I started drinking smoothies a couple of years ago and haven't looked back. I discovered that I could put together a killer smoothie that has tons of protein, vitamins, and nutrients all in one delicious, easy-to-consume cup.
The only problem is that it takes some time to make. Between hauling out my blender, about 7 different ingredients, and putting it all together, I’m spending about 10 minutes prepping my smoothie. This doesn’t seem like a lot of time, but it is when you have two toddlers at home, preschool drop-off to attend to, and various other tasks that need my attention.
So I’ve been searching for a way to drink my smoothies, but spend less time preparing them. I absolutely love the smoothies from Splendid Spoon, but those only stay fresh for so long, so I tend to not buy them in bulk. I recently discovered kencko, a healthy, superfood-infused smoothie company that makes getting your nutrients everyday so simple.
I tried kencko for myself and am now bringing you my complete review of these organic, nourishing smoothie mixes. I’ll talk about the science behind them, how they taste, and whether or not they’re worth the investment.
The Health Epidemic
Before I dive into my kencko review, I want to first touch on the fact that, according to the CDC, only 1in 10 Americans are getting enough fruits and vegetables in their diet. And 95% of Americans don’t get enough fiber in their diet. Yikes!
We all know the benefits of eating a nutritious, well-balanced diet, but it seems like an uphill battle for so many of us. Between being too busy to take the time to meal plan and prep to the abundance of unhealthy food options out there, it’s a real struggle to prioritize our nutrition.
With such gaps in our diets, we’re putting ourselves at risk for some many health complications. From chronic stress and tiredness to obesity, diabetes, and more, our diets play a profound role in our overall health. Just to hammer in the point, here are 8 things that can happen if you don’t get enough fruits and veggies in your diet:
- You could become deficient in vitamins and minerals
- You become at risk for digestive problems.
- Your risk of developing cancer increases.
- You can gain weight.
- You’re at an increased chance of developing diabetes.
- You may experience high blood pressure.
- You’re at a greater risk for developing heart disease.
- You may develop depression.
Ok, now that I’ve scared you enough, let's talk about how you can prevent these common health conditions by making sure you consume enough of the good stuff every day, which is the exact goal of kencko.
What is kencko smoothies?
kencko is a brand new direct-to-consumer (DTC) nutrition brand that delivers high-quality smoothie mixes, made entirely from fresh, natural ingredients, and delivered to you in convenient, ready-to-mix packets.
The company is on a mission to improve our health by supplying us with high quality, plant-based foods as well as the education and support we need to build a healthier relationship with food and enjoy the benefits of a more nutritious overall diet. At kencko, they believe that a plant-rich diet is the key to a healthy future for us and for the planet.
They make their smoothie mixes by capturing the nutrients in fresh produce in a shelf-stable form so that they’re still as fresh as ever whenever you’re ready to consume them. All their ingredients are sourced responsibly from organic growers around the world.
They not only care about delivering fresh fruits and veggies in their smoothies, but they are actively working to reduce the carbon footprint of their operations in production, packaging, and shipping. They have an efficient manufacturing process that allows them to keep waste to a minimum. They eliminated single-use packaging, opting for compostable and renewable materials instead.
How it Works: kencko’s Process
Step 1: kencko sources the best-tasting, most nutrient-dense organic fruits and veggies.
Step 2: They flash-freeze the produce to keep all the vitamins, minerals, fiber, carbs, and protein intact.
Step 3: They slow-dry the ingredients, allowing all the water content to leave while preserving the taste, color, and aroma of the produce in a shelf-stable powder.
Step 4: Their team of chefs and Registered Dieticians mix functional flavors in small batches that are then packaged and shipped off to you.
Once you receive your smoothie kit, which includes kencko’s unique shaker bottle, all you need to do is add your favorite liquid (water, any type of milk, etc.) to the bottle, pour in the powder packet, mix it up, and enjoy!
These smoothies are completely unique and are so easy and convenient to make. No blending is required! I don’t know about you, but I like to drink a smoothie in the morning and the last thing I want to do is run my blender and risk waking my children.
Get 10% off your order by clicking the link below:
kencko Smoothies: What Flavors Do They Offer?
kencko currently has 15 different smoothie options to choose from, each one is brilliantly bright and has its own set of health benefits. Here’s a quick rundown of each flavor option:
Ambers – Supports your body's natural healing capacity. Fiber from sun-ripened tropical fruits feeds a healthy microbiome, and vibrant turmeric brings powerful antioxidants to the party.
Aquamarines – Helps to keep your motor running with an ocean blue blend of plant foods to boost your endurance. It contains blue spirulina can help fight fatigue in the mind and body, while peach and pineapple supply heart-healthy flavonoids.
Corals – Designed to fight fatigue and pep up your performance and blood flow. This one is great for active lifestyles and post-workout recovery. It’s packed with nutrient-rich veggies, too.
