International Pineapple Day: Delicious Ways to Celebrate This Tropical Favourite

Celebrate International Pineapple Day with tasty recipe ideas, fascinating pineapple facts and creative ways to enjoy one of the world's most popular tropical fruits.

If there was ever a fruit guaranteed to bring a little sunshine to your day, it's the pineapple. Sweet, juicy and instantly recognisable, this tropical favourite deserves its own celebration, and International Pineapple Day is the perfect excuse to enjoy it in all its delicious forms.

Whether you're slicing it into a fruit salad, grilling it on the barbecue, blending it into a smoothie or enjoying it on top of a homemade pizza (yes, we know that's still a subject of fierce debate!), pineapples are one of the most versatile fruits you can keep in the kitchen.

I used to love pineapple and cheese on a stick, back in the day! And there was a delicatessen that sold cottage cheese with pineapple which I was quite partial to. 

Originally native to South America, pineapples were once considered such a luxury that wealthy families would hire them simply to display at lavish dinner parties. Today they're readily available in supermarkets throughout the UK, making it easy to bring a taste of the tropics to your table.

More than just delicious

Pineapples don't just taste fantastic – they're packed with goodness too. They're an excellent source of vitamin C, helping to support the immune system, while also providing manganese, fibre and antioxidants.

One of their most interesting natural components is bromelain, an enzyme that helps break down protein. This makes fresh pineapple a popular ingredient in marinades, as it can help tenderise meat while adding a subtle sweetness.

Fantastic ways to enjoy pineapple

International Pineapple Day is the perfect opportunity to experiment with this colourful fruit. Why not try:

Fresh pineapple chunks straight from the fridge on a hot summer's day.

Pineapple and coconut smoothies for a tropical breakfast.

Grilled pineapple served alongside chicken, pork or halloumi.

Pineapple salsa with chilli, coriander and lime to accompany fish.

Homemade upside-down pineapple cake.

Pineapple added to fruit kebabs for the barbecue.

Frozen pineapple pieces blended into a refreshing sorbet.

If you're entertaining friends or family, hollowing out half a pineapple also makes a spectacular natural serving bowl for fruit salads or tropical desserts.

Don't waste the leftovers

Even the tough outer skin and leafy crown don't have to go to waste. Pineapple peel can be simmered to make a fragrant syrup or infused into drinks, while the leafy top can even be rooted in water before planting to grow an attractive houseplant. Although growing a new pineapple takes patience, it's a fun project for children and gardening enthusiasts alike.

A little tropical sunshine

With Britain enjoying warm summer weather, International Pineapple Day arrives at just the right time. Whether you're hosting a barbecue, preparing a picnic or simply looking for a refreshing snack, pineapple brings colour, flavour and a taste of the tropics to every occasion.

So why not pick one up on your next shopping trip and celebrate one of nature's most cheerful fruits? Your taste buds will certainly thank you.

Happy International Pineapple Day from everyone at That's Food and Drink!

Bloomin' Good News! Bloom Juice Co. Launches the UK’s First Dedicated GLP-1-Friendly Smoothie Range

Bloom Juice Co., the innovative café chain known for its unique and exciting offering of made-to-order Juice, Matcha and Acai ranges, today announces the launch of the UK’s first dedicated GLP-1-friendly smoothie range, marking a new step in how high-street cafés respond to changing customer needs around appetite, fullness and everyday nutrition.

The launch comes amid a rapid rise in awareness and use of GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro across the UK. 

Recent consumer data shows usage of GLP-1 treatments has nearly doubled, increasing from around 2% of adults to approximately 4.4%, as more people explore new approaches to managing appetite and weight. Estimates suggest around 1.5 million adults in the UK are now using GLP-1 medications privately or via the NHS.

As these treatments become more widely discussed, eating habits are shifting. Many people report seeking out smaller, more satisfying options that feel filling without being heavy, overly sweet or high in calories, a change already being felt across the food and drink industry.

“At Bloom Juice Co., we’ve always paid close attention to how people actually eat and drink day to day,” Jordan Dodd, Regional Manager at Bloom Juice Co., told That's Food and Drink.

“GLP-1 medications are part of a much bigger conversation about appetite, balance and how food fits into modern life. 

"Our new range is about meeting customers where they are, whether they’re using GLP-1s or simply looking for something that keeps them feeling satisfied for longer.”

Designed for How People Eat Now

The new GLP-1-friendly smoothie range has been developed in-house to focus on texture, balance and satisfaction, rather than quick sweetness. Each of the 3 new smoothies is blended using carefully selected ingredients that support fullness and steady energy, in 3 unique flavours, covering breakfast, greens and treat-style flavourings.

