A Goner after First Sip: I first went to Jamba Juice in high school. I went with friends because it was an affordable place to grab a drink and hang out. The drinks are relatively healthy and my friends and I can lounge all day, just hanging out. The vibe is relaxed, the music is nice, without being too loud.

Now that I am grown, I go to Jamba Juice for quick pick me ups and yum-o instant sugary energetic boost. They have Jamba Juice everywhere! Every time I drink there, I know I am giving my body something wonderful (especially when I order a double shot of wheat grass).

Company Info:
Jamba Juice is a chain of smoothie restaurants headquartered in Emeryville, California with over 700 locations operating in 21 states, the District of Columbia and the Bahamas. Over 500 locations are company-owned, with the remainder being franchised.

The Good: When it is 95 degrees out and you wish you can stay in an air-conditioned room drinking ice cold sugary drinks, there is no place better than Jamba Juice. For Starbucks addicts on withdrawal, Jamba Juice offers a healthier alternative.

Jamba Juice is reasonable in terms of how much charges. I notice it is more expensive to buy Jamba Juice in NYC than in the Midwest. Since fruit is perishable, I understand why the store charges four to seven dollars for each smoothie. For days when I do not want to splurge, I just make the same thing at home.

The Bad: Healthy is a relative term though, depending on what you order. If you look at the Jamba Juice website, you can find out how many calories are in their super large power drinks (think upwards of 700 calories)! Since I think of the smoothie as a snack, I don't really worry about calories. But if I'm thinking of Jamba Juice as an alternative to all my sources of vegetables or fruits, then I will be in trouble.

*** Always make sure they mix in the powdered vitamins or whatever boost you order well. Else there is a chalky taste to the drink. I once ordered a drink where they forgot to add in the boost and when I asked, they just scooped it in. I never knew powdered anything can taste so chemical so never will I try and taste things that are not properly mixed in the future!

The Secret Menu: Most people do not know this but Jamba Juice offers breakfast AND they also offer a secret menu (yes, just like In-N-Out!). Flavors available through their secret menu are: Strawberry Shortcake, White Gummy Bear (recipe below), PB&J, Starburst, Fruit Pebbles, Push-pops and Skittles. I heart candy flavors, so yays for these delicious flavors!!

The At Home Jamba Juice Experience: When you want friends over for a chilling party, create your own smoothies at home a la Jamba Juice style. Simply have everything cut up and ready to go before your guests arrive and you will have the most smashing time! The bonus to making smoothies a la Jamba Juice style at home is that you can add as much or as little alcohol you want!

A Few Recipes to Get You Started:
White Gummy Bear, original size
3/4 cup peach juice
1/2 cup soy milk
One scoop each of lime sherbet, raspberry sherbet, orange sherbet and pineapple sherbet.
One scoop of mangos, cubed.
Pour in peach juice and soy milk into your blender. Add everything else. Blend everything in your blender and enjoy!

Wild Strawberry Smoothie: Makes 3 cups.
1 cup apple juice
1 cup frozen strawberry
1/2 cup frozen sliced banana,
1 cup non-fat vanilla frozen yogurt or vanilla soy yogurt
1/2 cup ice

Pour the apple juice in the blender.Add the strawberries, bananas, frozen yogurt and ice cubes.Blend until smooth with a thick consistency. Enjoy!

Thanks for reading and I hope you will have fun at Jamba Juice or making the smoothies at home!



Recommended: Yes