Nostalgic Beginnings: Bagels and Blenders in Bakersfield
Years before Jamba Juice became a household name, my hometown of Bakersfield had its own local gem called Bagels and Blenders. This place was a family favorite, and on special Saturdays, we’d kick off our mornings with a stop there before heading to sports and activities. I have fond memories of their Peanut Butter Bagel – an oblong-shaped bagel filled with chunks of peanut butter. To this day, I’ve never seen anything quite like it. Yum! Along with their unique bagels, they had an extensive list of smoothies, or as they called them, “blenders,” which were equally delicious.
The 1980s: The Era of Low-Fat Health Foods
Back then, the health trend was all about low-fat, and not much attention was paid to sugar content. So, Bagels and Blenders seemed like a healthy choice for breakfast. I distinctly remember thinking that I was fueling my body with something nutritious! While it definitely provided energy for our busy days, I shudder to think about the sugar crash that likely followed. It was the 1980s, and this was considered health food at its finest.
At home, our family of six often made smoothies as a more economical option. These homemade smoothies typically included fruit juice, frozen fruit, and ice. Looking back, I realize that this too was a sugary concoction, but at the time, it felt like a healthy choice.
The Rise of Jamba Juice and Smoothie Culture
Fast forward to the early 1990s, and smoothies became mainstream with the opening of Jamba Juice. It seemed like every town had one, and their early menus were filled with fruit smoothies made from juice, frozen fruit, and often sherbet or frozen yogurt – essentially sugar on sugar with more sugar. But hey, it had fruit, so we all thought we were making a good choice!
Jamba Juice Today: Still Loaded with Sugar
While Jamba Juice has made efforts to update their menu with healthier options, many of their smoothies still pack an excessive amount of sugar. Even with choices like non-dairy beverages, Greek yogurt, and veggie combos, a majority of their smoothies exceed the amount of sugar a person should have in a single meal, let alone in an entire day. Although you can request unsweetened almond milk or other lower-sugar alternatives, it’s essential to be mindful of what you’re consuming.
Despite the changes, Jamba Juice smoothies are still an occasional treat in our household due to their high sugar content and cost.
Why Making Smoothies at Home Is the Best Choice
The healthiest and most economical option is to make smoothies at home. Investing in a good-quality blender, like a VitaMix, is invaluable if you’re a smoothie fan. For over 15 years, with few exceptions, our family has made a smoothie every single day. Our homemade smoothies often resemble those you’d find at Jamba Juice, but with a balanced mix of fruit, veggies, protein, and added fiber – without the overwhelming sugar load.
We’ve never followed a specific recipe, which made it tricky to measure ingredients and serving sizes. The recipes I’ve posted are meant to be guides, but feel free to adjust them to your liking. Before long, your family will find the perfect combination that makes just enough for everyone to enjoy. In fact, when I teach cooking classes to kids, we always start with smoothies, and this simple recipe is a class favorite! Parents are thrilled to learn that their kids can whip up healthy Jamba Juice-style smoothies at home for a fraction of the price and with far less sugar.
A Healthier Version of the Mango-A-Go-Go Smoothie
Since my kids were little, they’ve always loved the Mango-a-Go-Go smoothie at Jamba Juice. With all that sugar from the juice and sherbet, who wouldn’t? But over time, we’ve developed a much healthier alternative. My youngest son, in particular, has perfected his own version with no measurements, and it rivals anything we’ve ever purchased from Jamba Juice. I did my best to recreate his recipe so you can enjoy it at home too – without all the extra sugar!
Cheers,
Christina
Healthier Mango-A-Go-Go Smoothie
Equipment
- High powered blender such as the Vitamix is key to making a smoothie with the best consistency.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsweetened almond milk
- ¼ cup plain Greek whole milk yogurt
- 1 cup frozen mango chunks
- 1 banana
- 1 whole orange, peeled
- 1 handful spinach optional
- 2 tbsp ground flax meal
- collagen powder optional
- 1 tsp honey
- ice cubes
Instructions
- Place ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
Nutrition
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