Smoothies: Exploring the attitudes, beliefs and behaviours of consumers and non-consumers

Smoothies are popular dietary products. An online survey of Australian adults (n=833; 79% female) was used to explore patterns of smoothie consumption and individual motives for consuming these beverages. Participants commonly reported consuming fruit (98%), yoghurt (66%), milk (58%), honey (52%), fruit juice (46%), and nutritional supplements (46%) in smoothies. Compared to Infrequent Smoothie-Consumers (I-SC, <1·week-1; n=514), Frequent Smoothie-Consumers (F-SC, ≥1·week-1; n=269) were more likely to consume core-foods (e.g. vegetables, p<0.001) and less likely to consume discretionary items (e.g. honey or ice-cream, p’s<0.020) in smoothies. It followed that F-SC typically cited “health-related reasons” for consuming these beverages (i.e. to increase fruit/vegetable [57%] or nutrient [50%] intake, and/or to be “healthy” [56%]) and perceived these products as “nutritious” (84%); whilst I-SC often perceived them as “indulgent” (62%). Smoothies may play a positive role in the diet. However, beverages incorporating discretionary choices may increase energy, saturated fat and/or sugar intakes, offsetting the benefits of fruit/vegetable consumption.