Protein – what’s the big deal? Well, protein gives you energy, builds and repairs muscles, can make you feel fuller for longer. You may not think about protein when you think about a good smoothie or shake, or maybe you do! Either way, at Smoothie King we’re proud to offer numerous nutritional enhancers so that you can take your whey protein smoothie or plant-based protein smoothie to the next level.

Now let’s dive into all things protein enhancers so you can pick and choose what you want your Smoothie King go-to to contain.

Whey Protein Shakes

Our whey protein is a fat-free, low-cholesterol protein designed to fuel your workout and help you achieve your health and wellness goals. Whey is the liquid remaining after milk has been curdled and strained (it’s also a byproduct of the manufacturing of cheese or casein), and it has many commercial uses besides becoming a protein powder. That means those with milk or dairy allergies should stay away and opt for a different kind of protein.

The Benefits

Whey Protein Smoothies at Smoothie King

While there are over 1,300 ways to make your Smoothie King blend your own, we’ve found that our whey protein blend pairs well with the following smoothies – specifically, some of our Get Fit Blends (which are formulated to help you fuel up or recover) as well as one of our Take A Break Blends (which is meant to reward you during a busy day). To get you started, these blends are simply the ones that already contain whey protein:

Whey Protein Enhancer – Nutritional Info & Ingredients

infographic depicting the nutritional information of the Smoothie King whey protein enhancer

Our whey protein is simple: it contains a proprietary blend of natural flavors, sea salt, stevia leaf extract, whey protein concentrate, and other ingredients. If you have any questions or concerns, reach out and let us know! We want to make sure you’re fully informed and prepared to Rule the Day™ with the perfect Smoothie King blend for you.

Plant-Based Protein Smoothies

Whey protein may not align with everyone’s digestive systems or wellness goals. In that case, consider a plant-based, organic protein smoothie. At Smoothie King, our Sunwarrior™ organic plant-based protein is the nutritional enhancer you should keep an eye out for. Sunwarrior™ is an organic, plant-based protein made from a blend of pea and goji berry.

Just like all our proteins, we source the highest quality ingredients to formulate our nutritional enhancers. Not only that, but we don’t use any artificial colors, artificial preservatives, or artificial flavors. Sunwarrior™ is perfect for those with allergies that prevent them from consuming typical protein powders, like whey, but still want the same nutritional benefits from a reliable protein source.

The Benefits

Plant-Based Protein Smoothies at Smoothie King

Of course, you can opt for any kind of protein you prefer since our menu is built on customizability, but here are some blends that we find work well with our Sunwarrior™ Organic Vegan Protein – specifically, some of our Be Well Blends (which are purposefully blended with vitamins essential to maintaining a healthy body) as well as two of our Stretch & Flex™ Blends (which are specially formulated to support joint health).

Sunwarrior™ Protein Enhancer – Nutritional Info & Ingredients

infographic depicting the nutritional information of the Smoothie King Sunwarrior™ protein enhancer

Our Sunwarrior™ Protein is equally simple: it contains the Sunwarrior™ proprietary protein blend of organic pea protein, organic goji berry, organic vanilla flavor, organic medium-chain triglycerides oil (coconut oil, acacia gum), sea salt, and organic stevia extract. Just like before, if you have any questions or concerns, reach out and let us know! We hope to provide any relevant information that will help you Rule the Day with Smoothie King.

Rule the Day with Smoothie King – No Matter Your Protein Selection

Smoothie King whey protein shake sitting on a table with kettlebells behind it

We’ve only highlighted two of our protein enhancer options here today, so stay tuned for more detailed blogs about some of our others, like our Gladiator®, Lean1™, Keto, FITAID® + Paleo, and Muscle Builder enhancers. Plus, don’t forget that at Smoothie King you can always customize any blend to serve your needs, lifestyle, and purpose. YOU are what the wide variety of enhancers and blends are there for.

Check Out Our Menu to Find a New Favorite for Next Time!

Food for thought: Can smoothies make you gain weight? Truthfully, too much of anything can lead to weight gain if you don’t watch out for the ingredients, regularity, portion size, and macros. The key to weight management revolves around calorie count and ingredients. If you take in more than you’re burning, you’ll gain weight. Same amount? You’ll maintain your weight. A deficit? You’ll start to lose weight. Plus, not all weight gain is created equal, but we’ll get to that.

With that being the general rule, we’re going to dive in and give our tips to keeping smoothies healthy and diet-friendly so that you can Rule the Day™ your way.

