McDonalds Smoothies Versus Homemade Smoothies Made In A Blender

McDonalds, the world’s largest fast food restaurant chain, now sells fruit smoothies. Yes, the same McDonalds that regularly receives criticism from health advocates about its hamburger and french fry laden menu, which is high in fat and sodium, is marketing and selling a product named “real fruit smoothies”. Do McDonalds’ smoothies contain real fruit? Are they healthy? How do McDonalds real fruit smoothies compare to smoothies made in a blender?

McDonalds currently makes three smoothie flavors: mango pineapple, strawberry banana and wild berry which are available in three sizes, small (12 ounces), medium (16 ounces) and large (22 ounces). On the plus side, the McDonalds smoothies are very low fat (0 to 1% fat) and provide high levels of Vitamin C (between 70% and 120% for the strawberry banana and wild berry flavors) and Vitamin A (45 to 70% for mango pineapple). On the negative side, McDonalds’ smoothies range from 210 to 350 calories and contain between 44 and 70 grams of sugar. Unfortunately, McDonalds’ smoothies contain added refined sugars. The strawberry banana smoothie lists added sugars as the 4th largest ingredient while the wild berry smoothie lists added sugars as the 3rd largest ingredient. None of the smoothies use 100% fruit but instead, all of the smoothies use various fruit juice concentrates including apple, pear, pineapple and mango and fruit purees. Purees and concentrates tend to raise overall sugar levels. The combination of McDonalds’ smoothies natural sugars and added sugars results in the overall very high sugar levels.

There is a big difference between consuming sugars that are naturally occurring and added sugars. As the name implies, naturally occurring sugars, like fructose, are found naturally in foods like fruit. Added sugars are refined white sugars and corn syrups that are put into foods during preparation or processing. Natural sugars do not raise health risks the same way added sugars do. Excess consumption of added sugars are associated with heart disease, high cholesterol and obesity. The American Heart Association recommends that women consume no more than 100 calories of added sugar per day (about 6 teaspoons or 30 grams) and men consume no more than 150 calories of added sugar per day (about 9 teaspoons or 45 grams). The American Heart Association does not suggest limiting the intake of naturally occurring sugars.

In contrast to McDonalds’ smoothies, homemade smoothies made in a blender contain zero added refined sugars. For example, basic blender smoothie recipes contain fruit, ice and if desired a splash of 100% fruit juice. A simple strawberry banana smoothie recipe of 2 bananas and a cup of strawberries would contain about 230 calories, 31 grams of naturally occurring sugars and zero added sugars.

Many people consume more sugar than they realize. Our bodies don’t need sugar to function properly. Added sugars contribute zero nutrients but many calories. Naturally sweet whole foods, provide a complete package of vitamins, antioxidants, fiber, minerals and other nutrients. Compared to McDonalds’ smoothies, a homemade smoothie is a healthier alternative. Homemade smoothies: 100% real fruit and no added refined sugars.

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