Watchdog rules smoothies part of five-a-day

Health officials have finally put a long-running debate to bed by declaring fruit smoothie drinks do indeed count for two of the recommended portions of fruit and vegetables a day.

Smoothie maker Innocent received a series of complaints after launching an advertising campaign claiming its drinks could count for two of the five a day.

However, the Advertising Standards Agency, having consulted with the Department of Health, Food Standards Agency and the British Nutrition Foundation, has now declared that the non-dairy 250ml drinks do contain enough pulped fruit and juice to consist two of the recommended portions.

A statement on the Department of Health's 5 A DAY website declares: 'Smoothies may count as a maximum of two of your five-a-day where they contain both pure 100 per cent fruit juice and all of the edible pulped fruit and/or vegetable… one portion is defined as at least 150mls of fruit juice or 80g of fruit or vegetable.'

Dr Shilpee Aggarwal, nutritionist for Innocent drinks, said: 'This is good news for the consumer as now the Food Standards Agency, the British Nutrition Foundation, the ASA and most importantly the Department of Health all agree that smoothies can count as two portions of fruit.

'Smoothies are an easy and tasty way to help people reach their five-a-day target.'