Latest news with #smoothies
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mail
Top 10 food and drink brands you'll want on your radar - for a summer packed with flavour and fun
With summer in full swing, there's no better time to savour the season's finest flavours. From refreshing drinks to irresistible bites, Checklist has rounded up 10 standout food and drink brands that are guaranteed to add something special to your table. Whether you're hosting friends, enjoying a quiet moment, or simply on the hunt for your next favourite treat, these delicious picks are here to inspire. Get ready for bold tastes and clever twists. Smoothies for wherever the summer takes you Introducing greenora: your summer smoothie hero! These handy little sticks are packed with 100% natural freeze-dried fruit and veg, with no added sugar, no preservatives, and absolutely no fuss. Just pour the contents into water or milk, shake, and sip. That's it. No peeling, slicing, or blending - just pure, delicious nutrition on the go. Thanks to the magic of freeze-drying, greenora preserves all the goodness of fresh produce; think vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, without compromising on taste. With no need for refrigeration and a long shelf life, these lightweight sticks are perfect for backpacks, gym bags, or your office drawer. Whether you're hiking up a hill, racing between meetings, or just chilling in the garden, greenora makes it easy to stay healthy, refreshed, and energised. It's real fruit, just simpler and smarter. The info: Click here to shop now. For a summer of unforgettable sips, look no further than Altos Tequila – the number one choice for crafting the ultimate Margarita or Paloma*. Born from the passion of award-winning bartenders Henry Bessant and Dre Masso, and brought to life with the expertise of maestro tequilero Jesús Hernandez, Altos is made using 100 per cent blue agave grown in the mineral-rich volcanic soil of Los Altos, Jalisco, Mexico. Unlike celebrity-backed tequilas, Altos is all about authenticity, bartender-approved quality, and flavour. Smooth, award-winning and the bestselling premium tequila in UK grocery, Altos is a must-have for sunny gatherings and garden cocktails. For a refreshing Tommy's Margarita, shake up 50ml Altos Plata, 25ml fresh lime juice and 15ml agave syrup before rimming the glass with salt and garnish with a lime wheel for extra flair. Short on time? Try their bar quality lime or strawberry ready-to-serve Margaritas. Just pour over ice and enjoy – delicious! The info: Click here to buy now. Always drink responsibly. *Drinks international reports best tequila for palomas 2024. A best tequila for margaritas 2019, 2020, 2021 & 2023. Brighten your day, one meal at a time Want to spend less time meal planning and more time enjoying the sunshine? HelloFresh is here to turn up the flavour and take the stress out of summer cooking. With over 100 mouthwatering recipes to choose from every month, including Quick & Easy dishes ready in just 15 minutes, Veggie delights, Family Favourites and crowd-pleasing plates - there's something for every taste and every occasion. Each box is packed with fresh, pre-measured ingredients and easy-to-follow recipe cards, delivered straight to your door, so you can whip up vibrant, delicious meals without the faff. Whether you're hosting a garden party or just need a fuss-free midweek dinner, HelloFresh has your summer menu sorted. Ready to serve up some sunshine? Order today to get up to 50 per off and, as a sweet bonus, enjoy free dessert for life! The info: Click here to claim 50% off your first box and free dessert for life!* *Terms and conditions apply. Orchard-fresh fizz with a flavourful twist For over 135 years, Franklin & Sons has been delighting taste buds with expertly crafted tonics, sodas, and soft drinks... and their Orchard Apple & Pear is a sparkling showcase of their flavourful legacy. Bursting with juicy apples, sweet pears, English sugar beet, and just the right amount of fizz, this beautifully balanced drink is refreshingly grown-up and utterly delicious. It's perfect for any moment worth savouring, whether you're soaking up sunshine in the park, elevating your BBQ game, or simply indulging in a refined adult soft drink. Fancy taking things up a notch? Try pairing it with pan-seared sea bass, finished with a glaze made from the drink itself. The crisp fish and sweet, tangy glaze are a match made in foodie heaven, with the orchard-fresh fizz of Franklin & Sons bringing it all together. One sip, and you'll see why they've been pioneers of flavour since 1886. The info: Click here to shop now. Frive is changing the game when it comes to healthy convenience. As one of the UK's highest-rated meal prep service with over 7,000 five-star reviews, Frive is all about delivering fresh, fully-prepared meals straight to your door - no cooking, no mess, just great food. Unlike traditional supermarket ready meals, Frive uses 100 per cent natural ingredients, with no artificial preservatives or ultra-processed nasties in sight. Every dish is chef-crafted and nutritionist-approved, with perfectly portioned mains clocking in at 450–650 calories, all high in protein and macro-balanced to keep you fuelled and satisfied. With 40+ mouthwatering meals to choose from each week - think Satay Chicken, Spaghetti & Meatballs, or a fragrant Lemongrass & Coconut Sea Bass Curry - Frive is ideal for busy professionals who want to eat well without the hassle. Just heat and eat in minutes and enjoy the taste of home-cooked goodness, without lifting a finger. The info: Click here to claim 50% off week one and 25% off the next two weeks.