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There are few corporations as polarizing as Starbucks. Even on this blog, it is the rare Slashbucks post that doesn't incite a ruthless comments war. Yet there is no denying that Starbucks is a fast food force and their products deserve coverage like everybody else, so simmer.
Today Starbucks is introducing yet another beverage to their liquid arsenal. Though frozen and blended, the new Vivanno isn't another tired variation on the -ccino theme. Nope, this is Starbucks' answer to Jamba Juice: A protein-packed smoothie.
Here's the scoop:
- One whole - real! - banana (seriously! it will be peeled and pulsed before your very eyes!)
- Whey protein (16 grams) and fiber powder (5 grams)
- Choice of milk (default is 2%)
- Ice
- Secret Starbucks-Proprietary Orange-Mango Naked Juice
- Portion controlled (default is Grande, and always has less than 270 calories)
Orange Mango Banana Blend (250 calories, 16g protein, 5g fiber, 2g fat)
The banana blended nicely with the marquee juice, but the rather runny smoothie had that familiar tinny aftertaste which has long burdened whey protein powder. For regular smoothie drinkers, the flavor oughtn't faze, but I imagine regular smoothie drinkers will continue heading to Jamba where they have more options.
Orange Mango Banana Blend with Matcha Green Tea powder (250 calories, 16g protein, 5g fiber, 2g fat, 45% daily value of Vitamin C)
See above. Add Starbucks' Matcha Green Tea powder (as made famous in their Green Tea Frappuccino). Surprisingly, the matcha's earthiness adds a degree of thickness while killing the aforementioned tinny aftertaste, making this one an improvement on the original.
Banana Chocolate Blend (270 calories, 21g protein, 6g fiber, 5g fat)
Despite its inclusion of the oft-troublesome whey protein, this smoothie is dangerously drinkable. It goes down like a lightweight banana chocolate shake, with no plague of powder. If this is protein, sign me up!
Banana Chocolate Blend with shot of espresso (270 calories, 21g protein, 6g fiber, 5g fat)
See above. Add a shot of Starbucks espresso. Unlike the ill-conceived Banana Chocolate Frappuccino of summer 2006, the solo shot blends seamlessly into an already stellar smoothie, making this drink nutritious, delicious and caffeinated. Score!
All in all, I'm actually impressed. Have you tried the Vivanno? What do you think?
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7-15-2008 @5:55PM malkie13 said... Any info on the carb content of these beasties?
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7-15-2008 @5:56PM Kristyn Pomranz said... @malkie13 - Yep, here are carbs:
Orange Mango Banana Blend - 47g
Banana Chocolate Blend - 44g
Reply
7-15-2008 @6:25PM Pash91 said... I had the banana and chocolate one today. I thought it tasted a little powdery. I wish it was a little colder, but all in all, it was pretty good. They didn't give me any sizing options (and I don't see and options for portion or milk on the nutrition website), but it was a nice treat for the subway ride.
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7-15-2008 @8:55PM cupcake_girl said... How much coin are these going for?
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7-15-2008 @10:02PM Sbux said... They're going for around four dollars. The macha powder and espresso shot are add ons, so they are a little more. I'm a barista at starbucks and if you ask the baristas, they should have coupons for free Vivannos that we were supposed to give out. They gave everyone a few to hand out to family and friends and are sitting behind the counter. Asking might save you a couple dollars. I've tasted all four and the one with the green tea in it is my favorite.
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7-16-2008 @7:51AM Treeb said... I am excited! Starbucks is one of the few options in walking distance from my work, and I have often wished that they had smoothies that I could get for my lunch. :)
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7-16-2008 @9:24AM Jon said... Why do you need extra whey protein powder in a drink made from milk?
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7-16-2008 @9:41AM Baron said... Jamba Juice = 700 locations in 21 states + DC and the Bahammas
Smoothie King = 508 locations (not sure on states) plus about 25 locations in South Korea (it is one of the few smoothie options we have here, the other being a smaller, way out of the way place, not that Smoothie King is much closer)
Starbucks = 15,012 stores in 44 countries which = win to me, since, like Treeb said, it is close enough to me to walk to.