Types of Smoothie Mistakes You Might Be Making

We’ll start with the areas that might need correcting: the smoothie ingredients.

How balanced is the recipe that you use in your go-to order? Is it a whole blend with healthy ingredients or loaded with sweeteners like honey, syrups, or sugar?

First thing’s first: Opt for fresh or frozen fruits without added sugars or syrups. Avoid canned fruits, too – while affordable and accessible, they’re often filled to the brim with sugary syrups.

Second, are you paying attention to your bases – things like fruit juice, yogurt, or milk – to make sure you are being calorie-conscious? Remember that while smoothies can be a sweeter meal replacement, they aren’t meant to be as sweet as a dessert splurge. To make some healthy adjustments, go for plain low-fat Greek yogurt and low-fat milk or plant-based milk. When combined with fruit, your taste buds will quickly get used to these bases because fruits are already naturally sweet.

Third, up the protein and fiber content. Read on.

Smoothie Ingredients You Should Sub in

The best way to make a smoothie work for you is to look for blends high in fiber, low in sugar, and rich in protein. These blends will help you feel fuller for longer and can still taste as delicious as you want them to be. You’ll find natural fiber in ingredients like berries, kale, seeds, and more, as well as in different fiber-focused nutritional enhancers.

As for protein, some bases provide more than others: dairy milk versus nut milk, Greek yogurt versus regular, etc. It simply depends on your health goals. Other ingredients are also good protein sources, such as cottage cheese, soft tofu, beans, nuts, nut butter, and protein powders or protein-rich nutritional enhancers.

So, Are Smoothies Good for You? They Can Be!

A woman drinking a Smoothie King smoothie with healthy smoothie ingredients while talking to someone at work

When you’re watching what you eat, for whatever reason, sometimes you can get stuck in a food rut, eating the same thing day in and day out. You stick to what you know, you meal plan what you can, and eventually, you might get a little bored. Smoothies are great to break up the routine, and Smoothie King is here to keep things interesting.

In the end, the nutritional value of a smoothie relies on the ingredients you (or your local smoothie shop) use. If you’re starting with clean, healthy smoothie ingredients and measuring out proportions with your measuring cups and food scale rather than your eyes (or stomach), you’ll get a healthy smoothie blend that fuels your day while tasting great.

Customization Is Key

At Smoothie King, our whole blends are super customizable, offering you a wide range of healthy smoothie ingredients. When you order any of our blends, you’re getting 100% whole fruits and organic veggies without anything you don’t want (No GMOs, artificial flavors, high-fructose corn syrup, trans fats, gluten, soy, etc.). We’ve made smoothies as good as they can be, both in nutritional value and in taste, so that you can Rule the Day™ with ease.

Still not convinced? Check out this blog we wrote on the topic.

Types of Smoothies to Try

A woman pausing after a jog and drinking Smoothie King while looking at her phone

If you’ve never been to a Smoothie King, you’re missing out! We know that picking something at random off a menu is tricky, especially for the first time. Plus, people have different preferences, so it’s not a slam dunk to ask for the most popular or the staff favorite. Instead, we’ll break down four of our most popular categories so you can find your perfect sip.

1. Stay Slim

If you’re looking to manage your weight, our Stay Slim blends are purposefully blended to help you stay on track, with under 350 calories for every 20 oz. We offer 20 curated blends to choose from, or you can make your own by mixing and matching the ingredients you’ll find in this category. We’ve got everything from fresh, fruity blends to hearty veggie, vanilla, or chocolate concoctions, so you’re sure to find something that will satisfy that sweet tooth without breaking the caloric bank.

2. Be Well

If you’re looking for something that will simply make you feel good through and through, we recommend our 17 Be Well blends. We blend these types of smoothies with essential vitamins to help maintain a healthy body. Whether you need a recharge, some additional multivitamins, or immune support, these blends will help you Rule the Day™.

3. Get Fit

If you’re after a blend that can help you achieve your fitness goals, our Get Fit blends are for you. We offer 20 options that are purposefully blended with protein-rich ingredients to help you fuel up or recover faster, and of course, they are 100% customizable to accommodate any goal, nutritional need, or smoothie preference. Need a pick-me-up? No problem. Diet short on protein? Not anymore. Have a hard time recovering from your new routine? Sit back, relax, and sip on some Smoothie King.

