Floral-Forward Smoothie in Bloom
Juice It Up! | Based in Irvine, Calif.
Floral-Forward Smoothie in Bloom
Juice It Up! | Based in Irvine, Calif.
By Patricia Fitzgerald
July 19, 2024
By Patricia Fitzgerald
July 19, 2024
Noah Burgess
Floral flavors continue to bloom on modern menus, with lavender gaining particular momentum. “It caught our eyes a few years ago as an interesting flavor profile for our specialty smoothie category,” says Noah Burgess, director of research and development at Juice It Up!, a quick-serve smoothie, juice and bowl brand. Lavender brings in earthy and slightly sweet notes, as well as a delicate aromatic quality. These characteristics stand out when paired with blueberries, lemon, pineapple and soy milk in the Berry-Lavender Smoothie, which is also enriched with collagen. “Bursting with flavor, the drink is a delicious and nutritious way to recharge and refresh. Guests gravitate to its relaxing spa-like vibes and the layering on of wellness benefits,” says Burgess.
Positive reactions in a small test store group led the way to a system-wide LTO in 2023 that, in turn, has customers asking for it to be made part of the permanent menu. “Guests absolutely love this smoothie and anxiously await its return,” says Burgess.
About the Author
Patricia Fitzgerald serves different roles on the Flavor & The Menu team, including writing custom content, Kitchen Collaborative chef spotlights and digital editorial content, as well as acting as a contributing editor for the print magazine. As owner of PFitzCommunications, she specializes in various areas of foodservice and hospitality, while also maintaining clients in other industries and professions. She can be reached at [email protected].
