Is There Added Sugar in the Costco Strawberry Banana Smoothie?
Yes, the Costco strawberry banana smoothie contains added sugar. The nutritional information, confirmed by several sources, reveals that each serving includes 25 grams of added sugar. This is distinct from the natural sugars that come from the fruit purees, bringing the total sugar count to 69 grams per serving. The ingredient list explicitly names "Sugar" as an added component, alongside various fruit juice concentrates.
The Shift from the Old Fruit Smoothie
This is a significant change compared to Costco's previous fruit smoothie. The original version was noted for having no added sugar, relying solely on the sweetness of its fruit ingredients. The new strawberry banana version, which replaced the old one in early 2025, has a different nutritional profile that has prompted concern among some health-conscious consumers. The addition of sugar is part of a larger change in the recipe, which also includes the substitution of blackberries with banana puree.
Why the Concern Over Added Sugar?
Excessive consumption of added sugar is linked to various health issues, including weight gain, an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar intake, suggesting that many people should consume far less than the 25 grams found in a single Costco smoothie. While natural sugars found in fruit are accompanied by fiber and other nutrients, added sugars contribute to a higher caloric density without the same nutritional benefits.
The Ingredients Breakdown
To understand the sugar content, it's helpful to look at the full ingredient list for the new Costco strawberry banana smoothie:
- Water
- Pear Puree
- Strawberries
- Deionized Pineapple-Juice Concentrate
- Apple Puree
- Banana Puree
- Pear Puree Concentrate
- Sugar
- Apple Puree Concentrate
- Citric Acid
- Fruit and Vegetable Juice Concentrate (for color)
- Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)
- Pectin
- Natural Flavor
This list clearly shows 'Sugar' as an ingredient, confirming that it's intentionally added to the recipe, not just present from the fruit itself. The use of multiple fruit juice concentrates also contributes to the high sugar load, as these concentrates are often highly sweet and lack the fiber of whole fruit.
How the Added Sugar Affects Your Health
Consuming a drink with 69 grams of total sugar and 320 calories can significantly impact your daily intake. For context, this smoothie contains more total sugar than many sodas and is meant to be a single serving. Health professionals advise that liquid calories and sugar are easily consumed in excess without providing the same feeling of fullness as solid food, making it easier to overdo it. The rapid influx of sugar can cause a spike in blood sugar levels, which is particularly concerning for people with diabetes or those monitoring their sugar intake.
Nutritional Comparison: Old vs. New Smoothie
Let's compare the nutritional profiles of the old and new Costco smoothies to highlight the differences, particularly regarding sugar content. This table is based on nutritional facts reported by various sources.
| Feature | Old Fruit Smoothie | New Strawberry Banana Smoothie |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 230 | 320 |
| Total Sugar | 46g | 69g |
| Added Sugar | 0g | 25g |
| Main Berry | Strawberries, Blackberries | Strawberries |
| Flavor | Mixed Berry | Strawberry-Banana |
As the table shows, the new strawberry banana smoothie is higher in calories and contains a notable amount of added sugar, which was absent from the previous version. This shift means that while the new drink offers a different flavor, it comes with a significantly different nutritional footprint.
Conclusion: A Sweet Treat, Not a Health Drink
In summary, the Costco strawberry banana smoothie absolutely contains added sugar, confirmed by both the ingredient list and nutritional labels. With 25 grams of added sugar and a total of 69 grams of sugar per serving, it's more of a dessert-like treat than a simple, healthy fruit drink. Shoppers looking for a lower-sugar option will need to look elsewhere in the food court or shop for alternatives inside the warehouse. While it may taste delicious, the high sugar content is a key factor for consumers to consider when making their choice.
If you want to read more about the nutritional changes, Costco Insider has a breakdown of the new menu item: Costco Introduces a New Smoothie to the Food Court Menu.
