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Our Top Picks
Green Hive is reader-supported. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. To understand our thorough approach to rating brands and products, explore our comprehensive methodology.
Hello and welcome! We're excited to have you join us as we explore the exciting realm of Kencko, the trailblazing brand behind instant smoothies. As the world increasingly gravitates towards healthier lifestyles and sustainable food choices, Kencko has emerged as a frontrunner in providing consumers with nutritious and convenient instant smoothie options. In this review, we'll take a closer look at this popular brand, exploring its origins, product offerings, and commitment to quality, while also examining customer experiences and providing our own unbiased assessment.
Are Kencko's instant smoothies the real deal, or are they just another fad in the ever-growing health food market? Read on to discover everything you need to know about this innovative company and its potentially game-changing products.
Importance of incorporating fruits and vegetables into your daily diet
Fruits and veggies play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, as they are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber that our bodies need to function optimally. By incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables into your daily diet, you not only receive the necessary nutrients for overall health, but you also lower the risk of developing chronic diseases, such as heart disease, and diabetes. Furthermore, fruits and vegetables are naturally low in calories and fat, making them an excellent choice for those looking to maintain or lose weight.
To get the most out of your daily fruit and vegetable intake, it's important to add organic fruits and fresh vegetables whenever possible. Organic options are grown without the use of harmful pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms, which can negatively impact both your health and the environment. Additionally, consuming seasonal fruits and vegetables as opposed to processed versions ensures you're enjoying them at their peak nutritional value and consuming a sustainable diet. In doing so, you're making a conscious decision to prioritize your well-being and support a sustainable food system.
About Kencko
Kencko is a company dedicated to promoting a plant-rich diet and a healthier future for both people and the planet. With only 1 in 10 US adults consuming the recommended minimum of five cups of fruits and vegetables daily, Kencko is on a mission to not only provide high-quality, nutritious plant-based foods but also to educate and support individuals in developing a healthier relationship with food and a more nourishing overall diet. By employing freeze-drying technology to capture the nutrients of fresh produce in a shelf-stable form, Kencko helps reduce food waste and greenhouse gas emissions, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable food system.
Kencko was founded by Tomás Froes as a result of his personal health journey. In 2014, after experiencing acute gastritis, Tomás sought an alternative to the daily medication prescribed by his doctor. Drawing on his experiences with his grandfather's farm in Portugal and his exposure to vegetarianism within his family, Tomás shifted to a vegan diet with at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. This change significantly improved his gastritis, eliminating the need for medication.
He researched flash-freeze, and slow-drying processes, and worked with nutritionists to identify which foods retained their nutritional value best. As his friends began requesting his creations, Tomás realized the potential to address the global issue of fruit and vegetable waste while helping people consume more produce. Thus, he founded Kencko to provide long-lasting, portable, and nutritionally-rich organic fruit and vegetable products.
Delivery and Packaging - No Plastic
With a focus on sustainability, Kencko's delivery and packaging are designed to minimize environmental impact. The smoothie mixes are shipped in compact, recyclable boxes and the individual packets are made of compostable plant-based materials, ensuring that consumers can enjoy their nutrient-dense beverages guilt-free. This combination of convenience, health, and eco-friendliness has made Kencko a popular choice among health-conscious individuals and environmentally aware consumers alike.
Certifications
- Certified B Corporation
- Certified USDA Organic
- Certified EU Organic
Science Behind Kencko
The science behind Kencko lies in its innovative approach to preserving the nutritional value of organic fruits and vegetables while ensuring convenience and longevity. By sourcing high-quality, organic produce, Kencko ensures that its products are both nutritious with all the flavors.
The process starts with flash-freezing the fresh produce, which helps retain essential vitamins, minerals, macronutrients, and fiber while locking in the natural taste.
This is followed by a slow-drying technique that gently removes water content, creating a shelf-stable product without the need for synthetic additives.
Finally, the ingredients are blended in small batches according to carefully crafted recipes, resulting in a delicious and nutrient-dense smoothie mix that can be easily incorporated into a healthy lifestyle with the same nutritional benefits as fresh fruit and vegetables.
