There’s a shift in the air. The days are getting longer, the sun feels a little warmer on your skin, and the world is slowly awakening in a beautiful burst of colour. For us, this can only mean one thing: spring has officially begun. After months of being cooped up indoors, it's a glorious relief to be able to step outside and breathe in the fresh air.
And what better way to celebrate the season of renewal than with one of life’s simplest and most satisfying pleasures? A picnic.
But we're not talking about a soggy sandwich in a plastic bag. We’re talking about an effortless, elegant, and genuinely nourishing spread that you can share with loved ones, either in the comfort of your own backyard or at a beautiful local park. The secret? A platter that's as easy to pack as it is to enjoy.
Forget the hassle of forks and plates; this is a grazing platter that encourages you to slow down, soak up the sun, and savour every single bite. And to make it truly perfect, we've designed a spread that is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare.
The Philosophy of the Perfect Platter
The key to a successful picnic platter is variety and simplicity. You want a mix of textures and flavours—creamy, crunchy, savoury, and a little sweet—all of which can be eaten with your hands. The beauty of this approach is that you can build the platter exactly to your liking, and it looks beautiful without any effort at all. It's about bringing together a collection of wholesome ingredients that can be enjoyed in any combination you choose.
So, let’s pack that basket. Here’s the spread that will truly satisfy, from your taste buds to your body.
Building Your Dream Platter: The Savoury & Sweet Sides
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Vegetable Patties: These are the heart of your savoury platter. You can make them ahead of time and they taste just as good at room temperature. They offer a substantial, satisfying bite and a great source of fibre and plant-based protein. Pair them with a spoonful of guacamole for a delicious combination.
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Crackers: The essential vehicle for everything on your platter. Choose your favourite crackers, from plain and simple to seeded and grainy, to add a satisfying crunch. They're perfect for scooping up dips or serving as a base for a mini masterpiece.
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Guacamole: A picnic must-have. Packed with healthy fats from avocado, guacamole is rich, creamy, and wonderfully satisfying. It pairs perfectly with the vegetable patties and crackers, adding a layer of indulgence that feels completely wholesome.
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Nuts: A handful of nuts is an absolute must for any picnic. They are packed with energy, healthy fats, and protein, making them a fantastic source of sustained energy. They add a simple, satisfying crunch to the platter and are great for snacking on their own.
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Greek Yoghurt: A versatile addition. Use it as a creamy dip for your vegetable patties, or pair it with the strawberries for a sweet and tangy treat. Greek yoghurt provides a dose of protein and probiotics, making it a healthy and delicious choice.
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Strawberries: Simple, refreshing, and incredibly sweet. Fresh strawberries add a beautiful pop of colour and a burst of juicy sweetness to your platter. They are the perfect way to cleanse your palate between savoury bites.
This combination of savoury and sweet elements creates a harmonious balance that will keep everyone coming back for more. But a great platter isn't complete without the perfect drink to pair it with. And this is where we bring in the real hero of the picnic.
The Perfect Picnic Companion: 99th Monkey Protein Smoothie Cartons
When you're packing for a picnic, you need a drink that is as effortless as the meal itself. You don't want a heavy bottle you have to lug around or a drink that needs to be kept on ice just to stay fresh. You need something that's ready to go, and that’s exactly what our 99th Monkey Protein Smoothie cartons are.
They are the ultimate picnic companion for a handful of reasons:
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Ready to Drink: There's no mixing, no mess, and no extra bottles. Just grab a few cartons, and you’re ready to go.
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Single-Serve: Each carton is the perfect single serving, meaning no waste and no lugging around a half-finished bottle.
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No Refrigeration Needed: This is a game-changer. Our smoothie cartons can be stored at room temperature without losing their flavour or nutritional value. You can simply toss them in your bag without worrying about a cooler.
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A Lid that Closes: Simple, but so important. Spillage is the number one picnic enemy. With a resealable lid, you can enjoy your smoothie at your own pace without worrying about it spilling over your blanket.
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Packed with Goodness: Each carton is a nutritional powerhouse. Our smoothies contain 20g of protein, which provides a substantial boost that will keep you feeling full and energised for your day out.
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Sweet but Not Sickly: This is crucial for a platter. Our smoothies contain less than 1% sugar, which means they are sweet enough to satisfy a craving without being overly sugary. This allows the subtle flavours of your savoury platter to shine, creating a perfectly balanced taste experience.
Imagine biting into a savoury vegetable patty, followed by a cool, smooth sip of a rich chocolate or coffee protein smoothie. The way the creamy, nutty flavours of the smoothie complement the savoury flavours of the platter is truly exceptional. It’s a combination that is both deeply satisfying and perfectly balanced.
The Art of a Simple Pleasure
A picnic is a reminder that the best things in life are often the simplest. It’s about more than just the food; it’s about the moment itself. The feeling of grass beneath your feet, the sound of birds in the trees, and the joy of sharing a meal with the people you love.
With a well-planned, easy-to-pack platter and the perfect drink companion, you can turn a regular afternoon into a cherished memory. So, this spring, grab your blanket, pack your 99th Monkey Protein Smoothies, and find your perfect spot. It's time to get outside and savour the simple, delicious joys of life.
