What’s a Berry Smoothie?

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A berry smoothie is a blended drink that contains one or more types of whole berries that have been processed, along with other ingredients, in a blender. Beyond this basic description, the exact contents of a berry smoothie can vary widely, and some people choose to create healthy smoothies while others consider them a dessert. Berry smoothies can be made at home quite easily and are also a popular item at many fast-food restaurants, coffee shops, and health food stores. Those concerned about nutrition should be aware that some berry smoothies that sound healthy are actually loaded with sugar and fat.

Basically, a berry smoothie is a drink that contains one or more types of whole berries, such as strawberries or blueberries, that have been processed in a blender. Usually, these additional ingredients are blended with these berries to enhance the texture, healthiness, or taste of the smoothie. Beyond this definition, exact berry smoothie recipes can vary widely, and the possible variations are largely limited only by the imagination of the cook.

For some health enthusiasts, creating a nutritious drink is top priority when mixing a berry smoothie. The nutrient profile of a smoothie can be enhanced with the addition of powdered vitamin supplements or high-fiber blends such as wheat germ. Other berry smoothie fans add ingredients like fruit juice or ice cream, turning their drink into a sweet and creamy dessert. Smoothies often contain yogurt or crushed ice, ingredients that improve the texture of the drink.

Making berry smoothies at home is easy, even for inexperienced cooks. The preparation process involves little more than fresh frozen or washed berries along with your favorite add-ins in a blender. Those who prefer to buy pre-packaged berry smoothies will typically find that they have a large selection. Fresh smoothies can be purchased in cafes, juice shops, and even some fast-food restaurants, while bottled smoothies are sold by many health food stores and supermarkets.

Because a berry smoothie contains whole fruit, it can be a better source of fiber and vitamins than traditional juices. It should be noted, however, that restaurant- or store-bought smoothies may not be as healthy as they sound. Commercial smoothie makers often improve the taste or shelf life of their products through the addition of sugar, ice cream or preservatives, turning a seemingly healthy drink into a hidden source of extra calories, fat and artificial additives. Those concerned about nutrition may want to stick to those berry smoothies that have been blended at home.

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