With these scientific techniques, Kencko effectively harnesses the power of nature to support consumers' nutritional goals.
Kencko Nutrition Coach
Kencko offers a comprehensive nutrition coaching program as a valuable addition to its product subscription. This program is designed to help you kickstart healthy habits and develop a positive, guilt-free relationship with food without any restrictions. Their healthy-at-any-size-inspired courses, led by friendly and knowledgeable Registered Dietitians, are available free of charge with a Kencko subscription.
The nutrition coaching program covers a variety of specific topics, such as eating for heart health, blood sugar management, and quick, healthy meal preparation. Regular sessions include explanations of common nutrition questions, cooking demonstrations, and more. As a perfect complement to your Kencko membership, the introductory nutrition course teaches the fundamentals of balanced and intuitive eating, provides meal planning guidance, and fosters a supportive community for participants.
Kencko Smoothies Review - Made of Organic Fruits and Vegetables
I recently tried Kencko Smoothies, and I must say, they're a game-changer. Kencko Smoothie packets come with a variety of options designed to target specific goals, such as increased energy, sharper focus, or glowing skin.
The best part about Kencko Smoothies is their versatility. You can enjoy them with chilled water, almond milk, or plant milk, blend them with protein powder for an extra boost, or even incorporate them into baking, ice cream, or cocktails.
Price: $2.49
Key Features
- No refined or added sugars
- No artificial chemicals
- Free carbon-neutral shipping
- Compostable packaging
Pros: What sets Kencko Smoothies apart is their commitment to using real, organic fruits and vegetables without any added artificial ingredients. By flash-freezing and then slow-drying fresh produce, they manage to retain the nutrients, fiber, color, and flavor in a convenient powder form. Each smoothie contains the equivalent of 2.5 cups of fresh produce, making it a simple yet effective way to ensure you're getting the necessary nutrients in your diet.
With different Kencko smoothie flavors possibilities are endless, allowing you to enjoy your extra servings of fruits and vegetables in a way that suits your personal preference. The taste is fantastic, and these organic smoothies are packed with essential plant nutrients, making them a delightful addition to my mornings.
Cons: Some customers did not like certain flavors.
How to prepare Kencko’s Smoothies: To prepare a Kencko smoothie, first pour your chosen liquid (chilled water, plant, or dairy milk) into a bottle up to the designated line. Next, add the contents of one smoothie packet. Securely close the shaker bottle and shake vigorously for several seconds to mix the ingredients. If you don't have a shaker bottle, you can prepare the smoothie in a glass by adding the powder and enough liquid to form a smooth paste, then gradually add 10oz of liquid as you stir.
Alternatively, you can mix the powder in a blender along with your choice of fresh or frozen fruit, protein powder, etc. Most Kencko smoothie flavors work well with either your favorite almond milk or chilled water, but some may pair better with one option over the other.
I highly recommend Kencko Smoothies for anyone looking to enhance their health and explore new ways to enjoy fruits and vegetables.
The Kencko Smoothies Flavors and Ingredients
Kencko fruits and veggie smoothies are available in different flavors. Let us find out some of the top and limited edition flavors.
Chocolate mints: A mix of cacao, banana, blueberry, peach, sweet potato, carrot, and peppermint.
The combination of homemade hot cocoa with a refreshing hint of mint creates flavor profiles that are simply irresistible. What's more, these chocolate mints are not just about the taste; they're packed with essential nutrients from fruits and veggies, such as vitamin A from carrot and sweet potato for healthy vision and immune function, and vitamin C from peach and blueberry to boost immunity and aid in collagen production.
Tropical Blues: A mix of banana, pineapple, apple, orange, thai lime leaf, kiwi, lucuma, coconut water, baobab, and blue spirulina.
Kencko Tropical Blues is an absolute delight, capturing the essence of a beach day in a bottle with its refreshing tropical taste and hint of blue spirulina. This smoothie offers not only a delicious flavor but also packs a punch with antioxidants from fruit and blue spirulina to reduce inflammation and contribute to cell repair. Additionally, the vitamin C from oranges, pineapple, and kiwi helps boost immune function and aids in collagen production, while the natural sugar from fruits provides easily digestible energy.
