What Kind of Grass Does Jamba Juice Use?

December 3, 2025 •

3 min read

Wheatgrass is often regarded as a nutrient-dense superfood, packed with a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Jamba Juice incorporates this potent ingredient into its offerings, most notably as concentrated shots, providing customers with an easy and effective health boost.

Quick Summary

Jamba Juice uses wheatgrass, derived from the young shoots of the wheat plant, in its concentrated shots and some green blends for its nutritional density and health benefits.

Key Points

Wheatgrass: Jamba Juice uses wheatgrass for its 'grass shots,' which are made from the young shoots of the wheat plant and known for their nutritional density.
Nutrient-Dense Shots: These shots provide a concentrated source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, distinguishing them from traditional green smoothies.
Rich in Chlorophyll: Wheatgrass is notable for its high chlorophyll content, which gives it its green color and is associated with detoxifying properties.
Health Benefits: The reported benefits of wheatgrass include boosting immunity, aiding digestion, and providing a natural energy lift.
Complements Smoothies: While wheatgrass is a separate shot, it complements the other green ingredients like kale and spinach found in Jamba's green smoothies by offering a concentrated dose of specific nutrients.
Distinction from Greens: The term 'grass' at Jamba specifically refers to wheatgrass shots, which are different from the kale, spinach, and other greens blended into their smoothies.

Jamba Juice's Grass of Choice: Wheatgrass

The short answer to what kind of grass Jamba Juice uses is wheatgrass. This powerful ingredient is featured predominantly in their concentrated 'shots' designed to be taken quickly for a boost of nutrients. It is important to distinguish this from the leafy greens like kale and spinach that appear in many of their blended green smoothies, as wheatgrass is a specific, potent variety of grass with unique health properties.

What is Wheatgrass?

Wheatgrass is the young, fresh shoots of the common wheat plant, Triticum aestivum. It is harvested early, before the grain has formed, to capture its highest nutrient content. The sprouts are juiced to produce a vibrant green, concentrated liquid that can be consumed on its own or added to other beverages. It is known for its high chlorophyll content, which gives it its deep green color and is a central part of its nutritional profile.

The Nutritional Power of Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass has earned its 'superfood' status due to its impressive nutritional composition. While more research is always ongoing, it is commonly promoted for several potential health benefits, which include:

Detoxification: The nutrients in wheatgrass, particularly chlorophyll, may help the body eliminate impurities and stored toxins.
Immune System Boost: Its rich combination of vitamins and antioxidants may help to strengthen the immune system.
Digestive Health: Containing a variety of enzymes and amino acids, it is often promoted to support healthy digestion, reduce bloating, and enhance nutrient absorption.
Energy Levels: The high content of carbohydrates, protein, and other nutrients can provide a natural energy boost.
Cholesterol Management: Some studies have shown a potential link between wheatgrass consumption and lowered cholesterol levels.

Jamba Juice's Use of Wheatgrass

Jamba Juice has long offered wheatgrass in various forms, a practice that gained widespread popularity years ago. The most common way to experience it is through their 'Wheatgrass Shot'. However, wheatgrass may also be used in certain green juice blends or as a booster add-on to other customized beverages. Its distinct, earthy flavor profile is easily masked by sweeter fruits, making it a powerful but palatable addition to many drinks.

A Deeper Look at Wheatgrass Nutrients

Wheatgrass is a nutritional goldmine, with a wide array of beneficial compounds. Some of the key nutrients include:

Chlorophyll: Makes up to 70% of wheatgrass and is lauded for its potential antioxidant and detoxifying effects.
Vitamins: Rich in vitamins A, C, E, K, and B-complex.
Minerals: A good source of iron, calcium, magnesium, and other essential minerals.
Amino Acids: Contains 17 amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein.
Enzymes: Packed with various enzymes that are believed to aid in digestion.

How Jamba's Greens Compare: Wheatgrass vs. Other Ingredients

To better understand the role of wheatgrass, let's compare its benefits with other common green ingredients used in Jamba Juice products, like kale and spinach.


Feature	Wheatgrass (Shots/Boosts)	Kale (Green Smoothies)	Spinach (Green Smoothies)
Form	Concentrated Juice	Leafy Greens (Blended)	Leafy Greens (Blended)
Nutrient Concentration	Extremely high concentration in small dose	High concentration in larger serving	High concentration in larger serving
Key Vitamins	A, C, E, K, B-complex	A, C, K	A, C, K, Iron
Chlorophyll Content	Very high	Moderate	Moderate
Primary Function	Potent, quick nutritional boost	Comprehensive vitamin and fiber intake	Comprehensive vitamin and mineral intake
Flavor Profile	Intense, grassy, and earthy	Mildly bitter and earthy	Mild and subtle
Fiber Content	Low (juiced)	High (whole leaf)	High (whole leaf)

The Final Sip

When ordering a "grass" drink at Jamba Juice, you are getting a boost of pure, concentrated wheatgrass. This is a deliberate addition, prized for its dense nutritional value and potential health benefits, and it’s what sets a dedicated wheatgrass shot apart from a blended green smoothie containing other leafy vegetables. For those looking for a potent, quick-acting source of vitamins, minerals, and chlorophyll, the wheatgrass shot is the go-to option. Understanding the source and purpose of this specific ingredient allows customers to make informed and healthier choices from the Jamba menu.

For more information on the wide-ranging health benefits of wheatgrass, you can consult authoritative health resources, such as this article from Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wheatgrass is a food made from the fresh young shoots of the wheat plant, Triticum aestivum. It is packed with nutrients and is commonly consumed as a juice.

Jamba Juice sources its wheatgrass from suppliers who grow and prepare it for commercial use. The focus is on providing a fresh, potent juice for their shots.

Wheatgrass shots are believed to offer several health benefits, including detoxification, a boosted immune system, aid in digestion, increased energy, and managing cholesterol.

Jamba Juice offers 'Ready-to-Drink' shots, including wheatgrass, which are pre-packaged for convenience and nutritional consistency. Historically, some locations may have pressed them fresh, but the ready-to-drink format is now standard.

The taste of wheatgrass is often described as intense, earthy, and slightly sweet, similar to fresh pea pods, but many find the flavor distinct. It can be an acquired taste for some.

No, a wheatgrass shot contains very little fiber. The juicing process removes the pulp and dietary fiber, leaving behind a concentrated liquid packed with vitamins, minerals, and chlorophyll.

Yes, many Jamba Juice locations allow customers to add boosts or shots, including wheatgrass, to their smoothies to enhance the nutritional value.