Food Science: Smoothies

Think that smoothies are just a yummy, fruity treat? Think again! Smoothies can actually be really scientific! We studied this in the most recent Food Science program and find out about some of the ingredients in smoothies and how these ingredients have scientific properties that impact our bodies.
The first thing that the teens did was create a control sample that they would use for later comparison and analysis on the ingredients of the smoothies. They took a small cup of water and a glucose test strip and tested the water for any trace of sugars. (Thankfully and of course, there were none) They then used a glucose strip and tested the sugars of a glucose tab that was dissolved in a cup of water. These brought back results of high sugars! These strips were saved for later looking at with the results from the smoothies.

Control Strips 

Next, the teens divided in two groups and each made a different smoothie recipe. The one group made a sugar packed smoothie and the other group made a not so sugary smoothie. They took glucose strips and tested the contents of their smoothies and found out how high or low each was in glucose and then compared this to their control samples earlier. The results surprised them! We were then able to talk about what glucose is and how it interacts in the body. We were also able to discuss what lactose was because the one smoothie recipe called for milk. There was a great deal of science involved, and at the end the teens created their own smoothie recipe. It was pretty cool!
Dawn states: I love smoothies!
Email me for information, the handout used, or any other smoothie information! dstates@yorklibraries.org

smoothie making and science!