* *Available to new customers only. Terms and conditions apply. What makes the UK's favourite kefir* a daily must have Looking for a delicious, natural way to beat the bloat and feel your best from the inside out? Biotiful Kefir might just be your gut's new best friend. This naturally fermented super-drink is packed with billions of live cultures, helping to support digestion, restore balance, and ease uncomfortable bloating - all while tasting seriously good. Whether you're dealing with dietary shifts or daily stress, kefir can offer real relief - no wonder it's been dropping into shopping baskets across the UK. Loved for being low in lactose and high in natural protein, calcium, and vitamin B12, it's a daily must-try for anyone wanting to look and feel their best. And here's a fun fact: every 16 seconds, someone in the UK starts their gut health journey with Biotiful! Available in tasty drinks and creamy yoghurts, and stocked in all major supermarkets, Biotiful Kefir isn't a substitute - it's a smart, delicious addition to your everyday routine. The info: Click here to begin your gut health journey. *Source for UK's Favourite :Circana Total Market Latest 52 wks 8th June, 2025 Value Sales. A marshmallow for responsible indulgence Few treats balance nostalgia and innovation quite like Free From Fellows marshmallows. These multi-award-winning confections have redefined what it means to indulge responsibly, offering a soft, creamy texture and rich flavour that appeals to vegans and non-vegans alike. Free from the top 14 allergens, artificial flavours, colours, and GMOs, they represent a new gold standard in inclusive snacking, without compromising on taste or texture. Available in classic vanilla and sweet strawberry, they're a summer staple during barbecue season, while the mini mallows make an elegant finishing touch to hot chocolates and home baking. Beloved by Holland & Barrett shoppers nationwide, these mallows are more than just a free-from option—they're a genuinely delightful treat in their own right. Priced between £1.99 and £2.25 for a 105g bag, Free From Fellows have earned their place as a go-to indulgence for the conscious consumer. The info: Click here to shop now. Welcome to a new era in collagen innovation. Nourished is shaking up the wellness world with its pioneering Collagen+ range - the UK's first-ever 3D-printed collagen gummies. These clever, sugar-free stacks aren't just a treat for your taste buds; they're packed with seven science-backed ingredients, including a patented Ovoderm® collagen complex, to help support skin radiance, joint flexibility and gut health – delivering beauty from within. Designed to slot seamlessly into busy modern routines, the range includes targeted blends like Hair, Skin & Nails, Agility (perfect for active movers), and Gut (formulated to help nourish the skin-gut connection). Made right here in the UK, these vegetarian-friendly stacks are now available online at and Combining convenience, performance and personalised nutrition, Nourished is setting a new standard in beauty supplements – one perfectly stacked gummy at a time. The info: Click here to shop and experience the new era of beauty. The ultimate centrepiece for alfresco feasting When it comes to unforgettable gatherings, WeGrillTable fires up more than just dinner - it sparks connection. This stunning, Nordic oak-crafted table is as beautiful as it is practical, cleverly concealing a smokeless charcoal grill at its core. Say goodbye to smoke-filled air and hello to perfectly seared bites shared with friends and family. Designed to be the heart of every outdoor get-together, it transforms effortlessly from grill to elegant table, keeping the good times rolling long after the plates are cleared. With the grill serving as a built-in patio heater for each seat, guests stay toasty under the stars while laughter and conversation flow late into the evening. Whether you're sizzling steak, skewering veggies or toasting marshmallows, WeGrillTable makes every moment social, cosy, and joyfully delicious. This isn't just outdoor dining; it's a live-fire experience that brings people together, one perfectly grilled bite at a time. The info: Click here to shop now. The cheese range that's big on protein Looking to further increase your protein intake? Say hey to delicious eating with Lindahls' high-protein cheese range - created for those who want their food to work with their lifestyle. Perfect for health-conscious, active urbanites aged 45 and over, this protein-packed collection offers simple yet satisfying ways to fuel the body. Whether you're on a post-workout wind-down or focusing on wellness goals like weight maintenance or muscle recovery, Lindahls Protein has you covered. The line-up features feel-good favourites like Cottage Cheese (£1.50), Gouda Slices (£2.00), Greek Cheese (£2.25), and Quark (£2.50) - all low in fat and high in flavour. Available now in Waitrose, Morrisons, and Ocado, it's a simple, tasty step towards your healthiest self. And just when you thought summer couldn't get better, August sees the exciting launch of Lindahls Protein Milk Drinks (£1.85) and Lindahls Protein Milk Drinks with Collagen (£3.25). Perfect for a nourishing boost at breakfast or on the go, they'll be available in convenience stores nationwide. The info: Click here to find out more. If you've enjoyed reading this article and are interested in more inspiration on everything from education and culture to business and family life, why not follow Checklist on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or sign up for the newsletter? Checklist is dedicated to providing the best free online competitions too - discover amazing new services and products when you visit the website today.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Does Adding a Banana to Your Smoothie Actually Lower Its Antioxidants? Here's What Dietitians Say
