5 vitamin C- packed recipes for back-to-school season

Back-to-school season finds people looking for easy and convenient ways to support their immune health. With more than twice the recommended daily value of vitamin C, cold-pressed Evolution Fresh® Defense Up is a great-tasting tropical citrus smoothie option for supporting immune health and hydration – all year long, and especially during the back-to-school season. Over the past three years, average weekly sales of Defense Up begin to increase during August and September*, as more customers reach for a boost of vitamin C on-the-go.

“As a leading producer of cold-pressed, high-pressure processed juice, Evolution Fresh strives to make delicious nutrition accessible to as many people as possible,” said Anne Williams, vice president, marketing and category, Evolution Fresh. “Defense Up is one of our classic Evolution Fresh juices, and after 20 years, it’s still one of our most popular – especially during August and September.”

To help people support their immune health, Evolution Fresh is sharing five easy recipes that pack a vitamin C punch, including nutrient-rich recipes created by Luisa Hammett, Registered Dietitian and owner of Peaches to Pearls, and Evolution Fresh founder Jimmy Rosenberg.

1. Pro tips for your A.M. smoothie

Nobody knows better than Jimmy what you should put in your morning smoothie. He’s been starting each day with a homemade superfood juice blend for years. “My wellness strategy is to include daily in my diet rich food sources of vitamin C and other immune supporters like ginger and turmeric – I add them to my morning smoothie. Evolution Fresh cold-pressed Defense Up is a great base for other superfoods.”

Jimmy’s Recipe – Defense Up Plus

15.2-ounce bottle Evolution Fresh Defense Up
1 tablespoon fresh-grated ginger
1 tablespoon fresh-grated turmeric
Pinch of cinnamon, to taste
Pinch of black pepper, to taste
Handful of kale or spinach leaves
Handful of ice
Optional: 2-3 ounces coconut water or unsweetened nut milk

Blend the ingredients together until smooth, serve and enjoy. Feel free to add or delete ingredients based on your taste and nutrition preferences – the possibilities are endless.

2. The spritzer you can drink for breakfast

No need to wait until 5 o’clock to indulge! Get your vitamin C fix with this fizzy mocktail.

Luisa’s Recipe – Tropical Citrus Spritzer

15.2 oz. bottle Evolution Fresh Defense Up
Sparkling water
1 cup pineapples, diced
1 cup peaches, diced
½ cup grapefruit, diced for garnish

Mix equal parts Defense Up and sparkling water. Dice pineapples and peaches and mix into spritzer. Garnish with diced grapefruit.

3. Who said popsicles are just for dessert?

Start your morning on a cool note with these refreshing treats. These all-natural, vitamin C-packed popsicles are not only a fun way to start your day, but are also great for soothing your throat.

Luisa’s Recipe – Breakfast Popsicles

15.2-ounce bottle Evolution Fresh Defense Up
½ cup crushed pineapple
1 cup vanilla yogurt

Blend Defense Up, crushed pineapple and vanilla yogurt together until smooth. Pour mixture into popsicle molds and freeze until set.

4. DIY superfood sprinkles to add to a bottle of Defense Up

Amp up your smoothie routine and add some texture with grab-and-go superfoods. Simply mix and match your favorites – Luisa recommends chia seeds, cinnamon, flaxseed or coconut – sprinkle over a glass of Evolution Fresh Defense Up, and enjoy!

Superfoods benefits:

Chia Seeds:Fiber, protein and Omega-3 fatty acids
Cinnamon:Antioxidants, shown to reduce blood sugar levels, antifungal and antibacterial properties
Flaxseed:Fiber and Omega-3 fatty acids
Coconut:Fiber, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids

5. Hack the Starbucks menu by ordering this immune supporting smoothie

Try ordering this off-the-menu smoothie during your next Starbucks visit. Grab a bottle of Evolution Fresh cold-pressed Defense Up from the cold case, ask your barista to blend it with ice and a banana, and enjoy a 1-2 punch of potassium and vitamin C.

*Source: IRI Latest 52 Weeks Ending 7/23/17 across FDMCx