By: Smootheeze
Like many health-conscious households, Ross and Tess Nelson found themselves stuck in a cycle of freezer-burned fruit, clumped bananas, and morning routines that felt more chaotic than energizing. Frustrated by the waste and inconvenience, they began testing ways to portion and freeze fresh ingredients more efficiently, uncovering a simple solution that would transform not only their mornings but their future.
That solution became Smootheeze, a San Diego-based brand offering a line of plastic-free platinum silicone freezer trays specifically crafted for smoothie prep. What started as a homemade fix quickly evolved into a purpose-driven business. One that’s helping people reduce food waste, simplify healthy habits, and bring a little fun back into the blender.
From Freezer Clumps to Thoughtful Design
The first problem Ross and Tess tackled was bananas—famously tricky to freeze without turning into a solid block. Their solution? The Easy Banana Freeze Tray, a unique design with four individual slots to freeze whole, peeled bananas without sticking. It solved a surprisingly universal pain point with a practical, durable fix.
From there, the product line expanded. Next came the Easy Freeze Cup Trays, a natural extension of their banana fix. Ross and Tess designed them in three easy-to-spot colors, Berry, Greens, and Tropical, so you can sort your smoothie ingredients without second-guessing what’s inside. Each tray holds nine half-cup portions, just the right amount for tossing into the blender. They stack neatly in the freezer and come with snug silicone lids that help keep everything fresh and ready when you are. No digging, no freezer-burned mystery cubes.
Built for Sustainability, and Built to Last
All Smootheeze trays are made from platinum silicone that’s designed for durability and FDA-certified food safe. It can handle just about anything: freezing temps, hot dishwashers, and daily use without cracking or wearing down. Plus, it’s totally free of plastic, BPA, and all the other substances you’d rather keep out of your kitchen. In short, it’s made to last for decades, not months.
Beyond smart design, Smootheeze reflects Ross and Tess’s larger vision. Guided by Conscious Capitalism and a Triple Bottom Line philosophy, they’ve embedded purpose into their business model, donating 5% of profits to environmental and social causes, prioritizing ethical sourcing, and committing to long-term sustainability from production to packaging.
A Real-Life Solution for Real-Life Routines
Smootheeze was built to meet people where they are: navigating busy mornings, feeding families, and trying to stick to healthier habits. Whether you’re prepping for one smoothie or ten, the trays make it easy to grab the right amount, with no measuring and no mess.
During their successful Kickstarter launch, backers echoed this value. Customers cited ease of use, reduced food waste, and support for healthy meal prepping as key reasons for backing the product. The banana tray, in particular, stood out as a favorite for solving a surprisingly common problem.
A Two-Person Team with a Shared Purpose
Ross and Tess co-founded Smootheeze as a two-person operation and remain its driving force today. Ross brings over a decade of experience running marketing and content agencies, while Tess shapes the brand’s tone and customer voice, infusing everything from social posts to packaging with a sense of warmth, encouragement, and light humor.
Smootheeze continues to evolve with thoughtful additions to its product lineup. A new Mini Tray is on the way, designed with flexibility and simplicity in mind. With a compact size and smaller portion count, it offers an easy, space-saving solution for anyone looking to prep just the right amount, whether for a single smoothie or a quick burst of frozen ingredients.
What Comes Next
With positive customer reviews and growing word-of-mouth momentum, Smootheeze is expanding thoughtfully. The upcoming mini trays will offer flexibility for more lifestyles and budgets. At the same time, the brand continues to explore new ways to serve its growing community through recipes, educational content, and developing smoothie supplements designed to simplify wellness.
At a time when overcomplicated gadgets and throwaway trends dominate the wellness space, Smootheeze offers something rare: practical tools that last, solve real problems, and make everyday routines a little brighter.
As Ross puts it, “We weren’t trying to launch a product, we just wanted to make smoothies less of a hassle. Turns out, a lot of people wanted the same thing.”
Ready to Take the Hassle Out of Smoothie Prep?
Join the Smootheeze community and see how a simple switch can make a big difference. With trays designed to cut waste, save time, and keep your ingredients fresh, it’s an easy win for your routine and the planet.