Mocha Flavor: Mix includes coffee, cacao beans, maqui berries, dates, strawberries, shiitake mushroom, chaga mushroom, baobab powder, and cinnamon.
Kencko Mochas offer a unique and delightful twist on the classic iced mocha latte, combining natural caffeine, cacao, Chaga mushroom, and baobab to create a perfect pick-me-up to beat fatigue and sharpen your focus. Blending this smoothie with oat milk and ice results in a fruity frappuccino that not only tastes amazing but also provides benefits such as fighting fatigue, boosting concentration, and supporting healthy cognitive function, thanks to the antioxidants from fruits and vegetables and the polyphenols found in cacao and coffee.
Reds: Ingredients include a mix of strawberry, raspberry, banana, apple, dates, ginger, and chia seeds.
Kencko Reds smoothie is a fantastic option for those seeking a nutritious boost and better skin health. Enriched with chia seeds to provide omega-3s and vitamin C, this smoothie is a true glow-getter, supporting collagen production for healthy, youthful-looking skin. The omega-3s from chia seeds offer anti-inflammatory properties, while vitamin C from strawberries contributes to immune function and collagen production. Plus, the fiber from whole fruits ensures a smoothly functioning gut, supporting friendly bacteria and regulating blood sugar levels.
Blushes: Ingredients include a mix of mango, papaya, strawberry, passion fruit, orange, lucuma, carrot, beet, apple, and cayenne pepper.
Kencko Blushes is a vibrant and tropical delight, featuring a harmonious blend of mango, passionfruit, and lucuma with a kick of cayenne pepper to create an irresistibly sunny flavor. This smoothie not only tastes amazing but also provides an abundance of skin-friendly vitamins A & C to give you that year-round vacay glow from within. Vitamin A from mango promotes healthy vision and immune function, while vitamin C boosts immune function and aids in collagen production. Furthermore, the fiber from whole fruits ensures a smoothly functioning gut, supporting friendly bacteria and regulating blood sugar levels.
Golds: A mix of cacao, banana, strawberry, pea protein, dates, goji berries, baobab powder, and flax seeds.
Kencko Golds is a delightful smoothie enriched with pure plant protein, making it an ideal choice for muscle recovery and rebuilding. This smooth, soothing, and slightly filling option is organic, vegan, and contains no added sugars. When blended with plant milk and a spoonful of nut butter, it provides an extra protein boost to support post-workout protein synthesis. The polyphenols from strawberries contribute to proper gut function, while omega-3s from flaxseed offer anti-inflammatory properties.
Crimsons: Ingredients include açaí berries, banana, strawberry, apple, mango, cinnamon, and chia seeds
Kencko Crimsons is a caffeine-free smoothie that serves as a fantastic wake-up call for those in search of a natural brain boost. Packed with antioxidants from açaí berries, this blend may help stimulate brain function and keep you sharp when it's most needed. This versatile Kencko smoothie is simply delicious when mixed with plain yogurt, overnight oats, or smoothie bowls. With omega-3 fatty acids essential for brain structure and function, vitamin C for immune support, and fiber from whole fruits for gut health, Crimsons is an ideal choice for a nourishing and energizing treat.
Ambers: A mix of passion fruits, bananas, dates, apples, baobab powder, yellow beetroot, chia seeds, and turmeric.
Ambers smoothie, rich in fiber from sun-ripened tropical fruits, promotes a healthy microbiome, while the vibrant turmeric adds a powerful punch of antioxidants. For a lassi-like experience, blend it with chilled oat or unsweetened almond milk. This Kencko smoothie not only provides antioxidants from turmeric to reduce inflammation and support cell repair but also boasts immune-boosting vitamin C from passion fruit and baobab, which aids in collagen production for healthy skin.
Spicy Tomatoes: A mix of tomato, celery root, red pepper, cayenne pepper, cranberry, white pepper, and salt.
