“Liquid salads” gaining popularity as new food trend, experts urge caution
Blended fruit-and-vegetable drinks known as “liquid salads” are becoming more popular worldwide, but nutrition experts warn they are not a full substitute for a balanced meal.
An increasing number of food products aimed at busy people are appearing on the global market, offering a way to consume fruits, vegetables, fiber, vitamins and minerals without spending time on cooking. These products come in various forms — sachets, powders and bars. One of the newest trends is the so-called "liquid salad" — a blended mixture of fruits and vegetables that can simply be drunk instead of eaten.
Convenient, but not always equivalent
At first glance, such products seem like a very convenient solution for people who lack time for a proper meal. However, nutrition experts cited by the portal Health.com warn that a liquid fruit-and-vegetable blend is not quite the same as a normal, balanced meal.
What makes up "liquid salads"
These products are typically sold in sachets or bottles and contain blended fruits and vegetables, fiber, various powders, vitamins and other additives. There is also another category of products — so-called green powders — which may contain concentrated fruits and vegetables, probiotics, plant-based ingredients, adaptogens and other substances.
Why manufacturers offer them
Manufacturers market these products to people who want to improve digestion, boost energy levels, or simply supplement their diet in a convenient way. However, the key question raised by experts is whether such a drinkable blend can truly serve as a full replacement for fresh fruits and vegetables in one's diet.