Reviewed by Dietitian Karen Ansel, M.S., RDNKey Points A recent study found bananas may block absorption of antioxidants from fruits, like berries. This has many people questioning if it's OK to add bananas to smoothies. Before swearing off nutrient-rich bananas, dietitians caution this is a very small people consider bananas to be the GOAT ingredient for smoothies. Not only are bananas a healthy way to add a rich, creamy texture and loads of natural sweetness to a smoothie, they're also jammed with vitamins, minerals and fiber. But recent research has many people wondering if it's time to ditch this popular, affordable and nutritious fruit. Why, you ask? A study published in Food & Function suggests that bananas may make your smoothie less nutritious by inhibiting the absorption of health-promoting flavanols from other fruits, especially berries. Yes, you heard that right. But before you scratch bananas off your grocery list, there's more to the story. To find out whether you really need to say goodbye to your go-to smoothie ingredient, we asked the experts for their take on the study. Here's what they told us. Should You Be Concerned About Bananas in Your Smoothies? If you're wondering what potentially makes bananas problematic for smoothies, the culprit is an enzyme in bananas called polyphenol oxidase (PPO). This enzyme, also found in apples and avocados, is what makes these fruits turn brown after you peel or cut them. It also happens to break down a particular class of antioxidants, called flavan-3-ols, found in many fruits and veggies, including berries. While flavan-3-ols don't get much press, they are antioxidant powerhouses that are particularly beneficial for heart and brain health. To find out if the PPO in bananas might inhibit the absorption of berries' flavan-3-ols, researchers fed eight healthy men two different smoothies at different points in time. The first was a flavan-3-ol-rich banana-based smoothie, and the second was a flavan-3-ol-heavy mixed berry smoothie. For a point of comparison, they also conducted a separate control intervention in which they gave the volunteers a flavan-3-ol capsule to measure the impact of pure flavan-3-ols on their blood levels of these beneficial compounds. After each intervention, the researchers measured flavan-3-ol metabolites in the volunteers' blood. Their findings: the volunteers' flavan-3-ol metabolite levels were 84% lower after drinking the banana smoothie than after they consumed the control capsule. However, after drinking the mixed berry smoothie, their flavan-3-ol metabolite levels were similar to their levels from the flavan-3-ol capsules. The results may appear clear, but it's important to consider the study as a whole before assuming you shouldn't add bananas to your smoothie, says Melissa Jaeger, RD, LD. 'The study had several limitations, including a small sample size and an all-male participant group, making it difficult to draw broad conclusions,' she says. Based on a growing body of research, eating foods that provide 400 to 600 milligrams of flavan-3-ols per day may support cardiometabolic health through potential improvements in blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels. But flavan-3-ols aren't the only beneficial compounds fruits and vegetables provide. 'While there may be a slight difference in your absorption of one particular type of flavanol when you mix bananas and berries in your smoothie, you are still getting a ton of nutrition into your body by eating a couple of types of fruit,' says Gretchen Wallace, M.S., RD. And while bananas may limit absorption of one specific compound, they still provide a wide range of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants plus fiber. Since only about 1 in 10 U.S. adults eat enough fruits and vegetables to begin with, dietitians agree that focusing too much on the action of one individual nutrient isn't the most helpful strategy. 'Nutrient interactions like this are common,' says Jaeger. 