used to grab the coconut milk + coconut water smoothie from Trader Joe’s every week.
It was easy, hydrating, and something I didn’t think twice about adding to my cart.
Until I realized how quickly it was adding up.
At nearly $3 per bottle, that small weekly habit turned into $50+ a month—for something I could easily recreate at home.
So I started making my own.
And honestly? I haven’t gone back.
Why This Recipe Works
This is one of those low-effort, high-impact swaps.
Only 2 ingredients
No blender required
Takes under 5 minutes
Stores well for the entire week
Light, refreshing, and naturally sweet
It’s now one of my go-to “grab and go” options during busy mornings, errands, or post-walk resets.
Ingredients
1 can low-fat coconut milk
1 carton coconut water
(I use Trader Joe’s coconut milk + Zico coconut water, but use whatever you have or prefer.)
How to Make It
For one 10 oz bottle:
About 3 to 4 oz coconut milk
About 6 to 7 oz coconut water
Instructions:
Add both ingredients to a glass bottle or jar
Shake well until fully combined
Store in the fridge
That’s it.
Weekly Prep (What I Do)
I usually make 4–5 bottles at a time and store them in the fridge so I can grab one throughout the week.
It’s one less decision to make during the day—and that alone makes it worth it.
Cost Breakdown
Here’s where this really changed things for me:
Coconut milk: ~$1.89
Coconut water: ~$2.59
Total: ~$4.48
This results in 5 bottles (10 oz each)
Costing approximately $0.90 per bottle
As opposed to around $3 per bottle at the store.
It's the same concept.
Far more economical.
Why I Keep Making This
It's not solely about cutting costs.
It's about streamlining my routine.
Having something prepared in the fridge that is satisfying, delicious, and effortless makes hectic days a bit more manageable.
Shop What I Use
You can find the exact bottles I use + ingredient links here:
Zico Coconut Water (the one I used and found at Trader Joe's)
Coconut Water with Pulp and great alternative
I think this would also taste delicious using Coconut Water with the pulp or coconut meat to add a slightly meaty texture.
Final Note
If you’ve been buying the Trader Joe’s version—this is your sign to try making it instead.
Small swaps like this add up in the best way.
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