Crimsons – This one is like a caffeine-free wake-up call. The antioxidants in Acai berries can help to stimulate brain function, according to studies. Basically, this one gives your brain a boost.
Golds – This one is designed for muscle recovery thanks to the addition of plant-based protein. It’s smooth, soothing, and a little more filling than the other options.
Greens – This one is your Pick-Me-Up in a cup, thanks to the energetic powers of iron and vitamin B. It’s the perfect way to squeeze in your daily greens.
Jades – Lift your mood and invigorate your mind thanks to the naturally occurring caffeine in Matcha green tea and L-theanine, a compound that’s been shown to help you feel calmer and more energized.
Mochas – This one is like an iced mocha latte, but with a massive health punch. The natural caffeine, cacao, chaga muschroom, and baobab come together to help fight fatigue and sharpen your brain.
Peaches – Fresh, fruity, and full of vitamins A & C to help boost your immune system and nourish your skin from the inside out.
Pumpkins – Who doesn’t love pumpkin spice season? This blend is designed to help bring some soothing coziness to your body after a workout or anytime you could use some recovery and replenishment.
Purples – This berry-rich antioxidant mix contains natural compounds designed to calm inflammation and aid in digestion to support a healthy metabolism.
Reds – Looking for a better glow? This blend is combined with chia seeds that deliver omega-3s and Vitamin C to support the production of collagen and youthful-looking skin.
Rubies – Calm your mind and focus your thoughts with this blend of roots and fruits.
Scarlets – Kick things up a notch with this metabolism-revving blend that features a hint of cayenne pepper and other antioxidants that wake up your skin and help you look alive.
Yellows – Give your immune system the boost it needs thanks to the support of all kinds of vitamins and minerals that boost your body’s natural defense system.
My Personal Experience
kencko generously shipped me a box of their smoothies to try for myself for the purpose of this review, but all thoughts and opinions are completely my own.
As soon as I received the box, I was immediately impressed with their packaging and branding. The smoothie packets are so bright and vibrant that it’s hard to not want to dive right in and try every flavor.
The smoothies are super simple to make. All you need is the included shaker cup, some milk or water (I use almond milk), and about 30 seconds of your time. These are really simple to take on the go, I just recommend that you put your milk or water in your cup ahead of time, then, when you’re ready for your smoothie, to add in the powder and mix it up. These smoothies are best drank right after mixing but are good for up to 24-hours once mixed. If you don’t drink the smoothie right away, the powder will begin to behave like fresh fruit and veggies and may spoil.
I had the pleasure of trying all of the flavors, some are better than others, however, I like to keep in mind that I’m drinking something that’s rich in nutrients and super good for my body. Also, it’s important to keep in mind that these smoothies do not contain any sugar or artificial sweeteners, so the taste is very natural! My favorite flavors are:
- Aquamarines
- Mochas
- Peaches
- Purples
I didn’t love the Greens, Scarlets, or Jades, but that’s just personal preference. Overall, I am super pleased with kencko and love that I can easily pack in two servings of fruits and veggies anytime during the day. I especially love to have more protein-dense options as my post-workout recovery snack.
FAQs
Q: Are kencko smoothies meal replacements?
A: No, they are not meant to replace an entire meal. These are perfect for snacks at anytime throughout the day. Each smoothie contains around 70-90 calories. But, you can mix your power in with yogurt, waffles, etc. to make it part of your complete meal!
Q: How many servings of fruits and vegetables are in each kencko smoothie?
A: Each smoothie has at least two and a half servings of fruit and/or vegetables. That’s the equivalent of two and a half cups of fresh produce!
Q: How should I store my packets?
A: All smoothie packets have a shelf life of up to 6 months. They should be stored in a cool, dry place and remain out of direct sunlight. Once opened, be sure to use the contents of the packet immediately.
Q: Do I have to do the subscription service or can I do a one-time purchase?
A: When you first order from kencko, you’ll automatically be enrolled in their subscription service, but you’re welcome to cancel at any time! So, yes, you can do a one-time purchase. The idea behind the subscription is that it takes time to build healthy habits, and when you commit to consuming the right amount of fruits and veggies each day, you’ll begin to see health improvements over time. You’re welcome to switch up your flavors at any time, change your delivery date, or cancel your subscription right through your account.
Final Thoughts
If you’re one of the 9 out of 10 people who aren’t consuming enough fruits and vegetables in your diet each day, then kencko just may be the most convenient way to change that. I know for me personally, I am not that creative with my veggies and fruits, I tend to stick to the same things that are available and accessible at my local grocery store. With kencko, you get access to a wide range of all different kinds of nutrient-rich foods, which is amazing.
I highly recommend trying out kencko and adding it to your daily diet. At less than $2.50 per smoothie, you really can’t beat the value and the convenience.
Get 10% off your first order by using this link: