The Food Scout

Picture this would-be health-conscious business traveler, wandering aimlessly through Dallas Forth Worth airport from one smoothie bar to another over the years in search of a smoothie that’s not made with ice cream or frozen yogurt, and which has more than 2 grams of protein in it. After riding the Skywalk from terminal to terminal looking at menu boards and nutritional cards for The Grove, Smoothie King, Freshens, ICBY, Frulatti, and Camille’s, he finally settles on Smoothie King’s The Hulk Chocolate smoothie with 29 g of protein and a whopping 846 calories—but not without guilt feelings afterwards.

The playing field for smoothies in the average market is not much better: Jamba Juice, Smoothie King and Planet Smoothie all tempt you with tasty, indulgent, caloric smoothies or offer a token low-carb, high-protein smoothie that tastes way too much like peanut-butter-flavored chalk.

Now imagine this jaded but hopeful consumer walking in to a local Starbucks to be introduced to his first Vivanno smoothie (well, actually it was a free sample acquired with a special coupon and proof of a gym membership). He’s not overly invested in this latest in a long line of smoothie “dates” because he’s heard health and taste promises before that were few smoothies could ever hope to live up to.

In this case, the Vivanno smoothie sounds like it has all the right measurements: an impressive 16 grams of protein, an unexpected 5 grams of fiber, only 250 calories and even a whole banana. I’m primed for a mix of anticipation and disappointment, because this obviously is not a product that was rushed to market to address a sudden smoothie “trend.” There is potential that Starbucks to have taken their time to get this product right, and so far the company seems to have gotten its measurements right.

The result: The Vivanno smoothie, at a full but not unreasonable $3.50 for 16 ounces has got some substance. The mango juice and banana are well-balanced and fairly mask the whey protein. The texture is slightly creamy and icy and refreshing on a 90-degree day. And while it doesn’t take very long to consume this tasy beverage, one feels they’ve had enough for the moment, and hasn’t committed any regrettable “mocha Frappuccino-with-whip” sins that leave one feeling full but empty at the same time.

Now if only this product would be rolled into the licensed Starbucks units in airport terminals, and we could talk about commitment, perhaps moving in together.