Cold-pressed juices, functional ingredients, high-impact flavorings, Greek yogurt bases, favorite dessert flavors—all of these help make up modern smoothies. And with a built-in fan base, the platform serves up big opportunity in a foodservice landscape that demands flavor innovation at every turn.
Whether it’s a push into wholesomeness, maybe with a nut milk or whole grain infused into it, or an ode to a beloved flavor system, like cherry vanilla or butter pecan—smoothies offer a cool, signature menu option.
Taking a cue from smoothie shops around the country, consider these six ways to give smoothies a modern boost:
- Butter Up: Build on a base of nut butters for enriched flavor and nutritional profile.
Almond Butter and Spinach Smoothie: Almond butter, banana, hemp seeds, spinach, basil and bee pollen
—Vital Root, Denver, Colo. - Give it a Garnish: Lend smoothies a textural treatment with a garnish of seeds, chopped nuts, or cocao nibs.
Beach Babe: Organic apple juice, blueberries, strawberries, pineapple, shredded coconut; garnished with chia seeds & bee pollen
—Blake Orchard Juicery, Portland, Maine - Latin Luxe: The rich horchata profile is a prime platform to build a Mexican-inspired smoothie.
Lotta Horchata Smoothie: Mexican-inspired blend of cold-brew coffee with cinnamon and vanilla flavors
—Jamba Juice, based in Frisco, Texas - Fiery Touch: Enhance the coolness with an on-trend spike of heat.
Hot Mango Smoothie: Mango, orange, goji berries, cayenne, turmeric, lime, coconut water
—Roots Juicebar, Miami - Stick to Your Roots: Tap deeper into veg-centricity with beets, carrots and other root vegetables.
High Pro Glow Smoothie: Juiced sweet potato, juiced green apple, orange, banana, raw almond butter, sunflower seeds
—The Juice Bar, Dallas - Indulge a Little: Even smoothie lovers appreciate a hint of craveable indulgence.
Cookie Dough Smoothie: Greek yogurt blended with gluten free chocolate chip cookie dough
—Freshens, based in Atlanta