'For example, iron and calcium or zinc and copper also compete for absorption.' Because of the sheer number of potential competing nutrients in our foods, hyperfocusing on which fruits or vegetables you're pairing together in one smoothie, meal or snack isn't the best way to ensure you're getting the nutrients your body needs to thrive. Instead, the trick is to eat a variety of plant foods to help you get the nutrients you need from lots of sources. What Are Flavanols? Flavanols are a group of health-promoting compounds in many plant foods. They are part of a bigger family of phytochemicals called flavonoids, which fall under an even larger umbrella of antioxidants called polyphenols. Flavanols are found in foods like broccoli, apples, grapes, tomatoes, kale, olives and citrus fruits, as well as beverages, such as tea and red wine. Eating an abundant variety of flavanol-rich foods is associated with multiple health benefits, including a lower risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease and improved insulin secretion. One way they are believed to do this is by protecting our cells from free-radical damage and oxidative stress, which, if unchecked, can lead to a long list of chronic illnesses. Strategies to Increase Flavanols Because flavanols are found in a variety of plant foods, smoothies aren't the only way to get your fill. Try some of these dietitian-approved strategies for a big flavanol boost: Brew Your Tea Longer. Green and black teas are loaded with disease-preventing flavonoids. To get even more of these healthy compounds from your cup, steep your tea longer. Research shows that black tea has the highest polyphenol content after 15 minutes of steeping, while green tea reaches its maximum at around 10 minutes. If you prefer weaker tea, you can add a little extra water to your tea after brewing to dilute it. Choose Non-Alkalized Cocoa Powder. Cocoa is an incredible source of flavanols, particularly flavan-3-ols, but mostly if you use non-alkalized cocoa. Research has found that alkalized cocoa powder has just 20% of the flavan-3-ols in non-alkalized cocoa. And you don't need much cocoa, either. 'It only takes a small amount, such as a teaspoon, of cocoa or cacao powder to deliver benefits,' says Avery Zenker, RD. Boost Flavor with Onions. Whether they're red or white, all onions are loaded with flavanols, Jaeger recommends stirring onions into sauces or soups or sprinkling them onto tacos for extra flavor and nutrition. Don't Peel Your Apples. Apples are rich in quercetin, a flavanol that is linked to better cognitive health. However, almost all of it is in their skin, so don't peel away those antioxidants! Our Expert Take One recent study found that an enzyme in bananas may block the absorption of health-promoting compounds called flavanols from other fruits in smoothies. But before you swear off bananas, dietitians say that just because bananas may reduce the absorption of one beneficial compound, it hardly means you should exclude them from your diet or your smoothies. After all, bananas offer plenty of health benefits, including a variety of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fiber. The truth is, there are lots of compounds in our foods that block the absorption of important nutrients. We just never hear about them, because it's not a problem in the overall scheme of a healthy, balanced eating pattern. In the end, nutrition isn't about micromanaging each meal and snack. It's about aiming for a wide range of nutrients and health-promoting compounds from a broad variety of foods, all fruits and veggies included! Read the original article on EATINGWELL
CNET
18-07-2025
- Business
- CNET
Get the Powerful Blender I Use Every Day for Almost Half the Retail Price
There are blenders, and then there's the blender. The one that crushes ice without sounding like a demolition site, turns frozen fruit into velvet and never seems to slow down -- no matter how much you throw at it. For me, that blender is the Chefman Obliterator, and right now, it's available for as little as $79 at Amazon, almost half the usual price of $150. I've tested and used plenty of blenders over the years, but the Obliterator has been a standout in my kitchen for one simple reason: It delivers big-league performance without a steep price tag. With a 1,380-watt motor, stainless steel blades and a sleek, minimalist design (I'm partial to mine in the Concrete color since it's modern without screaming look at me) -- this is a tool that gets the job done and looks good doing it. Whether I'm making smoothies, protein shakes, sauces, soups or my new favorite thing to make, pesto, the Obliterator handles it all. I've used it daily for weeks and have yet to hear it complain, slow down or leave an unblended chunk behind. It even tackled nut butters and frozen margaritas with zero drama. If, like me, you prefer the Obliterator in the Concrete color, it's also on sale on the Chefman website for 20% off, bringing the price down to $120 from its usual $150 price tag. That's not as much of a deal as the Midnight model on Amazon, but it's still a decent discount. Or you can get the bundle (the one I have) that also comes with a travel jar for $130, a $30 discount from its usual $160. That's a great price for a blender that genuinely competes with other higher-end models from brands like Vitamix and Ninja. