Do smoothies need sweeteners?

by Kim
(Lacey, Washington)

Smoothie Question: All of your smoothies have stevia or honey that I noticed.

All of mine that I make for my family has NO stevia or honey. Just fruit and yogurt and a special juice.

In my opinion the fruit has its own sweeteners and its not nessecary to add any extra.

Try without the sweetners, they really are good without them.

Answer: Kim, I am so glad that you and your family likes smoothies without added sweeteners. As I explain in the sugar substitutes page, using only fruit to sweeten your smoothies is the best. But most people's taste buds are overstimulated with the modern high-sugar diet and need a little extra sweetness to get their family to drink the smoothie.

You said that you do use yogurt and juice. Perhaps that adds extra sweetness to your smoothies. In most of my smoothie recipes, the liquid is water.

Everyone's taste buds are different. If you do not need sweeteners, all the better! Way to go!