Smoothies count as only one portion of fruit and vegetables regardless of how many times they are consumed a day, suggests an Irish study. The survey, which was conducted by Irish food safety authority Safefood, also found that almost 74% of consumers overestimate the nutritional benefits of the drink. Although smoothies can boost calcium and dairy intake, they often contain ingredients such as sweetened fruit juice, fruit concentrates, syrups, added sugars and preservatives. The study advises consumers to choose smoothies with fresh or frozen fruit and milk or yoghurt and to look at labels to avoid added sugars.