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What is in the Trader Joe's fruit and green smoothie blend?

4 min read

Trader Joe's Fruits & Greens Smoothie Blend contains a convenient mix of frozen fruits and leafy greens for a nutritious drink. A typical serving has just 80 calories and 4g of dietary fiber. This pre-packaged blend simplifies your morning routine, providing key nutrients without the hassle of washing and chopping a variety of produce.

Quick Summary

The Trader Joe's fruit and green smoothie blend combines frozen blueberries, bananas, strawberries, dragon fruit, spinach, and kale. This mixture offers a balance of sweet fruit flavor with the nutritional boost of greens, containing no added sugars. It is designed for quick and easy preparation by adding a liquid of your choice.

Key Points

  • Ingredient List: The blend contains frozen blueberries, banana, strawberries, dragon fruit, spinach, and kale, with no added sugars.

  • Balanced Flavor: A mix of sweet fruits like banana and tart berries balances the earthy flavor of the greens.

  • Nutrient-Dense: It offers a good source of fiber, potassium, and vitamins from its fruit and green content.

  • Easy to Customize: The blend is versatile and can be mixed with various liquids, protein powders, or sweeteners to suit your taste.

  • Convenient Option: This frozen product offers a quick and easy way to make a smoothie without the time and effort of gathering and preparing fresh ingredients.

  • Ideal for Quick Meals: It serves as a great option for a fast and nutritious breakfast, snack, or post-workout drink.

  • No Artificial Additives: The ingredients include natural acids (ascorbic and citric) to preserve color, but no artificial flavors or preservatives.

In This Article

Unpacking the Trader Joe's Fruit and Green Smoothie Blend

Trader Joe's has built a reputation for providing convenient and health-conscious food products, and their Fruits & Greens Smoothie Blend is a prime example. This frozen mix is a popular choice for those looking to add more vitamins and nutrients to their diet without a lot of prep time. By combining a carefully selected assortment of fruits and greens, it aims to deliver both flavor and function in one package. For many, it offers a simple solution for a quick breakfast or a post-workout refreshment.

The All-Star Ingredient Lineup

The ingredient list for the Trader Joe's Fruits & Greens Smoothie Blend is surprisingly straightforward. This transparency is a key selling point for consumers who want to know exactly what they are putting into their bodies. Unlike some competitor products, there are no artificial flavors or added sugars. The blend consists of:

  • Blueberries: These provide a tart flavor and are a well-known source of antioxidants.
  • Bananas: Bananas add natural sweetness and a creamy texture to the smoothie.
  • Strawberries: For a classic berry flavor, strawberries are included in the mix.
  • Dragon Fruit: This exotic addition offers a mild, refreshing taste and vibrant color.
  • Spinach: A staple in green smoothies, spinach is packed with vitamins and minerals.
  • Kale: This nutrient-dense leafy green provides an additional health boost.
  • Ascorbic Acid and Citric Acid: These are included to maintain the color and freshness of the frozen ingredients.

This combination is what gives the smoothie blend its balanced, yet notably green, flavor profile. The fruits provide the sweet base, while the greens are an undetectable health supplement for many palates when prepared correctly.

How to Get the Best Results

While the blend is designed for simplicity, the final result can vary depending on how you prepare it. Trader Joe's suggests blending a cup of the mix with about ¾ cup of water, juice, or your favorite dairy or non-dairy beverage. However, many customers have discovered tricks to optimize the taste and texture.

  • Choose the right liquid: For a sweeter smoothie, apple juice or coconut water is often recommended to mask the earthy green flavor. For a creamier texture, almond milk, coconut milk, or yogurt are excellent choices.
  • Experiment with add-ins: Many users enhance the blend with protein powder for a more filling meal replacement or Greek yogurt for added protein and creaminess. A tablespoon of honey or agave can also be added for extra sweetness.
  • Control the thickness: If the smoothie is too thick, simply add more liquid. If you prefer a thicker, smoothie-bowl-like consistency, use less liquid or add more frozen elements.

Nutritional Information Overview

For those watching their intake, the nutritional information for this blend is very favorable. A single 140g serving (approximately one cup frozen) contains:

  • Calories: 80
  • Total Carbohydrates: 19g
  • Dietary Fiber: 4g
  • Total Sugars: 12g (0g added sugars)
  • Protein: 2g
  • Fat: 0.5g

This makes the blend a great source of fiber and potassium, providing a wholesome energy boost without excess calories or sugar.

Fruits & Greens Blend vs. DIY Smoothies

Feature Trader Joe's Fruits & Greens Blend Homemade Smoothie (from scratch)
Preparation Time 5 minutes or less 10-15 minutes
Convenience Excellent; grab-and-go from freezer Requires purchasing, washing, and chopping multiple ingredients
Cost Generally more affordable and less waste Can be more expensive due to individual ingredient purchases
Customization Good; can add liquids, protein, sweeteners Infinite; complete control over all ingredients and ratios
Flavor Profile Consistent, balanced flavor with green undertones Varies greatly based on chosen ingredients
Freshness Frozen produce offers long shelf life Requires fresh produce that has a shorter shelf life
Nutritional Control Reliable, consistent nutrition facts Varies greatly based on chosen ingredients

Conclusion: The Verdict on the Blend

The Trader Joe's Fruits & Greens Smoothie Blend is a highly convenient and nutritious option for busy individuals. While some may find the earthy flavor of the greens detectable, especially if using plain water, it can be easily masked with a sweeter liquid like apple juice or a creamy base like yogurt. It is a reliable and affordable alternative to making smoothies from scratch, with a transparent ingredient list and no added sugars. The blend's convenience and wholesome ingredients make it a favorite for many health-conscious shoppers looking for a quick and easy way to incorporate more fruits and greens into their diet. For those seeking maximum control over ingredients, a homemade approach is always best, but for everyday ease, this Trader Joe's staple is a strong contender.

Visit the official Trader Joe's product page for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions

The full ingredient list includes frozen blueberries, banana, strawberries, dragon fruit, spinach, kale, ascorbic acid, and citric acid to maintain color.

No, the Trader Joe's Fruits & Greens Smoothie Blend contains no added sugars. Any sweetness comes from the natural sugars in the fruit.

According to the nutrition facts, one cup (140g) of the frozen blend contains 80 calories.

You can use water, juice, dairy, or non-dairy beverages like almond milk or coconut milk. Your choice of liquid will affect the flavor and creaminess.

Some people report tasting the earthy flavor of the spinach and kale, while others find the fruit flavors dominate. Using a sweeter liquid like juice or a creamy base can help mask the green flavor.

Based on the ingredients listed, which do not include any gluten-containing items, the blend is considered gluten-free. However, those with severe sensitivities should always check packaging for cross-contamination warnings.

The blend offers key nutrients from fruits and vegetables, including dietary fiber and potassium. The ingredients are also known for providing vitamins and antioxidants to support overall wellness.

The smoothie blend should be stored in the freezer to maintain its frozen state and freshness. Once prepared, any leftover smoothie should be consumed promptly.

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.