In 1997, there were just fewer than 1,000 juice and smoothie bars in the USA, pulling an estimated $340 million in revenue. The smoothie industry has grown tremendously in recent years, and chains big or small have their new stores everywhere. Today, there are 5,000 smoothie stores, with 2007 sales at $2.5 billion.
While indulgent blends aren’t disappearing from menus, smoothie companies seem to be focusing most of their marketing muscle on winning over the ultra-health-conscious consumer, especially those trying to keep their sugar intake low.
One ingredient that’s growing ever more is acai, a Brazilian berry that’s said to be one of the richest sources of antioxidants on the planet.
Low-sugar and high-antioxidant blends aren’t the only ultra-healthy smoothies out there. Freshens is considering tweaking its yogurt base to add probiotics, live bacterial strains that some studies have shown to aid digestion. They’re also becoming a trendy food additive that some claims boost the immune system.