Starbucks is known around the world for its extensive drink menu, ranging from classic coffee and espresso beverages to teas, juices, and blended concoctions. One type of drink you won‘t find at Starbucks anymore, however, is smoothies. The coffee chain used to offer fruit smoothies in a variety of flavors, but discontinued them several years ago, much to the disappointment of many customers.
In this article, we‘ll dive into the details of Starbucks‘ former smoothie offerings, the reasons behind their discontinuation, and what alternative options are available for smoothie lovers, both at Starbucks and other popular chains. We‘ll also share some tips for recreating your favorite Starbucks smoothie flavors at home. Let‘s get blending!
The Rise and Fall of Starbucks Smoothies
Starbucks first introduced smoothies to its menu in 2008, initially offering them in two flavors: Banana Chocolate and Orange Mango Banana. The smoothies were made with a fruit juice base blended with fresh fruit, ice, and protein and fiber powder. They were marketed as a healthier alternative to sugary frozen blended drinks like Frappuccinos.
Over the years, Starbucks expanded its smoothie selection to include additional flavors like Strawberry Banana, Evolution Fresh Mango Carrot, and Sweet Greens (a blend of fruit and vegetables). The smoothies ranged from 16-24 oz in size and cost around $5-6 each.
However, in 2018, Starbucks made the decision to quietly pull the plug on its smoothie offerings. The beverages vanished from menus with little fanfare or explanation from the company. Customers only realized smoothies were gone when they could no longer order their favorite flavors.
So why did Starbucks give smoothies the axe? While the company didn‘t release an official statement, there are a few probable factors behind the decision:
High sugar content
Despite being marketed as a healthier option, Starbucks smoothies actually packed a sugary punch. A 16 oz size contained 41-50 grams of sugar, depending on the flavor. That‘s more than the daily recommended limit for added sugars, according to the American Heart Association. As consumers have become more health-conscious in recent years, Starbucks likely wanted to cut back on high-sugar offerings.
Focus on simplicity and efficiency
Smoothies required a variety of ingredients that were not commonly used in other Starbucks drinks, such as fresh fruit, vegetables, and protein powder. Stocking these ingredients across all locations likely proved challenging from a storage and inventory perspective. As Starbucks aims to simplify its operations and supply chain, smoothies may have gotten the cut to streamline things.
Shifting toward lower-calorie, "healthier" options
In addition to their high sugar content, Starbucks smoothies also packed a significant calorie punch. A 16 oz size contained 250-300 calories. As the company has expanded its offerings of lower calorie drinks in recent years, like unsweetened iced teas, Cold Brew, and Nitro Cold Brew, smoothies no longer aligned with this direction.
What Starbucks Drinks Are Most Similar to Smoothies?
While you can no longer order a true smoothie at Starbucks, there are a few drinks on the menu that come close in terms of flavor and texture:
Frappuccinos
Starbucks‘ signature line of blended beverages, Frappuccinos, are the closest thing you‘ll find to a smoothie on the current menu. Made with milk, flavored syrups, and ice (with the option to add coffee or tea), these drinks have a thicker consistency similar to a smoothie. Popular flavors include Vanilla Bean, Strawberry, and Matcha Green Tea. Be aware, however, that Frappuccinos can be even higher in calories and sugar than smoothies – a 16 oz Strawberry Frappuccino contains 370 calories and 50g of sugar.
Iced Teas
For a lighter, more refreshing option, try one of Starbucks‘ iced teas. While they won‘t have the same creamy consistency as a smoothie, iced teas are available in fruity flavors like Passion Tango and Peach Green Tea. You can ask for them to be lightly sweetened or unsweetened. For a creamier texture, try an iced tea latte, which adds a splash of milk.
Juices
Starbucks offers a small selection of Evolution Fresh bottled juices, which are a good option if you‘re craving something fruity and refreshing. Flavors include Defense Up (orange, pineapple, mango), and Super Fruit Greens (apple, mango, banana, spinach, spirulina). These cold-pressed juices have no added sugars and are packed with nutrients.