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. Let's talk about specs Macy Meyer/CNET Equipped with a 1,380-watt motor and an advanced airflow system, the Obliterator is capable of crushing ice and blending tough ingredients while operative relatively quietly. The unit includes a 48-ounce shatter-resistant Tritan jar, suitable for both cold and hot blending, though the latter requires the lid to be removed and covered with a towel to manage splatter. A range of manual controls, including five speed settings and a pulse function, give users precision, while built-in safety alerts such as "fix jar" and "add liquid" offer added guidance during use. An "auto blend" feature also automates consistency settings based on the ingredients, reducing the need for guesswork. To put it simply, the blender does all the work for you. You just have to stand and watch. Whether you get the bundle or opt to just get the blender, you'll still receive a tamper and scraper tool to assist with thicker mixtures. This especially helps when scraping down smoothies or other purees. While I love the other features of the Obliterator, my favorite part is the easy cleanup. In the past, I rarely used blenders because it meant handwashing five to 10 small blender pieces, and risk cutting my fingers on the blades. With Chefman's blender, cleanup is streamlined through two methods: a self-cleaning preset or dishwasher safe accessories. Notably, the blender uses a blunt-blade design aimed at increasing safety during cleaning without compromising blending ability. A great birthday gift (or a "gift for me" gift) If you have a loved one with a summer birthday or you're looking ahead to the holidays (they'll be here before you know it), consider gifting them the Obliterator. If you have someone in your life who enjoys cooking, blending drinks or just having powerful yet stylish tools on the countertop, this is a gift that's both practical and fun. It's easy to use, easy to clean (hello, dishwasher-safe parts) and durable enough to last through years of use. Or maybe you're just tired of your current blender's underwhelming performance. This is one of those upgrades that feels instantly worth it -- the kind you notice and appreciate every time you use it. I certainly won't judge you if you end up gifting the Obliterator to yourself. My final thoughts You don't need to spend hundreds of dollars to get a high performance blender that feels premium. The Chefman Obliterator punches above its weight and with this discount, it's a smart buy whether you're gifting it to a loved one or keeping it for yourself. If you're looking for other useful, fun gifts for your favorite host or the chef in your life, here are our favorite kitchen gifts under $50.
CNET
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- CNET
This Ninja Blast Portable Blender Is Still $45 Post-Prime Day, Letting You Blend Anywhere
Ninja makes some really handy and stylish kitchen accessories that have some great features, and we think the Blast blender is a great example of that. It's a portable, rechargeable blender that you can take anywhere, and you can still pick one up with a massive $25 off post-Prime Day. This lingering deal could end at any time now, so be quick if you're interested. You'll get to choose from several different colors when ordering your new Ninja Blast portable blender for just $45, so you can pick the one that best matches your style. Ninja's Twisti is one of our favorite blenders, so you know that the company knows how to whizz things up. This portable blender has an 18-ounce capacity and comes in a handful of colors so you can pick the right one for you. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. No matter which you pick, you'll get the portable blender base, a blending cup, a slip lid, a cap, a blade cover and a USB charging cable. The unit can blend frozen fruit and ice, and the design means you can even drink from the blender when it's done. Ninja says that the Blast will fit in most car cup holders and all parts are dishwasher-safe except the motor base, so cleaning couldn't be easier. Why this deal matters Blending smoothies and other drinks is a great way to get all the vitamins and minerals that you need without having to micromanage your food. They're also a great way to stay cool, something to consider as we enter warmer months. This handy portable blender can go wherever you do, and at this price the only thing you need to ponder is which color to choose.
Arab News
09-07-2025
- Health
- Arab News
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Ornj' in Dhahran
Tucked between Tamimi Market and a cluster of other eateries, Ornj in Dhahran has been serving up vibrant, health-focused drinks for the past two years, but it's easy to miss if you don't pay attention. The small space focuses on fresh, made-to-order juicy goodness. They specialize in natural juices — no sugar, sweeteners, or artificial flavors — averaging SR17 ($4.53). For group gatherings, there's the juice bag: a dozen different juices for SR135. Smoothies are SR23 each, with options like the pink smoothie (banana, strawberry, milk, honey) or the avo smoothie (avocado, milk, honey, dark chocolate shavings). Dairy-free? They offer the Saudi-made No Moo brand in almond or coconut. We sampled the immune booster wellness shot (SR11) — green apple, cucumber, celery, lemon and ginger. It was light, smooth and refreshing. Other SR11 shots include the flu fighter (orange, lemon, carrot, turmeric, black pepper) and recovery (red apple, ginger, beetroot, lemon). They also serve freshly made sandwiches, including the intriguing turkey with date combo, which I'd like to try on my next visit. The highlight for me was the customizable acai bowl: rich, satisfying and layered with your choice of yogurt or peanut butter. Toppings include fruit, granola, and even tahini halva, for a fun twist I couldn't resist. I was impressed by the assembly on the spot. Ornj is a cheerful, orange-tinged spot for nutrient-packed drinks and light bites, perfect for anyone craving flavor without compromise. Visit them on Instagram @
