Aussies turn to blenders for healthier lifestyles

Australians are turning to blenders to lose weight and improve their health, according to new research.

Consumer research company Canstar Blue found that three out of five adults who purchased a new blender in the last two years did so as part of a healthier lifestyle change. And 75% of those said their new blender helped them achieve their weight loss or healthy-living goals.

“For those who struggle to eat their recommended daily intake of fruits and vegetables, blenders can be an ideal solution,” said Canstar Blue spokesman Simon Downes. “It seems that Blenders have never been such a prominent part of Aussie kitchens and the majority of consumers clearly see the health benefits of owning one – indeed 85% of those we surveyed said they would replace their blender if it stopped working.”

But when it comes to keeping the weight off and maintaining a healthier lifestyle, experts insist that blenders are just one ingredient to long-term success.

Kate DiPrima, spokesperson for the Dietitians Association of Australia, says blenders can be a great tool for helping to improve diets, but it’s also important people don’t forget how to chew food – and don’t consume too much.

“The big positive of blenders is that people are going to get more fibre-rich foods into them,” she said. “And unlike traditional juicers, blenders keep in all the goodness.

“But people should also be cautious when shovelling food into their blender – because they might be taking in more calories than they realise. I’m all for people getting more beetroot and celery into their diets, for example, but the act of chewing fruits and vegetables is also important to help you feel full up.”

Canstar Blue found that 46% of consumers don’t use their new blenders as much as they thought they would, while 28% admitted it was an impulse purchase. And after buying their blender for health reasons, two in five said they started to use it for unhealthy options.

Exercise physiologist and nutritionist, Dr Bill Sukala, says he understands why some people fail to get the most out of their blenders.

“It’s true that blenders help motivate someone towards a healthy lifestyle, but the big question is whether or not it is sustainable over the long-term,” he said.

“A blender might help dieters trade the burgers for broccoli in the short-term, but a radical diet overhaul might be too drastic to maintain. I suggest incorporating a blender into your routine slowly over time and make changes for yourself that are realistic and sustainable.

“A blender is only a single slice of the healthy eating pie. A healthful lifestyle requires a multi-pronged approach which includes not only healthy eating, but regular physical activity, no smoking, alcohol in moderation, and stress management techniques.”

The Canstar Blue survey, of 790 adults, found that the majority use their blender a few times a week (37%) or a few times a month (29%). Just 15% said they use their blender every day and 7% use it more than once a day. One in 10 said they very rarely use it at all.

When it comes to things consumers wish they had researched more before purchasing their new blender, 39% said things that cannot be blended, while 35% pointed to ease of cleaning, 26% said noise levels and 19% capacity.

Nutribullet has picked up Canstar Blue’s Most Satisfied Customers Award for blenders, with five-star ratings for performance (speed and quality), ease of use, ease of cleaning, consistency and overall satisfaction.

“Nutribullet comes with high expectations, but consumers are happy those expectations are being met with fantastic results,” said Mr Downes.

“Consumers want to see a fantastic and consistent performance from their blender and that’s what they’re getting from Nutribullet.”