Where Else Can You Get a Smoothie?
Missing your Starbucks smoothie fix? Don‘t worry, there are plenty of other places to get your blend on. Here are a few popular chains that offer a wide selection of smoothies:
Jamba
Formerly known as Jamba Juice, Jamba is a smoothie and juice bar chain with over 800 locations worldwide. They offer a huge variety of smoothies made with real fruit, veggies, juices, and boosts like chia seeds and protein powder. Popular flavors include Strawberries Wild, Mango-A-Go-Go, and Greens ‘n Ginger. You can also customize your own smoothie with your choice of base (milk, soy milk, or juice), fruit, and add-ins.
Tropical Smoothie Cafe
As the name suggests, this fast-casual chain specializes in smoothies with a tropical twist. Flavors include Island Green (spinach, kale, mango, pineapple, banana), Sunrise Sunset (strawberries, pineapple, mango, orange juice), and Avocolada (avocado, pineapple, spinach, kale, coconut, lime). They also offer a selection of superfoods smoothies boosted with ingredients like acai, chia seeds, and ginger.
Planet Smoothie
Another smoothie chain with a health-conscious focus, Planet Smoothie offers blends made with real fruit, veggies, and add-ins like multivitamins and probiotic yogurt. Unique flavors include the Chocolate Elvis (cocoa, peanut butter, banana) and the Leapin‘ Lizard (peaches, strawberries, lemon, orange juice). They also have a line of Lite smoothies with no added sugars and under 200 calories each.
McDonald‘s
Believe it or not, you can get a decent smoothie at the golden arches. McDonald‘s offers small (12 oz) and medium (16 oz) smoothies in four flavors: Strawberry Banana, Mango Pineapple, Blueberry Pomegranate, and Chocolate Chip. While not as nutritious as the offerings at dedicated smoothie chains, McDonald‘s smoothies are a convenient option if you‘re on the go.
How to Make a Starbucks-Inspired Smoothie at Home
Want to recreate the taste of your favorite discontinued Starbucks smoothie at home? With a few simple ingredients and a blender, it‘s easy to whip up a smoothie that‘s just as tasty (and much lower in sugar). Here are a couple copycat recipes to try:
Copycat Starbucks Strawberry Banana Smoothie
Ingredients:
– 1 cup frozen strawberries
– 1 ripe banana
– 1 cup milk of choice (dairy, almond, coconut, etc.)
– 1/2 cup greek yogurt
– 1-2 tsp honey (optional)
– Handful of ice cubes
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
- If too thick, add more milk until desired consistency is reached.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy!
Copycat Starbucks Orange Mango Banana Smoothie
Ingredients:
– 1 cup frozen mango chunks
– 1/2 cup frozen banana slices
– 1/2 cup orange juice
– 1/2 cup coconut water
– 1/4 cup greek yogurt
– Handful of ice cubes
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
- If too thick, add more orange juice or coconut water until desired consistency is reached.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy!
Feel free to experiment with different fruits, milks, and add-ins to create your own custom smoothie blends. You can also boost the nutrition by adding ingredients like spinach, chia seeds, flax meal, or protein powder.
The Bottom Line
While it‘s disappointing that Starbucks no longer offers smoothies, there are still plenty of ways to get your fix of blended fruity goodness. Whether you visit another smoothie chain, grab a Frappuccino at Starbucks, or blend up your own concoction at home, you have a world of delicious options at your fingertips.
And who knows – if enough customers voice their love for Starbucks smoothies, the company may consider bringing them back someday. Starbucks has been known to listen to customer feedback and resurrect discontinued fan favorites in the past (hello, Pumpkin Spice Latte).
So let‘s raise a glass (or a green straw) to the smoothie – a delightful, nutritious treat that deserves a place on every menu. Cheers!