4. Take a Break

Of course, we have to have some delicious blends for those “just because” moments. Our Take a Break blends are purposefully blended to help you reward yourself or simply enjoy the day. We’ve got 18 options that, like all our other categories, are completely customizable to make anyone’s day, whether it’s a special “treat yourself” moment or a day when you just need something a little on the sweeter side. Don’t worry; these treats are still packed with healthy smoothie ingredients so you don’t have to feel guilty about enjoying yourself.

Ready to start your order? Find your nearest Smoothie King or simply check us out online.

Food is fuel. It provides energy as well as the necessary nutrients and building blocks to repair and grow muscle. When it comes to training, does the timing of your meals matter? Normally, timing meals with an exercise routine is done to achieve certain outcomes. The research is still in session, so to speak, when it comes to nutrient timing. With that being said, the most important factor in any meal, whether that be a pre- or post-workout meal, is the quality of what you are eating and putting into your body. Smoothie King has a complete list of things we prohibit from entering our blends – we call it the No-No List.

Foods to Focus on

Before thinking about the precise timing of a meal, let’s talk about the basics first. To achieve your goals, you should focus on consistency, daily calorie intake, food quality, and the sustainability of what you eat. Once you have that down, you can tackle advanced methods like nutrient timing.

Keeping that in mind, you should consume foods like whole fruits, organic veggies, quality carbohydrates, and clean protein blends. Cutting out added sugar and staying hydrated are equally important goals when it comes to your nutrition. Drinking adequate amounts of water before and after workouts as well as throughout the day helps your body function properly.

Pre-Workout Smoothie

Now let’s dive into pre-workout meals – pre-workout smoothies, specifically. The main goal of a pre-workout meal is to fuel your body and give it what it needs to have peak performance. Ideally, you’d like to eat two or three hours before a workout. For those early morning gym sessions, however, it may not be feasible to get a good meal in before working out. Since we can digest liquids more easily, a pre-workout smoothie would be better in this case. Whatever you eat before your workout, though, you should look for two main nutrients: protein and carbohydrates.

These nutrients provide energy, building and supporting proper muscle function. Ingredients like almond butter, banana, dates, and a good protein (paleo, keto, vegan, or whey) provide adequate protein and carbohydrates for you to succeed. Take our High Intensity Workout Chocolate Cinnamon smoothie, for example. This blend can help you maximize your workout by providing support for your strength and energy.

Post-Workout Smoothie

As important as pre-workout energy is, recovery is just as important to any sort of fitness regimen. Keeping muscles stretched and limber to avoid soreness and properly cooling down are all aspects of a normal post-workout protocol. Careful consideration in a post-workout meal should be just as important as what you do in the gym or your workout routine. Normally, people put more thought into a pre-workout meal than they do a post-workout one. Just like a pre-workout meal, you should focus on proteins and carbohydrates post-sweat sesh for fueling and recharging. Proteins help repair the damage you just put on your muscles, and carbohydrates help keep your energy levels stable after using fuel storage.

As far as timing goes, experts recommend eating no later than 45 minutes after your workout. It doesn’t have to be precise, but eating as soon as possible will help maximize your efforts. Plus, you just worked really hard, so it’s likely you’ll be hungry – or hangry, depending on how hard you went.

Our Activator Strawberry Banana smoothie a great post-workout smoothie. With hydrating coconut water and whole bananas and strawberries, this protein blend offers the nutrients to help you recover from a rigorous workout. Top that with the choice to customize any of our smoothies and you can tailor your meals to the ever-changing requirements of your workouts.

Why Smoothie King?

A woman stretching on a yoga mat outside with a post-workout smoothie from Smoothie King

As we’ve said, hydration is super important pre-, during, and post-workout, and smoothies are one of the best ways to balance hydration with needed nutrients. At Smoothie King, we’re dedicated to helping you Rule the Day™, which is why we take into careful consideration what we offer our customers. We have multiple pre- or post-workout smoothies to choose from. From the bottom of the cup up, it’s our commitment to blend a more nutritious smoothie for you!

Are you new to keto? Or has it been a part of your lifestyle for a while now? Either way, there’s always something new to try, even within the bounds of nutritional practices like keto. Enter: keto smoothies. There’s a certain stigma that surrounds keto (and any diet, really), leading people to believe the only things you can eat are boring and bland. The opposite is true if you break it down. We’re here to show you that you can enjoy smoothies with even the strictest nutritional guidelines; you simply have to know where to look and what to watch out for.

What Makes a Smoothie Keto-Friendly?

