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Does Hailey Bieber's Smoothie Have Sugar In It? An In-Depth Nutritional Look

4 min read

According to a nutritional breakdown often cited by reviewers, the original viral Erewhon Hailey Bieber Strawberry Glaze Skin Smoothie can contain between 48g and 80g of sugar, depending on the specific ingredients and measurements. So, to answer the question, "Does Hailey Bieber's smoothie have sugar in it?", the answer is definitively yes, and in a surprisingly high amount.

Quick Summary

The viral Erewhon Hailey Bieber smoothie is high in sugar, sourced from a combination of fruits, dates, maple syrup, and sweeteners in its collagen and glazes. It is best considered an occasional treat rather than a daily health supplement due to its caloric and sugar density.

Key Points

  • High Sugar Content: The Erewhon Hailey Bieber smoothie contains a large amount of sugar, with some estimates citing up to 80 grams per serving.

  • Multiple Sweeteners: Sugar comes from a combination of natural fruit sugars, dates, maple syrup, and stevia in the vanilla collagen.

  • Satiety Concerns: Consuming high-calorie liquids can be less satiating than solid food, potentially leading to feeling hungry again sooner.

  • Not a Daily Staple: Due to its caloric and sugar density, the original Erewhon smoothie is best considered an occasional indulgence, not a regular health drink.

  • Homemade Alternatives: Creating a copycat at home allows for significant reduction of sugar and calories by controlling ingredient quantities and opting for sugar-free sweeteners.

  • Other Ingredients: Ingredients like collagen, sea moss gel, and hyaluronic acid are included for potential wellness benefits, though some claims are still debated.

In This Article

The Sweet Truth About the Erewhon Smoothie

While marketed for its "skin-boosting" ingredients, a closer look at the Erewhon Hailey Bieber smoothie reveals a significant amount of sugar. This comes not only from the natural sugars in fruits but also from several sources of added sweetness. The total sugar content can range widely, with some analyses suggesting up to 80 grams per serving, a figure that is comparable to or higher than many dessert items.

The primary sources of sugar in the Erewhon smoothie include:

  • Fruits: The strawberries and banana contribute natural fructose, a form of sugar.
  • Dates: Medjool dates add a rich caramel-like sweetness and fiber but are a concentrated source of sugar.
  • Maple Syrup: Added to both the smoothie base and the strawberry glaze, maple syrup is a free sugar that impacts blood glucose levels.
  • Stevia: The vanilla collagen powder and extra vanilla stevia often cited in copycat recipes add even more sweetness, though without the calories of sugar.

For most people, consuming this quantity of sugar in a single serving, especially in liquid form, can lead to a significant blood sugar spike followed by an energy crash. This makes it a less-than-ideal choice for a morning meal or sustained energy boost, despite the beneficial ingredients.

How the Sugar Stacks Up: A Comparison

To put the Erewhon smoothie's nutrition into perspective, consider this comparison with a lower-sugar homemade version and a balanced, solid food breakfast option.

Feature Original Erewhon Smoothie DIY Lower-Sugar Smoothie Balanced Breakfast (Solid Food)
Calories ~615 kcal ~300-400 kcal (variable) ~450 kcal
Sugar ~48-80g ~15-25g (from fruit only) ~17g (from fruit only)
Protein ~17-18g ~20-30g (with protein powder) ~20g
Fiber ~13g ~10g (with chia seeds) ~14g
Satiety Moderate, liquid form High, depending on fiber High, solid chewing

Beyond the Sugar: A Look at All Ingredients

While the sugar content is noteworthy, the smoothie's ingredient list also features a number of components linked to wellness. Understanding their function is key to appreciating the nutritional profile.

  • Collagen Peptides: Added for potential skin health benefits, supporting elasticity and hydration. The effectiveness of oral collagen supplements for skin health is still a topic of debate and research.
  • Sea Moss Gel: A trending superfood, sea moss is rich in minerals and may support thyroid function due to its iodine content. However, overconsumption could be risky, and more research is needed.
  • Avocado: Adds a creamy texture and is a source of healthy monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for cell production.
  • Coconut Cream: Used for texture and visual appeal, this is high in saturated fat and calories and should be used in moderation.
  • Hyaluronic Acid: An ingredient more commonly found in skincare products, its oral supplementation benefits are still debated.

The Satiety Factor: Liquid vs. Solid Calories

One of the most important considerations for a smoothie is satiety. When you consume calories in liquid form, your body may not register the same level of fullness signals as it does when you chew solid food. This can lead to feeling hungry again sooner, despite consuming a significant number of calories. For the same caloric load as the Erewhon smoothie, a solid breakfast provides more volume and fiber, which helps promote sustained fullness and energy levels.

Crafting a Healthier Copycat Smoothie

For those who love the taste but not the sugar, a homemade version is the best approach. Making it at home gives you complete control over ingredients and portion sizes.

  1. Start with a Base: Use unsweetened almond milk to reduce base sugar.
  2. Add Your Fruits: Blend frozen strawberries and a smaller amount of frozen banana for texture and natural sweetness.
  3. Boost with Protein and Fat: Add a scoop of your favorite vanilla protein powder (sugar-free) and a quarter of an avocado for healthy fats and creaminess.
  4. Consider Natural Sweeteners (Sparingly): If you still need extra sweetness, use a single pitted date or a few drops of stevia, rather than multiple sweeteners.
  5. Recreate the Glaze: To make a lower-sugar glaze, blend fresh strawberries until smooth with a splash of water, avoiding extra syrup.
  6. Add a Collagen Boost: Mix in a high-quality collagen peptide powder for the skin benefits without the added sugar.

Conclusion: Treat or Healthy Staple?

Ultimately, while the Erewhon Hailey Bieber smoothie is packed with some beneficial ingredients, its very high sugar and calorie content firmly places it in the category of an occasional indulgent treat rather than a daily health drink. The best way to enjoy its flavors and potential wellness benefits is by creating a mindful, lower-sugar copycat version at home, which empowers you to control exactly what goes into your body. This approach allows you to achieve that "glazed donut skin" glow without the accompanying sugar crash. You can find the original version and other Erewhon offerings on their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

The total sugar content of the original Erewhon smoothie is very high, with different reports suggesting anywhere from 48g to 80g per 20oz serving.

The sugar originates from multiple ingredients, including natural fruit sugars from strawberries and bananas, as well as added sugars from dates, maple syrup, and the vanilla collagen powder.

While it contains some natural fruit sugars, the smoothie also includes added sweeteners like maple syrup and dates. From a nutritional perspective, these added sources are considered free sugars.

A healthier alternative is to make a copycat version at home using unsweetened milk, focusing primarily on frozen fruit for sweetness, and controlling or omitting added sweeteners like maple syrup.

The high calorie count is a result of the dense ingredients, primarily the concentrated sugars from dates and maple syrup, as well as the significant amount of fat from avocado and coconut cream.

The smoothie contains ingredients like collagen, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants from fruit that are often associated with skin health. However, the benefits are not guaranteed, and the high sugar intake could potentially counteract any positive effects.

Yes, it is easy to make a lower-sugar copycat version by using unsweetened milk, relying mostly on frozen fruit for flavor, and adding only a minimal amount of a natural or artificial sweetener of your choice.

The liquid form of a smoothie means your body doesn't receive the same satiety signals as when you chew solid food. This can lead to feeling hungry sooner after drinking a high-calorie smoothie.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.