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7-17-2008 @4:34AM kelly said... I work at starbucks and the new drinks are bland and have no flavor. To make the drink actually taste good you cant make it the way the recipe wants you to. jamba juice is like ten times better then this stuff that starbucks making.
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7-17-2008 @5:57AM Eddie said... Give Dunkin Dounuts Coffee anyday, Starbucks sucks and is way to $$ for shitty coffee and service!
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7-17-2008 @6:35AM no name said... I, too, am a Starbucks Barista. The new Vivanno Blended Smoothies are good, but unfortunately, we do not peel our bananas. They come freshly frozen, sliced and we scoop them into the blender. It's still real bananas but not freshly peeled. Sorry folks.
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7-17-2008 @6:46AM BoB G.'s PINBALL said... Some of the "Baristas" burn to coffee at Starbucks.
I agree with Eddie. Dunkin Doughnuts Coffee is AWESOME. I buy it at Costco and make it at home.
7-17-2008 @ 5:57AM
Eddie said...
Give Dunkin Dounuts Coffee anyday, Starbucks sucks and is way to $$ for shitty coffee and service!
Reply
7-17-2008 @7:08AM Tessa said... I am a weight counselor and personal trainer. That is still a lot of calories for a drink. Have a banana and a hand full of almonds.. you will feel fuller and save some dough.
Here are a other few tips that I give out:
Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good. If you can't be
perfect in your eating don't make the day a wash and start
"tomorrow".
Try to eat something you truly enjoy every day.
Try to eat tomatoes in some form..lycopene is great for all
especially men!
Get a pedometer and try to walk 10,000 steps a day.
If you don't get enough fruits and veggies take a good multi vitamin.
Try to get exercise in when you can. I have read about smartsoles on
many aol boards and they actually work, they increase calories burned
with each step and tone muscles http://www.smartsole.com
Join a support group to discuss food issues, even if seeing a
nutritionist. I have found that good
old fashioned weight watchers truly is the best and not expensive.
http://www.weightwatchers.com
And the best thing I did for myself as a single woman is get a pet.
It has reduced stress for me and added to my happiness.
Try not to eat your heaviest meal too late.
Don't hold grudges!
Again all are "tries". nobody is perfect!
I fouda code for the smartsoles...yo cn use SMART15 and get 15% off
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7-17-2008 @7:08AM Cindy said... We tried both the orange mango and the chocolate banana with an espresso shot. Both were surprisingly good. We were amazed to see them using actual bananas.
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7-17-2008 @8:05AM rufgo45 said... How much will these things cost? i think starbucks should stick to coffee..
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7-17-2008 @8:13AM barista said... Well I am a Starbucks barista as well, and to respond to #10- our store gets 3 cases of bananas every morning. We peel them fresh, and they're good for only 12 hours. No frozen ones here!
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7-17-2008 @8:19AM meem6969 said... Dunkin Dounuts Coffee is GROSS!! Just the smell of the coffee before it's brewed makes my stomach turn! Watered down coffee...You might as well figure on drinking a cup of hot water! Service is awful...If you ask for cream you get more than enough, as you can't taste the coffee...You order an Ice Coffee you get all ice! I'll take Starbucks and pay the extra $$ for a better coffee!!!
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7-17-2008 @8:18AM barista said... Well I am a Starbucks barista as well, and to respond to #10- we get 3 cases of fresh bananas every day. We peel them in our store, and they last for 12 hours. No frozen ones here!
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7-17-2008 @8:49AM helene said... YUM!!! Can't wait till the Starbucks next to my office opens so I can have the Chocolate Banana smoothie for lunch. Had one on the way to work on Tuesday and I was happily satisfied until lunchtime. I only use Soy milk, so don't know the calorie differential, but has to be less than anything I can get in the coffee shop. Keep these coming!
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7-17-2008 @8:49AM heathbbusy said... all of you wasteing money on starbucks coffee , mcd's coffee is way better and alot cheaper there iced coffee is awesome also............
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