So, Costco has a new smoothie on the menu, the Strawberry Banana one. It’s replacing the old fruit smoothie, and people have some thoughts. Some are really happy about it, saying it’s tasty and not too sweet. Others aren’t so sure, maybe they miss the old one or can’t have bananas. We’re going to break down what’s actually in this new costco strawberry banana smoothie and its ingredients, so you know what you’re drinking.
Key Takeaways
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The new costco strawberry banana smoothie uses a base of strawberry and banana purees, along with other fruit components like apple, pear, and pineapple.
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The smoothie is advertised as containing five servings of fruit, which is more than the previous version.
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Reported ingredients include water, fruit purees (strawberry, banana, apple, pear), pineapple juice concentrate, citric acid, pectin, natural flavors, and fruit/vegetable juice for color.
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Nutritional information shows it has 320 calories and 69 grams of sugar, with 25 grams being added sugar.
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Consumer reactions are mixed, with some enjoying the flavor and others expressing concerns about the ingredients or missing the older smoothie.
Understanding The Costco Strawberry Banana Smoothie
Costco’s food court has a new player in the smoothie game: the Strawberry Banana Smoothie. This isn’t just a minor menu tweak; it’s a replacement for the previous fruit smoothie that many shoppers enjoyed. The change has definitely stirred up some conversation among Costco members, with reactions ranging from excitement to disappointment.
A New Addition To The Food Court
The Strawberry Banana Smoothie is the latest offering to appear in Costco food courts across the United States. It’s a pretty classic flavor combination, aiming for that familiar sweet taste that many people associate with a good smoothie. The introduction of this new option signals Costco’s ongoing effort to update its food court menu, keeping things fresh for its members.
Replacing The Previous Fruit Smoothie
This new smoothie takes the place of the older, well-liked Fruit Smoothie. The older version featured a blend of berries, including strawberries and blackberries, and sometimes included açai. The switch has been noticeable, and not everyone is thrilled about saying goodbye to the old favorite. It seems like the specific fruit mix in the previous smoothie was a hit for many.
Consumer Reactions To The Change
As you might expect with any change at a popular spot like Costco, there have been a lot of opinions shared online. Some shoppers are really enjoying the new Strawberry Banana Smoothie, finding it a tasty and refreshing option. Others, however, miss the old fruit smoothie and aren’t quite sold on the new flavor profile. There’s been chatter on platforms like Reddit, where people discuss everything from the taste to the ingredients. It’s clear that the previous smoothie had a loyal following, and replicating that success is a tall order. Some members have even noted that the new smoothie is sweeter than the one it replaced, which is a point of contention for some. If you’re looking for deals on travel, you might find some good all-inclusive packages in February, which could be a nice way to enjoy a different kind of treat for 2025.
The shift from the older berry-focused smoothie to the new strawberry banana version has definitely sparked debate. While some appreciate the new flavor, others feel it doesn’t quite measure up to the original. It highlights how much people connect with specific menu items at their favorite stores.
Here’s a quick look at some of the reported consumer sentiments:
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Positive Feedback: Some shoppers find the new smoothie to be very good, enjoying the strawberry and banana combination.
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Mixed Feelings: Others are less enthusiastic, missing the previous smoothie’s flavor profile.
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Ingredient Concerns: A portion of the discussion revolves around the ingredients, particularly the sugar content and the inclusion of banana, which can be an allergen for some.
Key Fruit Components Of The Smoothie
So, what’s actually in this new Costco Strawberry Banana Smoothie? Let’s break down the fruit situation. It’s pretty straightforward, really.
The Strawberry and Banana Base
As the name suggests, strawberries and bananas are the stars here. You’ll find strawberry puree and banana puree listed as key ingredients. It seems like the banana flavor isn’t supposed to be too overpowering, with the strawberry taking the lead. This combination is a classic for a reason, offering a familiar and generally well-liked taste.
Supporting Fruits in the Blend
Beyond the main duo, there are other fruits contributing to the overall flavor and texture. The smoothie includes apple puree and pear puree, which add a bit of natural sweetness and body. There’s also deionized pineapple juice concentrate, which likely brings a touch of tartness to balance out the sweetness. It’s interesting how they use these supporting fruits to round out the flavor profile.
Advertising Five Servings of Fruit
Costco is marketing this smoothie as containing five servings of fruit. While it’s hard to verify exact serving sizes from the ingredient list alone, it’s clear they’re packing it with a variety of fruit components. This claim suggests a focus on making it a more fruit-forward option, even with the added purees and concentrates.
It’s a blend that aims for a balance between the dominant strawberry and banana, with subtle contributions from apple, pear, and pineapple. This mix is what gives the smoothie its characteristic fruity taste without being too one-dimensional.
Detailed Ingredient Breakdown
So, what exactly goes into this popular Costco treat? While Costco doesn’t exactly hand out their recipes, we’ve managed to piece together the core components. It’s not just strawberries and bananas, though those are definitely the stars. The blend also includes purées and concentrates from other fruits, which help create that smooth texture and balanced flavor. Think apple, pear, and pineapple – they all play a role.
