Is Your Favourite Smoothie Packing More Kilojoules Than a Big Mac?

It’s a new year, and those of us who are still clinging to the resolutions we made at the start of January to make healthy choices may have canned the soft drinks and alcohol in exchange for healthy smoothies.  However, shocking new government-funded research from LiveLighter indicates that many of the ‘healthy,’ ’98 per cent fat free’ smoothies contain huge amounts of sugar and more kilojoules than soft drinks and popular fast food choices.

According to LiveLighter findings, of the 40 drinks surveyed, Boost Juice Breaky to Go Go super large smoothie had the most kilojoules – 24 percent more kilojouiles than a Big Mac in fact.

McDonald’s large Mocha Frappe contained the highest kilojoules, fat and saturated fat of the beverages tested, and Gloria Jeans 98 per cent fat free Mango Fruit Fruzi was found to contain the most sugar, at a whopping 31 teaspoons!

LiveLighter Victoria Campaign Manager Alison Ginn warns Australians ““Food outlets use phrases like 97% ‘fat free’ or ‘dairy free’ to make their smoothies and frappes sound healthy, but with up to 31 teaspoons of sugar and as many kilojoules as a Big Mac, these drinks can actually do more harm than good.”

“If you want to give your healthy New Year resolutions a real chance of success, steer clear of the high-kilojoule smoothies and frappes sold in cafes, even if they do sound healthy. You’re better off staying hydrated with water and snacking on a piece of fruit instead,” Ms Ginn said.

For information and tips on making healthy food choices visit www.livelighter.com.au

Are you surprised by these findings? Do you consume any of these so-called ‘healthy’ drinks?