We love smoothies. New consumer research shows that smoothies have been one of the fastest growing food/drink markets over the past five years, where sales have been up more than 80% to over $2 billion in annual sales. This includes both made-to-order smoothies, from businesses like Jamba Juice, as well as pre-packaged products.
There are a couple of reasons for the popularity of smoothies, but the biggest one is that they are perceived as being health-conscious, without being too "healthy." Most smoothies involve a blend of milk, yogurt, sorbet and fruits, often with additional vitamins and supplements mixed in. They aren't necessarily low calorie, but they are better for you than a double cheeseburger and fries in terms of nutritional content. Smoothies are also convenient, and their appeal as an "on-the-go meal" is one thing that has helped them become a fixture in people's busy lives. The biggest market is people 18-34, with 50% of respondents to researchers inquiries said that they had at least one smoothie a month.
To keep up the growth, smoothie manufacturers will have to look to new flavors and new twists on their existing recipes. Look for more flavors/ingredients in existing recipes, like the addition of green tea and açaí, and expect to see a wider range of offerings, from low-calorie smoothies to decadent ones, to draw in new consumers.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
2-26-2007 @ 2:54PM
Ira.B said...
While smoothies are great, to even call them "health conscious" is pushing it. If you look at the available nutritional information on the Jamba site, you will see that smoothies have more calories than soda, a small amount of fiber and vitamins. You may as well have a Coke, a handful of fiber cereal and a Flintstone's chewable.
http://malemartha.blogspot.com
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2-26-2007 @ 3:08PM
J.Ho said...
I've been praying to my personal God for Jamba Juice to open a store near where I live in Boston. There's supposed to be one on the BU campus, but I need one down the street.
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2-26-2007 @ 3:59PM
Miss Tiffie said...
Most of Jamba Juice is so bad for you. It's like two meals in one. Altho I do love the blueberry soy drink with added protein. YUM!!! I miss it, I used to get it @ BU... I miss living in Manhattan where they have it all over the place more.
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2-26-2007 @ 7:21PM
Robyn said...
I think Jamba Juice is decently healthy as a meal replacement. I mean, they're like 500-700 calories right? And yeah, fiber, fruits, etc.
The fact that it is on-the-go is also definitely a plus. When you're running from job to job or hanging out on campus between classes, I think I feel less uncomfortable having a smoothie than a meal by myself. It's also great if I need to eat and drive.
Here in Michigan, there are no Jamba Juices! I think I saw a Smoothie King or something...
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5-07-2007 @ 1:55PM
marie said...
Smoothies have to be seen as a meal replacement and then the calories make since. I am a regular at an irish juice bar Jump juice bars and sales of smoothies have literally gone bananas over here too.
I can see whats going into my drink and its made fresh to order so it is definitely a better than a lot of other fast food options; they taste great too which helps
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