Purees and Concentrates Used
The base of the smoothie relies heavily on fruit purées and concentrates. You’ll find strawberry and banana purées forming the primary flavor profile. Beyond that, apple and pear purées are commonly used, adding a subtle sweetness and body to the drink. Pineapple juice concentrate also makes an appearance, likely contributing a bit of tartness and that familiar tropical note. These purées and concentrates are key to achieving a consistent texture and flavor, batch after batch.
Acids and Natural Flavors
To keep things interesting and prevent the smoothie from tasting too flat, a few other ingredients are added. Ascorbic acid, which is just Vitamin C, is often included. It acts as an antioxidant, helping to preserve the fruit’s color and flavor, and also adds a touch of brightness. Citric acid, found naturally in citrus fruits, is another common addition. It provides that slight tanginess that balances the sweetness of the fruit. And of course, there are ‘natural flavors’ – a broad category that food manufacturers use to boost or round out the taste profile without specifying the exact source.
Coloring Agents and Texture Enhancers
For that vibrant, appealing color, Costco uses fruit and vegetable juices. These natural colorants give the smoothie its characteristic pinkish-red hue without resorting to artificial dyes. To achieve that perfectly thick, creamy consistency that we all expect from a good smoothie, pectin is often used. Pectin is a natural gelling agent derived from fruits, most commonly apples and citrus peels. It helps bind the ingredients together and gives the smoothie its satisfying texture. It’s interesting to see how these elements come together to create the final product, making it more than just blended fruit. If you’re looking to plan a trip, remember that all-inclusive holidays can offer great value.
Nutritional Information Highlights
So, let’s talk about what’s actually in this new Costco Strawberry Banana Smoothie from a nutritional standpoint. It’s definitely a substantial drink, coming in at 320 calories. For many people, this might be a meal replacement or a significant snack.
The smoothie packs a hefty 77 grams of carbohydrates, with a large portion of that being sugar. Specifically, it contains 69 grams of total sugar, and importantly, 25 grams of that is added sugar. That’s quite a bit, and it’s something to be aware of if you’re watching your sugar intake. It does offer 6 grams of fiber, which is pretty good, and 2 grams of protein. You’ll also find about 633 mg of potassium, which is a decent amount.
Here’s a quick look at the numbers:
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Nutrient |
Amount |
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Calories |
320 |
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Total Sugar |
69g |
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Added Sugar |
25g |
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Carbohydrates |
77g |
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Fiber |
6g |
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Protein |
2g |
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Potassium |
633mg |
It’s interesting to see how it stacks up against other options. For instance, if you’re planning a trip to a resort, you might want to check out all-inclusive resorts to see their dining options.
While the smoothie advertises five servings of fruit, the high sugar content, particularly the added sugars, is a key takeaway. It’s a sweet treat, and understanding these numbers helps in making informed choices about what you’re consuming.
It’s also worth noting the micronutrient contributions. You get a bit of calcium (34 mg) and iron (2 mg), along with ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) which is often added for preservation and nutritional value. The sodium content is quite low at just 5mg, which is a positive point.
Comparing With The Older Fruit Smoothie
So, Costco decided to switch things up in the food court, swapping out the old Fruit Smoothie for the new Strawberry Banana version. It’s a pretty big change, and naturally, people have opinions.
Differences In Fruit Variety
The older smoothie was a bit of a mixed berry affair, often featuring strawberries, blackberries, and even açaí. Some reports suggest it also included pear and apple purees, along with pineapple juice concentrate. The new Strawberry Banana smoothie, as the name implies, leans heavily on strawberries and bananas. While it still incorporates other fruits like apple and pear purees and pineapple juice concentrate, the overall fruit profile feels different. It’s advertised as having five servings of fruit, which is more than the previous version’s four, but the variety of fruits seems to have narrowed.
Changes In Ingredient Brands
It seems like around 2021, Costco made a switch in the brands they were using for their smoothie ingredients. While the exact details of these brand changes aren’t always public, it’s common for large retailers to adjust suppliers to manage costs or ensure availability. This could potentially affect the subtle taste nuances of the smoothie, even if the core ingredients remain similar.
Impact Of Açai Inclusion
The older Fruit Smoothie sometimes included açai, which brought a unique, slightly earthy flavor and a boost of antioxidants. The new Strawberry Banana smoothie appears to have dropped the açai. This change likely contributes to the shift in taste, making the new smoothie more straightforwardly fruity and less complex. For those who enjoyed the subtle tang and unique profile açai added, its absence might be noticeable.
The move from a mixed-berry and açai blend to a strawberry-banana focus is a significant departure. It caters to a more classic, widely appealing flavor profile, but might alienate fans of the older smoothie’s more diverse fruit notes.