You know the drill with keto: it’s a low-carb, high-fat diet. The benefits can range from weight loss to maintaining lower cholesterol levels and control of your blood sugar. However, what you might think of as a traditional smoothie doesn’t exactly contain keto-friendly ingredients: fruit, honey, whole milk, etc.

When we say fruit, think of high-carb fruits like bananas and mangoes. Not all fruit goes against a keto diet, however, such as berries which happen to be lower in carbs. They’re also rich in fiber, which can promote digestive health, so it’s something of a win-win.

We want it known that a smoothie isn’t limited to just fruit and dairy, though. We all know veggies have made their way into the smoothie and juice market, and for good reason. We love kale and spinach since they are rich in fiber and vitamin C.

You can add depth to your smoothie flavor profile by utilizing coffee, nut butter (which is rich in fat and low in carbs), or cocoa powder (another low-carb ingredient). There are plenty of swaps for sweeteners or artificial syrups, like stevia, but that’s not all that makes a smoothie.

Other Keto Smoothie Must-Try Ingredients

a close-up image of a pile of overflowing almonds

Greek Yogurt

Full-fat dairy products have several health benefits in addition to being low-carb and nearly lactose-free. Plus, Greek Yogurt makes a smoothie rich and thick in taste and texture.

Nuts or Nut Butter

Whether you’re using raw nuts or nut butter, nuts are typically high in healthy fats, good sources of fiber, protein, rich in different vitamins and minerals, and they can add a lot to the flavor profile of your keto smoothies.

Substitute Milk (Almond, Oat, Coconut Water, etc.)

Get the creamy consistency you want without going full-fat while you’re staying away from lactose (sugar). This one boils down to personal preference, but be sure to stick to the unsweetened versions for obvious reasons. If you’re unsure about your choice of milk being keto-appropriate, read the label and it should have no more than 2 grams of net carbs per cup.

Powders & Extracts (Almond Extract, Cocoa Powder, Protein Powder, Vanilla Extract, etc.)

These can also add a lot in terms of flavor and benefits without harming your potential nutritional gains, especially if you’re looking for something richer in protein, like a protein shake, rather than a low-calorie smoothie.

Vegetables

Smoothie King Offers Tasty Keto Smoothies Worthy of Your Health Goals

Someone scooping and leveling protein powder in a measuring cup for a keto smoothie

Next time you find yourself at one of our counters, give our top-selling keto smoothies a try. In more of a fruity mood? Keto Champ™ Berry is your cup. It’s chock-full of wild blueberries, raspberries, our proprietary keto protein blend, almond butter, almond milk, and 100% clean and pure cocoa.

Interested in more of a classic blend? Keto Champ™ Chocolate should be your go-to. It contains almond milk, almond butter, our keto protein blend, 100% cocoa, and Stevia, a plant-based sweetener.

Need a smooth pick-me-up? Try Keto Champ™ Coffee. Ingredients include cold brew coffee, our keto protein blend, almond butter, almond milk, and 100% cocoa. Clean, simple, and delicious keto smoothies are ready and waiting for you at any of our hundreds of Smoothie King locations.

Long gone are the days of boring eats and treats that you’re expected to consume when abiding by keto constraints. Get your low-carb, high-fat, protein-rich fill while satisfying your taste buds by stopping into Smoothie King.

Keto Champ Berry product image

Learn more about our mission to help carb-conscious guests to rule the day!

Fall is officially here, and that means pumpkin-flavored EVERYTHING.

From cookies and quick breads to lattes and milkshakes, you won’t be able to go anywhere without seeing the seasonal promotions of sugary treats topped with a swirl of whipped deliciousness. If you’re mindful of your body and health, however, there’s a problem with these seasonal treats: They’re treats. Like all treats, they can be loaded with sugar and unnatural ingredients.

But it doesn’t have to be this way!

Not only can pumpkin remain a delicious, nostalgic flavor this time of year, but you no longer need to compromise your diet or feel like you’re cheating on your wellness goals by “indulging” in the seasonal taste.

There’s Basic – Then There’s Smoothie King

Man holding coffees with fall trees in the background

Pumpkin is an underrated food – one we don’t think about until the cooler months – and has an impressive nutrient profile that goes beyond pies and lattes. A single serving of pumpkin can give you 200% of your daily intake of vitamin A, for instance. It also contains vitamin C, potassium, copper, manganese, vitamin B2, vitamin E, and iron. Relatively low in calories, pumpkin is a fantastic source of fiber and helps maintain healthy digestion, and if blended with the right ingredients, you can find yourself a healthy pumpkin smoothie.