Key features of the range include:

Higher protein and fibre content, to support appetite control

Lower sugar profiles, making them GLP-1 Friendly

Meal Supplements, designed to feel indulgent and filling

The range is designed to be enjoyed by anyone, whether they are using GLP-1 medications or simply prefer food and drink that feels more satisfying.

“We didn’t want to create ‘diet’ smoothies,” added Dodd. “We wanted drinks that feel premium, enjoyable and worth the visit; the kind of thing you’d choose because it tastes great, and then notice you feel good afterwards too.”

A First for the UK High Street

While GLP-1 medications are increasingly shaping conversations around food and appetite, Bloom Juice Co. believes it is the first UK café chain to introduce a clearly defined GLP-1-friendly range within a mainstream, high-street setting.

The new smoothies are available from 5th January 2026 across Bloom Juice Co. stores alongside their wider New Year Menu and will be supported by in-store and digital menu highlights to help customers navigate the range easily. The new range includes a new focus on supporting cognitive and digestive functions, as well as energy and wellness focussed.

Bloom Juice Co is a fast growing innovation-led cafe chain launched in 2024 with stores in Cambridge, Derby, Leeds & Lincoln, serving in-house made-to-order juice blends, smoothies, Acai bowls & ceremonial matcha.

https://www.bloomjuice.co.uk

Healthy Smoothie Recipes for All-Day Energy

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, maintaining high energy levels throughout the day can be a challenge. 

Some people gulp down so-called energy drinks that have horrible tastes and come in weird, day-glo colours, but there is a better, safer and more natural way to work toward maintaining high energy levels throughout the day. Home made smoothies!

Smoothies are a fantastic way to ensure you get a nutrient-packed start, a midday boost, or a post-workout recovery. Here are some delicious and healthy smoothie recipes to keep you energised all day long.

1. Green Power Smoothie

This smoothie is a great way to start your day. It's packed with greens that are rich in vitamins and minerals.

Ingredients:

1 ripe banana

1 handful of spinach

1 handful of kale

250ml almond milk

1 tablespoon chia seeds

1 teaspoon honey

Instructions:

Add the almond milk to the blender.

Add the spinach, kale, and banana.

Sprinkle in the chia seeds and add honey.

Blend until smooth and enjoy immediately.

2. Berry Boost Smoothie

This antioxidant-rich smoothie is perfect for a mid-morning snack or a pre-workout drink.

Ingredients:

100g mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

1 small apple, cored and chopped

200ml coconut water

1 tablespoon flaxseeds

1 teaspoon maple syrup

Instructions:

Pour the coconut water into the blender.

Add the berries and the chopped apple.

Add the flaxseeds and maple syrup.

Blend until smooth and serve chilled.

3. Tropical Energy Smoothie

Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with this refreshing and energising smoothie.

Ingredients:

1 cup fresh pineapple chunks

1 ripe mango, peeled and chopped

250ml coconut milk

1 tablespoon hemp seeds

Juice of 1 lime

Instructions:

Add the coconut milk to the blender.

Add the pineapple chunks and mango.

Sprinkle in the hemp seeds and add the lime juice.

Blend until smooth and enjoy immediately.

4. Protein-Packed Peanut Butter Smoothie

Ideal for post-workout recovery, this smoothie is rich in protein and healthy fats.

Ingredients:

1 banana

2 tablespoons natural peanut butter

200ml oat milk

1 scoop vanilla protein powder

1 teaspoon cocoa powder

Instructions:

Add the oat milk to the blender.

Add the banana and peanut butter.

Add the protein powder and cocoa powder.

Blend until smooth and serve immediately.

5. Citrus Burst Smoothie

This zesty smoothie is perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up, loaded with Vitamin C and refreshing flavours.

Ingredients:

1 orange, peeled and segmented

1/2 grapefruit, peeled and segmented

100ml plain yoghurt

1 tablespoon honey

A handful of ice cubes

Instructions:

Add the yoghurt to the blender.

Add the orange and grapefruit segments.

Drizzle in the honey and add the ice cubes.

Blend until smooth and enjoy chilled.

Tips for the Perfect Smoothie

Use Frozen Fruits: For a thicker, creamier consistency, use frozen fruits. They also make your smoothie extra refreshing.

Balance the Flavours: Make sure to balance sweet, sour, and creamy ingredients for a well-rounded taste.

Add Superfoods: Boost your smoothie’s nutritional value by adding superfoods like chia seeds, flaxseeds, hemp seeds, or spirulina.

Keep it Simple: Start with a base liquid (like almond milk, coconut water, or yoghurt), add a couple of fruits or vegetables, and then finish with seeds, nuts, or a sweetener.

Blend Thoroughly: Ensure all ingredients are well-blended for a smooth and enjoyable texture.

Incorporating these smoothies into your daily routine can help you stay energised, focused, and ready to tackle whatever the day throws at you. Cheers to good health and vitality!