Does Jamba Juice Use High Fructose Corn Syrup? A Look at Their Ingredients

December 11, 2025 •

3 min read

For over a decade, Jamba has maintained a public stance against using high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in their products. This commitment is a core part of their 'better-for-you' marketing, but it leads many to question what sweeteners they use instead and whether the products are genuinely low in sugar.

Quick Summary

Jamba Juice confirms they do not use high fructose corn syrup. However, their products contain sugars from other sources like fruit, fruit juice concentrates, and sherbet, so overall sugar content varies greatly.

Key Points

No HFCS: Jamba Juice has a long-standing policy of not using high fructose corn syrup in its products.
Hidden Sugars: While HFCS is not used, many items contain significant amounts of added sugar from sherbet, frozen yogurt, and fruit juice concentrates.
Not Low Sugar: 'No HFCS' does not mean 'low sugar.' The overall sugar content, both added and natural, can still be very high.
Customize Your Order: You can reduce sugar by requesting substitutions, like extra fruit instead of sherbet, or opting for a smaller size.
Check Nutritionals: Always review Jamba's official nutritional information to understand the specific ingredients and sugar load in your chosen drink.
Distinction Matters: Jamba's claims about no HFCS differ from a potential 2018 lawsuit regarding other ingredient marketing, highlighting the importance of ingredient awareness.

Jamba Juice's Official Policy on HFCS

Jamba has a long-standing and public policy against using high fructose corn syrup in their smoothies and other menu items. The company has often emphasized its commitment to using quality ingredients, and removing HFCS aligns with its branding as a healthier, more natural choice. This policy has been in place for many years, as evidenced by statements in press releases and on their own marketing materials.

The Nuance: 'No HFCS' vs. 'No Sugar Added'

It is crucial for consumers to understand that 'no high fructose corn syrup' does not mean 'no added sugar' or 'low sugar.' The sweeteners used in Jamba products vary significantly depending on the menu item. Many of their classic smoothies contain sherbet or frozen yogurt, which contribute a substantial amount of added sugar. Similarly, fruit juice concentrates, often used as a base, are another major source of sugar. Some products, like the 'Just the Fruit' smoothies, are made without these added-sugar ingredients, but still have high natural sugar content from the fruit itself. Therefore, a Jamba product can be high in sugar even without a drop of HFCS.

What Sweeteners Are in Jamba Products?

Jamba utilizes a variety of sweetening agents to achieve the desired flavor in its menu items. These can be categorized as follows:

Fruit Juice Concentrates: Many smoothies and juices start with a fruit juice blend, which are concentrated forms of natural fruit sugar.
Sherbet and Frozen Yogurt: Found in classic smoothies, these dairy-based ingredients are a significant source of added sugar and calories.
Honey: Used in some protein smoothies and other select products.
Natural Fruit Sugars: All fruit-based products contain natural sugars from the fruits themselves (e.g., bananas, mangos, strawberries).
Specialty Syrups: Some menu items or promotional drinks may include specialty syrups, although Jamba has confirmed no HFCS is used.

Potential Concerns with 'Natural' Ingredients

While Jamba positions its ingredients as wholesome, a 2018 lawsuit highlighted a potential disconnect between marketing claims and reality. The suit alleged that some menu items, like the Greens 'n Ginger smoothie, contained a disproportionately high amount of lemonade compared to the greens advertised. This illustrates the importance of checking the full nutritional information for any product, rather than relying solely on marketing descriptions.

Jamba Sweetener Comparison Table


Sweetener Type	Found In (Examples)	Contributes Added Sugar?	Notes
High Fructose Corn Syrup	None	No	Jamba does not use HFCS.
Fruit Juice Concentrates	Classic Smoothies, Juice Blends	Yes	Primary source of sugar and calories in many beverages.
Sherbet / Frozen Yogurt	Classic Smoothies	Yes	A significant contributor to sugar content.
Honey	Protein Smoothies, Bowls	Yes	Used as a natural sweetener in select items.
Fruit (Natural Sugars)	All Smoothies, Bowls	N/A	Naturally occurring sugars from whole fruits like bananas and strawberries.

How to Reduce Sugar at Jamba

For customers concerned about sugar intake, here are some actionable tips:

Order from the 'Simply Fruity' or 'Purely Juice' categories. These are generally the lowest in added sugars.
Customize Your Order. Request that sherbet or frozen yogurt be replaced with extra fruit or a non-dairy milk alternative.
Check the Nutritionals. Before ordering, visit Jamba's official website for the latest nutritional information on your desired product to see the sugar content.
Choose a Smaller Size. Opting for a smaller size, like a 16 oz, automatically reduces the overall sugar and calorie load.

Conclusion

In short, Jamba Juice does not use high fructose corn syrup in its products. The company has a clear, long-standing policy against it. However, this does not mean their products are sugar-free or even low in sugar. Consumers should be mindful that many Jamba menu items derive significant sugar content from other sources, including fruit juice concentrates, sherbet, and frozen yogurt. For those monitoring their sugar intake, consulting the nutritional information and customizing your order are the most effective strategies. For more information, visit the official Jamba website for a complete menu and nutritional guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jamba Juice does not use high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). However, some menu items may contain other forms of corn syrup or processed sweeteners derived from corn, though they are not the main sweetener. It is important to check the full ingredient list for specific product details.

Whether a Jamba Juice smoothie is healthy depends on the specific ingredients and your dietary needs. While they often contain real fruit, many classic smoothies are high in sugar and calories due to added sherbet, frozen yogurt, and juice concentrates. Options like 'Just the Fruit' or 'Purely Juice' blends tend to be lower in added sugar.

Jamba Juice uses a variety of sweeteners, including fruit juice concentrates, sherbet, frozen yogurt, honey, and the natural sugars found in fruits. The combination of sweeteners varies depending on the specific menu item ordered.

To order a lower-sugar drink, you can request that sherbet or frozen yogurt be replaced with extra frozen fruit or a non-dairy milk alternative like almond or oat milk. You can also stick to the 'Purely Juice' category or 'Just the Fruit' smoothies.

Jamba Juice avoids high fructose corn syrup as part of its strategy to appeal to health-conscious consumers. HFCS has a negative reputation due to its association with highly processed foods and health concerns, and Jamba's 'better-for-you' branding benefits from avoiding it.

No, Jamba Juice's official policy is against using artificial sweeteners, in addition to its stance on high fructose corn syrup. They focus on natural sugars from fruit, honey, and other natural sources.

The most reliable source for the full ingredient list and nutritional information is the official Jamba website. You can check their menu page or nutritional information section for detailed facts about each item.