What's it all about?
Jamba Juice has been popping up all over the nation (where ever Starbucks is), serving healthy "Jambas", soups and breads. Each of their "Jambas" holds a different feature; for example, the ColdBuster is filled with antioxidants and Vitamin C to get you better, whereas the Mango-a-Go-Go is bursting with Mango flavor. Everyone I know has their own favorite "Jamba" and there are enough different types of them for each individual taste. Jamba Juice also serves seasonal Jambas like the Mighty Cherry Charger, and also serves healthy soups during the colder seasons.

So... this Jamba thing... what is it?
A Jamba Juice is similar to a smoothie, each containing 3-4 servings of fresh fruits. It usually includes low-fat ice cream, fresh fruits as mentioned, soy, a "boost" and ice. First, they'll add whatever ingredients are necessary to the particular Jamba that you've ordered, and then they'll blend it together for your Jamba Juice, pour it into your cup and you're on your way.

What does it cost?
Refreshing for a really hot summer day, this Jamba Juice usually costs anywhere from four dollars to five dollars, and one can get it in regular size or power size (the power size is an extra dollar). You can split a regular size with a friend, as some people do find the regular size a bit too much. Although I've found Jambas to be a bit pricey, they are supposed to be equivalent of a meal (each Jamba containing everywhere from 400 to 800 calories), and thus, if you think about it that way, a four dollar smoothie is a little cheaper than the price of a Subway Sandwich. For my diet, however, it isn't really worth the cost, but it is a nice treat once in awhile.

So, what happens when I walk into a Jamba Juice store?
If you've never visited a Jamba Juice location, it is a bit different from your fast food restaurants. First off, you'll find music blaring in the store. The music varies from store to store, but mainly it is up-beat music. You'll then proceed to the cashier to order and pay for your Jamba and then wait for your Jamba as it is made. Depending on how busy the store is, you can expect a 1 minute to a 10 minute wait. Each Jamba Juice is made in the order that they were requested, and therefore, if the Jamba making line is backed up, you could be expecting a long wait for your juice. My one suggestion to counter this is to go at off-peak hours such as late-afternoon, early morning or late-evening.

So how convenient are these Jamba Juice stores?
They're very convenient, especially their hours. They're open from early in the morning till late at night (I guess they figure a Jamba can be eaten at anytime). Although these Jamba Juice stores lose their convenience when they're especially busy, the wait is sometimes worth the Jamba Juice that you're about to get. Plus, the employees who work there are extremely friendly and also know their Jamba Juice. Ask them if you have any questions about how each Jamba tastes. In addition, they have a nutritional booklet describing the nutritional facts of each Jamba Juice. Read up on this while you wait for you Jamba.

Are there different tastes in the Jamba Juice?
Yes. Each Jamba has its unique individual taste. For example, there are some Jambas that are more citrus-ey than others. Some are blander and some are a little bitter. Depending on what you like, you'll find the perfect Jamba for you; however, it might take awhile to find it, so it's all a matter of trial and error.

What's a Jamba "boost"?
Jamba offers a free "boost" to put in your smoothie. These "boosts" are an additional healthy booster to your drink. They are:
-Vita Boost is packed with vitamins and minerals. 100% of your daily value of something like 20 vitamins.
-Energy Boost filled with things that will help you jump start your day
-Protein Boost consisting of 100% soy to help your muscles.
-Immunity Boost incase you've caught a cold and need 800% of your daily value of vitamin C.
-Fiber Boost loaded with fiber.
-Femme Boost filled with things needed for the woman.
There are other assorted boosts that each Jamba Juice offers. More information about boosts can be found at http://www.jambajuice.com/taste/boosts.html

What if I don't want a Jamba Juice?
You can still go to Jamba and enjoy something from Jamba Juice if you don't want a Jamba. They also have fresh squeezed juices, different assorted Jamba breads and pretzels, soups (seasonally), and interesting items to try, such as wheatgrass (grass blended into a drink). They also have two "Moo-d smoothies": one tastes like a chocolate shake and the other peanut butter. Both are supposedly healthy for you.

What is Jamba GoGo?
Jamba GoGo is a catering service that they have for large orders. For example, if you have a meeting that morning, you could fax your order into Jamba and pick up the order later that morning for your meeting. I've tried this once and found it very convenient. In addition, everyone at the meeting was pleased that they had a Jamba to start their day (especially those who skipped breakfast). They also do fundraising or special events.

What types of Jamba Juices are there so I don't have to go and stare at the menu for hours on end...
Although each store varies its flavors, most carry Jamba's main line of smoothies. Here is a website where you can read up on Jamba's smoothies: http://www.jambajuice.com/taste/smoothies.html

In addition, if you'd like to learn more about Jamba Juice, visit www.jambajuice.com

So the bottom line...
...is that you should try Jamba Juice. It's healthy for you, with good service and a variety of choices. Just don't get hooked like so many have. The price is a little steep, but if you keep your Jamba Juices to special occasions, you'll enjoy the fruity taste while knowing that you're drinking something that's good for you.


Recommended: Yes