Are smoothies OK for kids?
Written from AAP, federal and National Academies guidance and checked against each source. Medical review by a pediatric registered dietitian is in progress. Updated November 2026.
Small amounts overall
Quick answer
Small and occasional. Bottled smoothies often have 28 to 63 g of sugar per 12 oz, more than a can of soda.11 Smoothies aren't named in the 2019 beverage consensus.
Pick your child's age for a personal answer
By age
| Age | Verdict | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Under 12 months | Skip | Breast milk or formula are the drinks. Ask your pediatrician about fruit purees. |
| 1 to 4 years | Occasionally | Our suggestion: treat it like juice. A small serving, with a meal, whole fruit first. |
| 5 to 10 years | Occasionally | Our suggestion: treat it like juice. A small serving, with a meal. |
| 11 to 18 years | Occasionally | Our suggestion: check the label. Homemade with plain yogurt and fruit is a better bet. |
How much sugar?
Dashed line: the American Heart Association limit of 25 g of added sugar for the whole day, ages 2 to 18. Typical amounts, rounded. Brands vary.
Good to know
- The guidelines don't name smoothies. Because they're easy to drink fast and often contain juice or sweetener, we suggest treating them like juice.
- A homemade fruit cooler in Harvard's chart had about 4 g of sugar, while bottled ones ran 28 to 63 g.11
Try instead
A piece of fruit and a cup of water.
Have the bottle in your hand? Check it with the label checker.
Common questions
Are smoothies healthier than juice?
Homemade ones with whole fruit and no added sweetener can be. Bottled smoothies often have as much sugar as a soda.