“Unfortunately, restaurant chains aren’t required to list the amount of added sugars they use,” Keating says. (Of the chains we reviewed, only Smoothie King listed added sugars on its website.) So it’s hard to tell if the sugar content in your smoothie is coming from natural sources like fruit or other lesser ingredients. healthy.

To help you make better choices, our experts share three key tips for smarter ordering and some great menu choices.

Look for whole fruits and vegetables in the ingredient list. A drink that lists whole products first is your best bet. Fruit purees can also be a good choice. Fruit juices aren’t a bad option as long as they’re 100% juice with no added sugars.

Make substitutions. Some chains, especially those that specialize in smoothies, may be willing to do ingredient swaps. “When you see a sweetener like agave, ask to leave it out or substitute fresh pineapple to add sweetness instead,” says Keating.

Ignore the extra “boosts”. Some channels offer “boosts”, “extras” and “boosters”, but often do not disclose exactly what they contain, and they are usually not necessary. “If a smoothie is primarily produced, you’ll already be getting a variety of nutrients,” says Keating.