Here’s a quick look at some of the reported ingredient differences:
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Feature |
Older Fruit Smoothie |
|---|---|
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Primary Fruits |
Strawberries, Blackberries, (sometimes Açai) |
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Secondary Fruits |
Pear puree, Apple puree, Pineapple juice concentrate |
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Flavor Profile |
Mixed berry, slightly tart, earthy notes from açai |
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Advertised Fruit Servings |
4 |
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New Smoothie |
Strawberries, Banana puree |
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Supporting Fruits |
Apple puree, Pear puree, Pineapple juice concentrate |
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Flavor Profile |
Sweet strawberry-banana, less complex |
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Advertised Fruit Servings |
5 |
Replicating The Costco Strawberry Banana Smoothie At Home
So, you’ve tried the Costco Strawberry Banana Smoothie and maybe you’re thinking, ‘I could totally make this myself!’ And you know what? You probably can. It’s not rocket science, and honestly, it’s a great way to control exactly what goes into your drink. Forget those fancy concentrates and hard-to-find ingredients; we’re going for the good old-fashioned fruit approach.
Focusing On Core Fruit Ingredients
The heart of this smoothie is pretty straightforward: strawberries and bananas. That’s the headline act. But Costco’s version also sneaks in some other fruits to round out the flavor and texture. Think pear, apple, and a bit of pineapple. If you’re aiming for authenticity, you’ll want to include these. Don’t stress too much about exact purées; using fresh or frozen fruit will work just fine. Frozen fruit is actually a good bet because it helps make the smoothie nice and cold without watering it down with ice.
Simplifying The Preparation Process
Making this at home is way simpler than you might think. You don’t need a commercial-grade blender, just a decent one that can handle frozen fruit. The basic idea is to combine your fruits with a liquid base. Water is the simplest option, but you could also use a splash of apple juice or even some unsweetened almond milk if you want a creamier texture. The key is to get the fruit-to-liquid ratio right. Start with more fruit than liquid and add more liquid as needed to reach your desired consistency.
Here’s a basic starting point for ingredients:
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1 cup frozen strawberries
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1 ripe banana (fresh or frozen)
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1/4 cup frozen pear chunks
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1/4 cup frozen apple chunks
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2 tablespoons pineapple juice concentrate (or a small chunk of fresh pineapple)
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1/2 cup water (or more, to blend)
Adjusting Ratios For Taste
This is where the real fun begins. The beauty of making smoothies at home is that you can tweak them to your liking. If you find the strawberry flavor isn’t strong enough, add more strawberries. Prefer a sweeter smoothie? Add a bit more banana or a tiny drizzle of honey. If it’s too thick, add more liquid. Too thin? Toss in a few more frozen fruit pieces. It might take a couple of tries to get it just right, but that’s part of the process. You’re essentially aiming for that balanced sweet and slightly tart flavor profile that Costco achieves. It’s a good idea to experiment with different fruit combinations, perhaps even adding a few blackberries like the older version, to see what you like best. You can find great deals on fresh produce if you plan ahead, similar to how one might plan for affordable Caribbean all-inclusive getaways.
Remember, the goal is to create a delicious and refreshing drink that mimics the Costco experience, but with your personal touch. Don’t be afraid to play around with the ingredients until you’re happy with the result.
So, What’s the Verdict?
All in all, Costco’s Strawberry Banana Smoothie seems to be a pretty straightforward mix of fruits, with strawberries and bananas taking the lead. You’ve also got some apple, pear, and pineapple in there, plus a few other bits and pieces to make it all come together. While some folks aren’t thrilled about the change from the old fruit smoothie, this new one offers a classic flavor combo that many can enjoy. If you’re looking to recreate it at home, focusing on those main fruits should get you pretty close. It’s a decent option if you’re grabbing a bite at the food court, offering a fruity, albeit sweet, treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fruits are in the Costco Strawberry Banana Smoothie?
The main fruits in the smoothie are strawberries and bananas. It also contains purees from apples, pears, and pineapple. Some sources also mention blackberry and currant juice, likely for color.
Did Costco change its fruit smoothie recipe?
Yes, Costco has replaced its older fruit smoothie with a new Strawberry Banana version. This change has led to mixed reactions from customers, with some enjoying the new flavor and others missing the old one.
How many servings of fruit does the new smoothie have?
The new Strawberry Banana Smoothie advertises that it contains five servings of fruit, which is more than the previous version that had four servings.
What are the main ingredients besides fruit?
Besides the fruit purees and concentrates, the smoothie includes ingredients like water, citric acid for tartness, natural flavors, and sometimes pectin for a smoother texture. It also contains ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and natural colorings derived from fruit and vegetable juices.
Is the new smoothie very sweet?
While it’s a strawberry banana smoothie, many find the sweetness to be balanced and not overwhelming. Some reviews mention it’s sweet but not excessively so, with the strawberry flavor often being more prominent than the banana.
Can I make the Costco smoothie at home?
You can definitely try to recreate it at home! Focus on using fresh strawberries and bananas, along with purees or juices from apples, pears, and pineapple. You might need to experiment with the amounts to get the taste just right.