Kencko Spicy Tomatoes is a vitamin- and fiber-rich smoothie that delivers all the invigorating flavors reminiscent of a Virgin Mary. With its tomato-forward taste and a hint of spiciness, this nutritious and savory pick-me-up is sure to hit the spot. Simply shake with 10-12oz of chilled water in a shaker bottle and enjoy the immune-boosting benefits of vitamin C from tomatoes, which may also aid in collagen production.
Mint Greens: A mix of apple, mango, banana, orange, sweet potato, spearmint, wheatgrass, and ginger.
Kencko's mint greens smoothie is a refreshing and invigorating blend that's perfect for mental clarity and focus. Combining zesty fruits, greens, and herbs, green smoothies not only offer a delightful taste but also provide antioxidants for cognitive function and Vitamin C for healthy cells. For maximum refreshment, infuse your water with fresh mint and cucumber first, and enjoy the rejuvenating experience that Kencko mint greens have to offer.
Kencko Gumdrops Review
I recently tried Kencko Gumdrops, and I must say, they're a delightful revelation. These pure fruit and vegetable gumdrops taste just like candy, but without any refined sugars or artificial additives, making them a guilt-free snack that you can enjoy anytime.
Each packet is equivalent to at least one full 80g serving of produce, delivering a tasty and nutritious pick-me-up when your day starts to dip.
Price: $1.99
Key Features
- zero refined sugar
- gut-friendly fiber
- only fruits and veggies
- organic and vegan
Pros: The best part about Kencko Gumdrops is their wholesome ingredients. Made from organic fruit and vegetable purees, juices, and concentrates, along with 3.5g of prebiotic fiber from inulin, they provide a healthier alternative to traditional candy. They're ideal for lunchboxes or pre-game energy boosts for kids and teens, as well as a satisfying treat for adults.
What sets Kencko Gumdrops apart is their commitment to using real, organic fruits and vegetables without compromising on taste. By using pectin from citrus fruit as a setting agent and lemon juice as the only preservative, they create a delicious gumdrop that's also beneficial for your health. The presence of sunflower oil and rice flour ensures the perfect texture and prevents sticking.
Cons: Some customers prefer the taste of traditional candy options, which are overly sweet, and have a different texture.
I highly recommend Kencko Gumdrops for anyone looking to satisfy their sweet tooth while staying committed to a healthier lifestyle.
The Kencko Gumdrops Flavors and Ingredients
Appletastic: Appletastic Gumdrops offer a delightful burst of apple-cinnamon flavor, making every day feel like a special occasion.
These gumdrops, featuring apple, rice crisps, cinnamon, and vanilla, provide a crispy and chewy texture reminiscent of indulging in a delicious pie at a festive gathering.
Bananarama: Bananarama Gumdrops is a nostalgic treat that transports you back to the days of banana splits and candy apples. With a smooth, caramel-sweet flavor and ingredients like banana, sweet potato, agave fiber, apple, and lemon, these gumdrops are perfect for indulging your inner child while enjoying a kitchen dance party to your favorite 80s R&B tunes.
Berrylicious: Berrylicious Gumdrops offers absolutely delicious combination of traditional flavors and a surprising twist. The gumdrops are packed with bright strawberry taste, cleverly hiding beets and pumpkin among the ingredients, making them a perfect treat for the whole family.
Pair these Berrylicious Gumdrops with peanuts for a nostalgic PB&J flavor experience on the go.
Cherrybomb: Cherrybomb Gumdrops offer a tempting alternative for those who crave cake for breakfast but still want to make a sensible choice. With a rich, tart flavor and a hint of indulgence, these gumdrops combine cherry and chocolate, creating a mouthwatering Black Forest experience.
The inclusion of cacao, a fruit, makes these Cherrybomb Gumdrops not only delicious but a delightful treat to enjoy anytime.
Gingerella: Gingerella Gumdrops brings a fiery and invigorating kick to your taste buds with their combination of bold orange, carrot, and a zesty ginger punch. These gumdrops not only delight the palate but also serve as a perfect after-lunch pick-me-up. For a little extra excitement, pair them with dark chocolate and experience a taste sensation that's sure to captivate your senses.
