What's best? Fresh or frozen fruit for your smoothies?

We all love a good fruit smoothie, especially during the summer months when the heat calls for something cool and refreshing. But when browsing the supermarket for the perfect blend of ingredients, a question can often arise: should we opt for fresh or frozen fruit? It might not seem an important choice, but it can actually have an impact on your smoothie's state, texture and nutritional value - and, indeed, your back pocket!

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the pros and cons of both fresh and frozen fruit, helping you decide which option is right for your smoothie.

Frozen vs fresh fruit for smoothies – the good news

Whether you prefer fresh or frozen fruit for smoothies, the good news is that both can provide you with a whole range of health benefits. Rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre that can boost your immune system, fruit can also support your digestive system and lower your risk of chronic diseases…and with so many options to choose from, you can have fun experimenting with different combinations until you find your perfect smoothie!

Nutrition

Both fresh and frozen fruit can provide you with similar nutrients, but some may vary depending on the type of fruit and how it was processed. If frozen fruit is picked at its peak of ripeness and then frozen quickly, it can maintain its optimum nutritional value, whereas fresh fruit can lose nutrients over time after being picked, especially when purchased from a shop where it will have already gone through a period of transportation and packaging.

However, some frozen fruit may lose vitamin C during blanching or have added sugar or ascorbic acid to prevent spoiling. The best way to get the most nutrients from your smoothies is to use either freshly picked fruit or a variety of fruits, both fresh and frozen, and drink it straight after blending.

Cost

Generally, frozen fruit is cheaper than fresh fruit, especially for seasonal or exotic fruits. Let’s take the cost of raspberries as an example:

Fresh: Tesco Finest Raspberries 150g      £2.50*

Frozen: Tesco Raspberries 300g                £2.25 *

*Prices correct as of July 2023

Not only are frozen raspberries cheaper than fresh raspberries, you also get double the amount per pack.

However, the cost of fresh and frozen fruit may depend on where you live, where you shop and what kind of fruit you buy. Sometimes, fresh fruit may be cheaper when it is in season or on sale. The best way to compare the cost of fresh and frozen fruit is to check the price per unit and factor in the quality and quantity of the fruit.

Usage

Both fresh and frozen fruit have their pros and cons when it comes to making smoothies.

Fresh fruit

• Pros: Fresh fruit has a natural texture and flavour that can enhance your smoothies. You can also choose from a wider variety of fruits that may not be available as a frozen option. Fresh fruit can also be used for other snacks and dishes besides smoothies.
• Cons: Fresh fruit requires more preparation time than its frozen counterpart. You may need to wash, peel, chop or core the fruit before adding it to your blender. It also has a shorter shelf life than frozen fruit, meaning you need to use it quickly or store it properly.

Frozen fruit

• Pros: Frozen fruit is convenient and easy to use. Not only does it last for several months in the freezer, but you don’t need to wash, peel or chop the fruit before adding it to your blender. It also helps create a thicker and creamier texture for your smoothies without adding ice or dairy products.
• Cons: Frozen fruit may have a different taste or texture than fresh fruit due to freezing or additives. You may need to thaw the fruit slightly before blending it to avoid damaging your blender.

Our favourite summer fruit smoothies

If this article has whetted your appetite, why not try these three simple smoothie recipes? They’re all easy to make, packed full of healthy vitamins and minerals and are extremely delicious!

Strawberry Summer Smoothie

• 10 strawberries, hulled (approx 175g)
• 1 small, sliced banana
• 100ml chilled orange juice

Method

1. Place the strawberries in a blender with the banana and orange juice and blend until smooth.
2. Pour the smoothie into a tall glass to serve.

Very Berry Smoothie

• 2 cups frozen mixed berries
• 1 small, sliced banana
• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• 1 cup milk (dairy or non dairy)
• 1 ½ tablespoons maple syrup or honey
• ½ cup ice

Method

1. Add all ingredients in a blender and blend until creamy and frothy.
2. Serve immediately or store in a covered container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Tropical Mango & Coconut Smoothie

• 200ml (½ tall glass) coconut milk
• 4 tbsp coconut milk yogurt
• 1 small, sliced banana
• 1 tbsp ground sunflower, pumpkin and flaxseed
• 120g (¼ bag) frozen mango chunks
• 1 passion fruit (optional)

Method

1. Add all ingredients apart from the passion fruit into a blender and blitz until smooth.
2. Pour into 1 tall glass or two tumblers.
3. Cut the passion fruit in half and scrape the seeds on top.

Ready to start your LiveWell journey?

While there is no clear winner when it comes to choosing between fresh and frozen fruit for your smoothies, the one big winner is your health. If you’re keen to explore healthy eating or want to discover ways to get fit and active, LiveWell Dorset is here to help. Our friendly team of coaches and advisors are on hand to help you reach your goals, whether you want to lose weight, quit smoking, reduce your alcohol intake or generally feel fitter and healthier. Contact us or register with LiveWell Dorset today.