With 2015 about to come to a close, we’re taking a moment at to look ahead at what’s to come for smoothies at restaurants, coffee shops and beyond. After extensive industry research and talking with loyal Blendtec customers, we’ve put together a list of ten smoothie trends that we predict will overcome the foodservice industry in 2016.
1. Build-Your-Own: Smoothie bar concepts that allow customers to customize their drinks for a “Chipotle-style” dining experience are seeing huge success.
2. Health Boosters: Ingredients such as protein, superfoods and heathy fats, transform a regular smoothie from a typical “snack” into a functional, tasty supplement.
3. Smoothie Meals On-the-Go: These smoothies often contain superfood ingredients and beneficial additives to keep customers feeling sustained all day long.
4. Smoothie Bowls: Smoothie bowls are thicker than traditional smoothies with added ice, frozen fruits and vegetables, protein powders and healthy fats.
5. Sugar Alternatives: As consumers continue to look for ways to add functional ingredients, sugar alternatives are also becoming increasingly popular.
6. Colorful Veggies: Consumers are looking beyond traditional greens in smoothies, making veggies such as beets, carrots, pumpkin and cabbage poised to take off.
7. Global Inspiration: Global influences that have transformed the food culture are now making their way into beverages with matcha, horchata and lassi leading the way.
8. Low-Profile Liquids: Liquids beyond dairy milk and fruit juice are gaining popularity in the smoothie segment.
9. Spices and Herbs: The use of culinary herbs enhance smoothies with bold flavors, and spices add a warm and spicy kick to cool concoctions.
10. Adult Smoothies: These drinks are smoothies with one extra ingredient — alcohol.
What do you think of our predictions? Did we get it right? Did we miss some? Let us know in the comments below what you think the smoothie trends will be for 2016!
Yes. You got the smoothie trends right.
These smoothie ideas are amazing! Thanks for sharing. It is like all I was looking for in one article!
Hi Maria,
In place of the whisk button, you will need to blend on a Medium to Medium-Low speed for 30 seconds. You can check out our conversion guide for further assistance.
I have a BlendTec 570 I bought November 7th this year.
When you had a recipe for gluten free rolls, it called to use the whisk button. Which I don’t have. What would I use to mix dough instead.
I love my Blend tec, I use it several times a day. I’m a cancer survivor and this machine has been a big help.
Thank you. Maria