Smoothies are one of the most deceptive menu items you can order. Many claim to be loaded with fruit and other assorted goodness, but the truth is, the sugar intake in the wrong kind of smoothie could be quadruple that in a chocolate bar. Here are some tips on how to select a healthy smoothie.
If you’re stopping by Jamba Juice, you’ll want to avoid the Jamba Juice Strawberries Wild. The 30 oz. option contains a whopping 510 calories and 118 grams total sugar. Instead, go with something like the Jamba Juice All Fruit Smoothie: Mega Mango. The 22 oz. size has 340 calories and 85 grams total sugar.
McDonald’s has even gotten into the smoothie act. The fast food chain offers a waist-busting Strawberry Banana Smoothie. The 22 oz. size has 330 calories and 77 grams total sugar. For a healthier option, choose the Wild Berry Smoothie in a smaller size. The 12 oz. contains 210 calories and 44 grams total sugar.
Dunkin’ Donuts isn’t just for coffee anymore. You can now order a Strawberry Fruit Coolatta, but it’ll cost you a lot more than money. The large, 32 oz. size has 470 calories and 114 grams total sugar. However, the Orange Fruit Coolatta, when ordered as a small 16 oz. size, has just 210 calories and 54 grams total sugar.
Starbucks offers a Chocolate Smoothie made with 2 percent milk. A 16 oz. size contains 300 calories and 34 grams total sugar. A slightly better option is the Starbucks Orange Mango Smoothie made with nonfat milk. The same 16 oz. size has 260 calories and 37 grams of total sugar.
Last but not least is Burger King. The home of the Whopper is now home of the smoothie as well. The chain’s large Tropical Mango Smoothie has 450 calories and 85 grams of total sugar, while the small Strawberry Banana Smoothie has 200 calories and 40 grams of total sugar.
The bottom line is eat, drink and be merry. Just do a bit of research so you can make smarter, more informed decisions. Bottoms up!