Passionista: Passionista Gumdrops transport your taste buds to the tropics with their delightful blend of sweet mango and tangy passionfruit, offering a truly exotic flavor experience.
The subtle earthy notes of turmeric and galangal give these gumdrops a unique, sophisticated finish that'll leave you craving more. It's hard to resist the allure of these vibrant, tropical treats.
FAQs about Kencko
Are Kencko smoothies good?
Kencko smoothies are not only delicious but also nutritious, offering a convenient way to add more fruits and veggies to your diet through their single-serving smoothie packets, available in various smoothie flavors.
Where is Kencko manufactured?
Kencko is a global company with manufacturing facilities in multiple countries, ensuring the highest quality ingredients and standards for their smoothie delivery services. Kencko is headquartered in New York, but it also has a processing facility in Lisbon, Portugal.
Can Kencko be used as a meal replacement?
While Kencko smoothies are packed with nutrients, they are not designed as a meal replacement product. They are best enjoyed as a supplement to a balanced diet or as a healthy snack.
How many Kencko smoothies can I drink in a day?
There is no strict limit to the number of Kencko smoothies you can drink in a day. However, it's essential to maintain a balanced diet, including a variety of foods and nutrients.
Do you use almond milk or water for Kencko smoothies?
Both almond milk and water can be used for Kencko smoothies, depending on your preference. Experiment with different liquid bases to find your favorite combination.
Do Kencko smoothies go bad?
Kencko smoothies have a long shelf life (up to 18 months) due to the freeze-dried fruits and vegetables used. However, once mixed with a liquid, they should be consumed promptly to ensure freshness.
How are the smoothie packets supposed to be stored?
The smoothie packets should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
What is best to mix Kencko smoothies with?
Kencko smoothies can be mixed with water, plant milk, oat milk, or even fruit-infused water. You can also blend them into your own smoothies or add them to recipes like Greek yogurt or morning coffee.
What are the best Kencko flavors?
The best Kencko flavors are subjective and depend on individual preferences. With a wide range of different flavors available from Tropical Blues, Blushes, and Crimsons to new flavors like Mint Greens and Golden Plums, there's a flavor for everyone to enjoy.
How do you make Kencko smoothies taste better?
To make Kencko smoothies taste even better, try experimenting with different liquid bases, blending them with additional fresh fruits, or adding natural sweeteners like honey or agave syrup.
What is Kencko's passion fruit mix gumdrop, and what are its ingredients?
Kencko's Passionista gumdrop is a mouthwatering combination of ripe mango and tangy passionfruit with hints of turmeric and galangal. The ingredients include passionfruit, turmeric, agave fiber, apple, and lemon.
Kencko Review Summary
Kencko offers a convenient and delicious way to incorporate more fruits and veggies into your daily diet. Their single-serving smoothies are made from flash-frozen, real smoothie ingredients, ensuring that you get the maximum nutritional benefits of fresh fruit in every smoothie pack. Unlike other smoothie delivery services, Kencko's products are designed for busy individuals who want a healthy, quick, and easy option for increasing their daily fruit and vegetable intake.
Each smoothie pack contains a carefully selected blend of fruits and vegetables, providing a delicious and nutritious boost to your day. With a variety of flavors to choose from, there's something for everyone, whether you're craving a fruity, refreshing beverage or a more substantial, protein-packed option. Simply mix the contents of a single-serving smoothie pack with water or your favorite plant-based milk, and you'll have a delicious and nutritious drink in no time.
In summary, Kencko is an excellent choice for those seeking a simple, convenient, and healthy way to increase their consumption of fruits and vegetables. Their smoothie packs stand out from other smoothie delivery services, offering a wide range of flavors made from high-quality, freeze-dried fruit ingredients, ensuring you enjoy all the benefits of a real smoothie in every single-serving packet.
Macdiarmid, J. I. (2014). Seasonality and dietary requirements: will eating seasonal food contribute to health and environmental sustainability? Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 73(3), 368–375. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0029665113003753