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What are Smoothies?

Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick

Smoothies, also known as smoothees, are blended frozen drinks made from various combinations of fruits, fruit juices, yogurt, supplemental powders and ice. They are often sold in health food stores and fitness centers as healthier alternatives to fat-filled milkshakes or sugary soft drinks, or as meal replacements when nutritional powders are added. Traditional ones sold in the United States are relatively free of dairy products, relying on fruits such as bananas to provide thickness and sweetness. Smoothies produced in other countries often contain yogurt as a thickener and honey as a natural sweetener.

There is some controversy over the origin of smoothies. A blended drink called an Orange Julius® first appeared in the 1920s, but it did not have all of the characteristics of a frozen fruit smoothie. The introduction of the Waring blender in 1939 created a consumer fascination with all things blendable, including recipes for fruit and vegetable drinks called smoothees. These were popular homemade alternatives to baby formulas and commercial fruit juices.

A strawberry smoothie.
A strawberry smoothie.

Modern commercial smoothies are said to have originated with a drugstore employee in California who wanted to create a healthy and delicious milkshake alternative for those who could not tolerate lactose or other dairy by-products. This former soda jerk developed a wide range of drinks, eventually creating a chain of specialty stores known as Smoothie King®. The popularity of the franchises prompted others to invest in the specialized blending equipment and produce blended drinks of their own invention.

Spinach can be used to make healthy, green smoothies.
Spinach can be used to make healthy, green smoothies.

Today, smoothies can be found in a number of outlets, including malls, health food stores, specialty ice cream shops and gymnasiums. Recipes run the gamut from berry blends to chocolate and frozen yogurt blends. Supplemental powders can also be added to enhance certain health qualities of the drinks, including weight loss, protein boosts and multivitamin supplements. Many consumers drink nutritious smoothies as either a meal replacement or a pick-me-up following a workout. They are also popular alternatives to elaborate coffee-based drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos.

Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick

A regular DelightedCooking contributor, Michael enjoys doing research in order to satisfy his wide-ranging curiosity about a variety of arcane topics. Before becoming a professional writer, Michael worked as an English tutor, poet, voice-over artist, and DJ.

Learn more...
Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick

A regular DelightedCooking contributor, Michael enjoys doing research in order to satisfy his wide-ranging curiosity about a variety of arcane topics. Before becoming a professional writer, Michael worked as an English tutor, poet, voice-over artist, and DJ.

Learn more...

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    • A strawberry smoothie.
      By: matka_Wariatka
      A strawberry smoothie.
    • Spinach can be used to make healthy, green smoothies.
      By: tashka2000
      Spinach can be used to make healthy, green smoothies.
    • Smoothies are created using a variety of fruits, juices, and ice.
      By: Anyka
      Smoothies are created using a variety of fruits, juices, and ice.
    • Smoothie blenders mix ice, fruits, and juices together to make a smoothie.
      By: venusangel
      Smoothie blenders mix ice, fruits, and juices together to make a smoothie.
    • Bananas, which can be used to make smoothies.
      By: Liaurinko
      Bananas, which can be used to make smoothies.
    • Many smoothies contain honey as a natural sweetener.
      By: Jaimie Duplass
      Many smoothies contain honey as a natural sweetener.
    • Wheatgrass juice is often added to smoothies for a nutritional boost.
      By: MSPhotographic
      Wheatgrass juice is often added to smoothies for a nutritional boost.
    • Cocoa powder gives a chocolate taste to smoothies.
      By: alb470
      Cocoa powder gives a chocolate taste to smoothies.
    • Yogurt can be used in smoothies.
      By: Colinda McKie
      Yogurt can be used in smoothies.
    • Protein powder can boost the nutritional value of a smoothie.
      By: lculig
      Protein powder can boost the nutritional value of a smoothie.
    • Some green smoothies feature avocado, kale, or other nutrient-rich green vegetables.
      By: Johan Larson
      Some green smoothies feature avocado, kale, or other nutrient-rich green vegetables.
    • Most shopping malls have a food court that sells smoothies and other quick meals.
      By: Monkey Business
      Most shopping malls have a food court that sells smoothies and other quick meals.