What is a smoothie?
A smoothie is a thick, cold drink made by blending fruit, and sometimes vegetables, with liquids such as milk, yogurt, juice or water. Ice or frozen fruit is often added.
Smoothies became popular in the United States in the 1930s, when electric blenders began to appear, and health food stores sold blended fruit drinks. They became a major trend in the 1960s and 1970s and later spread worldwide with smoothie bars and chains. Common ingredients include bananas, berries, mango, spinach, yogurt, oats and nut butter.
Smoothies are different from juices because they keep the whole fruit, including the fiber, while juicing removes most of the fiber. A smoothie bowl is a thicker smoothie served in a bowl and topped with fruit, granola and seeds.
Healthy choice?
Smoothies can be a good way to eat more fruits and vegetables, but they can also contain a lot of sugar, especially if made with juice, sweetened yogurt or syrups. Nutrition experts suggest adding vegetables, protein and fiber and watching portion sizes.
Did You Know?
A lassi, a traditional yogurt-based drink from India, is often described as one of the ancestors of the modern smoothie.