Whether you have a whirlwind multi-city itinerary planned, are taking that epic road trip, or are embarking on a slower van life approach to travel – there are certain aspects of travel that are the same no matter where you go or how you travel.
One of these aspects is a disruption of routine. And while disruption to routine is often a welcome change, disruption to diet is not always ideal. With so many incredible dishes to taste, new places to explore and activities to enjoy, it’s too easy to let your health and fitness take a backseat when you travel.
We’ve previously shared some of the best portable exercise equipment to help keep you in shape while you travel. Here, we share some of the best portable blenders to help with your daily nutrition intake while on the go.
Eating Healthy On The Road
A combination of jet lag, jam-packed itineraries, and eating out can make staying healthy when travelling quite tricky. It’s far easier to grab a pastry on the way out of your hotel than try to navigate a healthy breakfast option in the vast metropolis.
Investing in a personal blender and bottle allows you to make a healthy and nutritious meal while travelling, providing you with enough energy to explore and avoid the temptation of unhealthy options. They are also extremely lightweight and portable options for camping trips.
A healthy start makes a lunchtime indulgence all the more guilt-free, and it can also save you a bit of cash if you don’t have to buy overinflated smoothies and juices on your travels.
Whether you enjoy steam-rolling through a destination and quick-stop getaways or are a lover of slow travel, there’s a lot to be said about how much health and energy levels can impact your travel experience.
If it’s simply starting with a healthy morning banana smoothie or juice or maintaining a health or fitness regime; a portable travel blender can be a welcome addition to your packing list.
RELATED: A great travel coffee maker is much more than a travel luxury, on some trips, it’s a travel essential. Find the best portable coffee makers for travel here.
Choosing the Best Portable Blender for Travel
If you enjoy making smoothies and juices at home, then these are some key considerations for buying a portable smoothie blender.
The below guide and reviews of the best personal blenders for travel are based on the following criteria.
- Weight –Keep in mind that a travel blender will be stored in your luggage, not the kitchen cupboard, so the lighter, the better.
- Size –Single-serving smoothie makers take up a lot less space, allowing you to fill your bags with gifts and souvenirs.
- Max Power – will you be able to blend frozen fruit in your little health machine. Or, will the blades break with a little bit of ice?
- Power supply – different blenders require different methods of charging, such as electricity and USB.
Quick Guide to The Best Portable Blender
Whether you prefer a USB blender or a blender with detachable blades, you’re sure to find the perfect travel size blender for your next trip.
Best Travel Blender Reviews
With all of these key features in mind; here are some of the best travel smoothie blender options on the market, and our review of each.
Ninja Blast Portable Blender, 18 oz Cordless
Ninja Blast Portable Blender, 18 oz Cordless
| Ninja Blast Portable Blender, 18 oz Cordless Features | |
|---|---|
| Volume | 18 oz (532 ml) |
| Power Supply | Rechargeable battery, cordless |
| Charging | USB-C |
| Vessel | BPA-free, dishwasher safe |
| Extras | Sip lid, hinged carry handle, 30-second self-clean cycle |
Ninja’s cordless Blast is the one to beat in this category, for the simple reason that it blends like a Ninja. It breaks down frozen fruit and ice rather than pushing them around the cup, which is where most travel blenders fall apart. The 18-ounce vessel is also the drinking cup, so there is nothing to decant and nothing extra to pack.
Pros
- Genuinely handles frozen fruit and ice, not just soft fruit and protein powder.
- Recharges over USB-C from the same brick as your phone.
- Self-cleans with a drop of soap and a 30-second cycle – useful in a hotel room with no brush.
- Hinged handle and sip lid mean you blend it and walk out with it.
Cons
- Bigger and heavier than the mini USB cups further down this list.
- You pay a brand premium over the generic cordless blenders.
- Like every blender here, it is not for hot liquids – so no Bullet Proof Coffee or hot soup.
UTALENT Cordless Portable Blender, 700W, 25 oz
UTALENT Cordless Portable Blender, 700W, 25 oz
| UTALENT Cordless Portable Blender, 700W, 25 oz Features | |
|---|---|
| Volume | 25 oz cup (22 oz maximum when blending) |
| Maximum Power | 700 watts, brushless motor |
| Power Supply | Rechargeable battery, USB-C |
| Programs | Four presets – smoothie, ice crush, extract, blend |
| Cleaning | Detachable base, dishwasher-safe parts |
UTALENT Cordless Portable Blender – If you want countertop power without a cord, this is the value pick. A 700-watt brushless motor is a large step up from the 100–175-watt cups that dominate the cheap end of the market, and it shows the moment you put ice in it.
Pros
- A 700-watt brushless motor that crushes ice and frozen fruit.
- Four preset programs, so no guessing how long to hold the button down.
- The base detaches, so only the cup goes in the dishwasher.
- The largest capacity here at 25 ounces.
Cons
- The extra power means extra bulk – this is a carry-on item, not a handbag item.
- A newer listing, so fewer long-term reviews than the Ninja.
