Costco’s Smoothie Shake-Up Leaves Fans Stirred

Costco's food court has long been a haven for shoppers seeking affordable indulgences, with the Fruit Smoothie standing as a staple refreshment. Recently, however, the retail giant has swapped out this beloved beverage for a new contender: the Strawberry Banana Smoothie. This change has left many patrons with a mix of curiosity and nostalgia.

The original Fruit Smoothie was a medley of strawberries, blackberries, and açaí berries, offering a complex and tangy flavor profile that many came to love. Priced at $2.99, it provided four servings of fruit in each cup. Its departure marks the end of an era for those who favored its berry-rich taste.

Enter the Strawberry Banana Smoothie, Costco's latest addition to the food court menu. This new offering combines strawberry and banana purées with apple, pear, and pineapple juice concentrates, boasting five servings of fruit per serving. While the price remains unchanged at $2.99, the calorie count has increased to 320, up from the previous 230.

The introduction of the Strawberry Banana Smoothie has elicited a range of responses from Costco enthusiasts. Some appreciate the classic flavor combination, noting its familiar and comforting taste. Others, however, lament the loss of the original Fruit Smoothie, expressing disappointment over the change. Concerns have also been raised about the higher sugar content and calorie count in the new smoothie.

Beyond flavor preferences, the nutritional differences between the two smoothies have caught the attention of health-conscious consumers. The new Strawberry Banana Smoothie contains 69 grams of total sugar, including 25 grams of added sugar, which is higher than its predecessor. This increase has led some to reconsider their treat choices at the food court.