PETOLAR USB Juicer Cup
| PETOLAR USB Juicer Cup Features | |
|---|---|
| Weight | 450 grams |
| Volume | 430 ml |
| Maximum Power | 3800MAH lithium-polymer battery |
| Power Supply | lithium-polymer battery charged USB |
| Blade Features | Built-in blades |
The PETOLAR handheld juicer is popular with those looking for portable to-go blenders. Load with frozen fruit and blend when you’re ready. The all in one portable blender will give 4-5 blends on a full charge and is easily transportable whether it’s in your carry on luggage or clipped to your day pack for a hike.
Pros
- The PETOLAR USB blender is especially popular with both travellers and outdoor enthusiasts for camping and picnics.
- Design-wise, the blender is easy to carry or clip onto a backpack with a carabiner.
- As an added bonus, the blender acts as a power pack so you can charge your phone with the blender.
Cons
- The bottle is not detachable, as the blades and power pod serve as the bottle’s bottom.
Hamilton Beach Portable Blender, 14 oz Travel Jar
Hamilton Beach Portable Blender, 14 oz Travel Jar
| Hamilton Beach Portable Blender, 14 oz Travel Jar Features | |
|---|---|
| Volume | 14 oz travel jar |
| Maximum Power | 300 watts peak |
| Power Supply | Mains – corded |
| Blade Features | Stainless steel blades |
| Cleaning | Jar, blades and travel lid are dishwasher safe |
The cheap, reliable option, and the one to pick for road trips rather than flights. It plugs into the wall rather than running off a battery, so it never runs flat halfway through a smoothie – and at this price it is the least painful thing on this list to leave behind in a rental kitchen.
Pros
- Costs a fraction of the cordless models.
- Never needs charging.
- The jar fits most car cup holders.
- One button, nothing to learn.
Cons
- Needs an outlet, so it is no use on a plane, a beach or a trail.
- Fourteen ounces is a single small serving.
- Check the voltage before taking it abroad.
NutriBullet NBR 1201 High Speed Blender
NutriBullet NBR-1201 12-Piece High-Speed Blender/Mixer System, Gray (600 Watts)
| NutriBullet High-Speed Blender Features | |
|---|---|
| Weight | 3.35 Kilograms |
| Volume | 532 ml (travel cup) |
| Maximum Power | 600 watts |
| Power Supply | Electrical Outlet |
| Blade Features | Retractable blades |
The NutriBullet reputation precedes the products – and the reviews speak for themselves which is why it’s on the NBR-1201 is on the list of best portable smoothie blenders. If you are serious about staying healthy while away from home, this powerhouse of blending is the go-to blender for a multitude of uses.
Pros
- The NutriBullet brand is synonymous with outstanding quality (and includes a one-year warranty).
- One of its most popular features is its “precision nutrient extraction” which consists of a signature blending process to optimise your food’s nutritional potential.
- Easy to clean.
Cons
- The blender itself is quite heavy and takes up a fair amount of space, making many people think twice before adding the NutriBullet to their packing list. It could however be a great portable blender for long, single destination trips.
Cuisinart CPB 300 Portable Blender
Cuisinart CPB-300 350 Watt BPA-Free Blender, Black, 32 Ounce
| Cuisinart CPB 300 Portable Blender Features | |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.8 kilograms |
| Volume | 473 ml (travel cup) |
| Maximum Power | 350 watts |
| Power Supply | Electrical Outlet |
| Blade Features | Retractable blades |
The Cuisinart CPB-300 blender is a great choice if you plan on spending a fair amount of time in one place, and need a powerful and versatile blender for frozen foods and ice. Three travel cups give you a large capacity for drinks to go and the 1.8 kg overall weight make it one of the lightest electric-powered portable blenders just slightly heavier than the Hamilton Beach Portable Blender, 14 oz Travel Jar at 1.6 kg.
Pros
- The blender is easy-to-use, with only a single touch required to fire it up.
- The user-friendly electronic touchpad makes blending your smoothies a smooth process.
- The blender is sold with a large blender jar, chopping cup and travel cup.
Cons
- The entire set can take up a lot of space. We suggest that you only pack the travel cup if you plan on taking it with you on a trip.
HOMEXUP Portable Personal Blender, 500 ml
HOMEXUP Portable Personal Blender, 500 ml
| HOMEXUP Portable Personal Blender, 500 ml Features | |
|---|---|
| Volume | 500 ml |
| Maximum Power | 175 watts |
| Speed | 21,000 rpm |
| Power Supply | Rechargeable battery, USB |
| Extras | Ice-cube mould, funnel and cleaning brush included |
This is the modern version of the USB juicer cup, the format that made portable blenders popular in the first place. The cup lifts off the motor for cleaning, and a clutch switch stops the blades turning unless the cup is seated properly.
Pros
- Light and small enough to live in a day bag.
- The cup separates from the motor, so cleaning takes seconds.
- A safety interlock means it cannot spin with the cup off.
- Comes with a brush and funnel rather than needing extras bought separately.
Cons
- At 175 watts it handles soft fruit and powders well but struggles with hard ice.
- A smaller battery than the 700-watt cordless models.
NexaEase Portable Blender, 20 oz with Insulated Sleeve
NexaEase Portable Blender, 20 oz with Insulated Sleeve
| NexaEase Portable Blender, 20 oz with Insulated Sleeve Features | |
|---|---|
| Volume | 20 oz bottle |
| Maximum Power | 150 watts |
| Speed | 18,000 rpm, six blades |
| Power Supply | Rechargeable battery, USB-C |
| Extras | Insulated sleeve and travel lid |
The clever part here is the insulated sleeve. Blend in the morning and the drink is still cold hours later, which matters if you are heading out for the day rather than drinking it at the kitchen counter.
Pros
- The insulated sleeve keeps a smoothie cold for hours.
- Blend and pulse modes give you some control over texture.
- The bottle is the cup, so there is nothing extra to carry.
- USB-C charging.
Cons
- At 150 watts this is a soft-fruit motor – freeze fruit in small pieces and do not expect it to crush cubes.
- The sleeve adds a little bulk in a bag.
Ninja Personal Blender
| Ninja Portable Blender Features | |
|---|---|
| Weight | 2.1 kilograms |
| Volume | 473 ml |
| Maximum Power | 700 watts |
| Power Supply | Electrical Outlet |
| Blade Features | Retractable blades |
For a stealthy, nutritious drink to enjoy on the go, the Ninja personal blender is a top choice. An Amazon’s choice blender with consistently great reviews, the coffee cup size power pod delivers incredibly powerful blending and convenient portability.
Pros
- The device is incredibly powerful, producing silky-smooth drinks to enjoy on the go.
- The detachable cups have spout-type “Sip and Seal lids” perfect for grab and go juices or smoothies. The cups also fit in most car cup holders.
Cons
- The travel Ninja blender is fantastic at extracting healthy and nutritious drinks, but it does come at the cost of a little extra weight – Not a deal breaker.
Ninja Blast Max Portable Blender, 22 oz
Ninja Blast Max Portable Blender, 22 oz
The Blast Max fixes the one real annoyance of cordless blenders: the whole thing used to be a single lump. Here the vessel twists off the motor base, so you carry a light cup and leave the heavy part behind.
| Ninja Blast Max Portable Blender, 22 oz Twist & Go Features | |
|---|---|
| Volume | 22 oz |
| Power Supply | Rechargeable battery, cordless |
| Programs | Three Auto-iQ presets – smoothie, crush, blend |
| Design | Vessel twists off the motor base |
| Extras | Sip lid and silicone carry handle |
Pros
- The vessel detaches – carry the cup, leave the motor.
- Three preset programs cover smoothies, ice and general blending.
- Twenty-two ounces makes a proper single serving.
- The same blending power as the smaller Blast.
Cons
- The largest and priciest cordless option here.
- The detachable base is one more part to keep track of.
Oyster My Blend
Oster BLSTPB-WBL My Blend 250-Watt Blender with Travel Sport Bottle, Light Powder Blue
The lightweight powerful unit and the sporty-styled bottle make the Oster the perfect blender to take with you on a tour, hike or adventure holiday. Lighter than the cordless units on this list – the Ninja Blast Max among them – the Oster My Blend is one of the most lightweight in the electric portable blender range.
| Oyster My Blend Portable Blender Features | |
|---|---|
| Weight | 800 grams |
| Volume | 591 ml |
| Maximum Power | 250 watts |
| Power Supply | Electrical Outlet |
| Blade Features | Retractable blades |
Pros
A powerful blender in a small package, the Oster My Blend has the ability to crush ice and frozen fruit in a matter of seconds. The blades are built into a retractable lid, which makes the mechanisms of the portable blender bottle easy to clean.
Cons
The two-part travel blender can be a bit cumbersome to carry about. It also requires an electrical outlet to charge which can be restrictive at times.
Mulli Portable Blender, 14 oz USB-C
Mulli Portable Blender, 14 oz USB-C
| Mulli Portable Blender, 14 oz USB-C Features | |
|---|---|
| Volume | 14 oz |
| Power Supply | Rechargeable battery, USB-C |
| Blade Features | Six-blade assembly |
| Safety | Interlock switch and a splash-proof charging port |
| Cleaning | One-click self-clean cycle |
The smallest one we would still recommend. At 14 ounces it is a one-drink cup that genuinely fits in a handbag or a laptop bag, and the charging port has a silicone cover – a small thing that matters when it is rattling around next to a water bottle.
Pros
- Small and light enough to carry every day.
- Self-cleans in seconds with a drop of soap and water.
- The covered USB-C port survives a damp bag.
- An interlock stops it spinning unless the cup is locked on.
Cons
- One drink at a time.
- A small motor – soft fruit, powders and pre-frozen pieces rather than ice cubes.
Stay Healthy While Travelling
With so many travel gadgets and equipment available, remaining healthy on the road has never been easier. These on-the-go blenders could soon become a favourite travel gadget to add to your packing list.
Regardless of whether you’re packing for Nicaragua’s tropical climates and adventure or visiting Europe in winter, the right portable travel blender can be worth its weight in gold.