That’s something you don’t get with artificial flavors and sweeteners.

Standard pumpkin-spiced treats (think lattes from your favorite coffee shops) can be loaded with syrups and artificial pumpkin syrups that completely miss the mark with essential vitamins, minerals, and nutritional content. At Smoothie King, we opt out of these fake flavors, choosing real, organic pumpkin puree. Additionally, having five different pumpkin protein smoothie blends to choose from, we’re sure you’ll find a pumpkin smoothie that curbs your nostalgia and meets whatever nutritional goals you have.

Here’s what we have to offer:

1. Keto Champ Pumpkin

Made with almond butter and Califia Farms® Almond Milk, there is no need to worry about your carbohydrate intake when incorporating organic pumpkin with our Keto Protein Blend. Whoever thought that pumpkins can’t make you strong has clearly never tried this pumpkin protein smoothie.

2. Pumpkin Coffee High Protein

Perfect for fueling up after your morning workout and starting your day on the right foot, this protein-rich, fitness-focused smoothie is made with organic pumpkin, cold brew coffee, dates, almonds, a spice blend, non-fat milk, a protein blend, and whey protein. Plus, it contains about twice the muscle-building ingredients and half the sugar (all from dates, no less) than that of the infamous Pumpkin Spice Latte. It tastes just as good – and dare we say better – without unnecessary sugars and calories!

3. Pumpkin Vegan

We’ve made it too easy to stay plant-based this fall. With Califia Farms® Oat Milk and Sunwarrior® organic plant-based protein, we’ve created this vitamin-rich pumpkin smoothie to meet your specific wellness goals. With only seven ingredients, we hope this blend will cater to your self-care and self-love attitude.

4. Pumpkin D-Lite®

If you absolutely need a treat (we get it), rest assured you can indulge without compromising any progress you’ve made with your diet and nutrition. Maintaining the integrity of an organic pumpkin puree, we specifically use vanilla frozen yogurt instead of heavy ice cream to give you that delicious, creamy texture that will satisfy your seasonal cravings.

5. Pumpkin Slim-N-Trim™

Coming in under 300 calories and at least 15 grams of protein, this guilt-free smoothie will satisfy your seasonal cravings. Crush your goals; don’t compromise them by giving in to the sweetened, syrupy alternatives every other place offers.

Pumpkin for Every Purpose

Woman running in park during the fall

Use the seasonal gourd to its fullest potential. This amazing superfood is meant for more than just pie, sugary drinks, and doorstep decorations – it’s loaded with nutrients that our bodies crave. From dates and almond milk to nut butter and protein blends, we want to enhance and harness the power of pumpkin to create the healthiest, most effective, and yummiest pumpkin smoothie imaginable.


Find a location near you today to snag your Smoothie King pumpkin blend!

Over the last year, our routines and sense of balance have been disrupted, to say the least. Many are left feeling unmotivated, underappreciated, and unfulfilled in several areas of life, whether they’re social, professional, or personal. It’s hard to live a balanced life and complete ordinary tasks with this mindset. So, whether you’re feeling bogged down mentally or physically, we want to give you some ideas to start living a more well-balanced life! It’s time you return to your usual, happy self or start today.

Start with Your Habits – Good and Bad

A big part of building a well-balanced life starts with the habits and routines you’ve established (or would like to cultivate going forward). Getting rid of bad habits is equally essential as acquiring good ones, no matter how big, small, new, or old.

Research on routine formation and disruption varies, saying that it either takes 2 to 3 weeks or upwards of 10 weeks to form new habits. Yet, it can take as little as 18 days to break them. Bummer. Many follow the 21/90 rule, where you fully commit to a personal or professional goal for 21 straight days, and at the end of that period (if you were successful 90% of the time), you should walk away with a new habit or routine.

Your Sleep Schedule Might Need Some TLC

Made bed with end table and ignited lamp

Do you rely on a sleep aid to help you catch some nice Zzzs every night? Do you find yourself restless or waking up a lot? Does your schedule vary daily, resulting in irregular sleep? Do you regularly snack or drink right before you hit the hay? Are you watching TV or on your phone for hours on end, wondering how you haven’t dozed off yet?

You get the picture.

If any of these sound like your routine, or if you think your sleep quality could be better, there are a few tips from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) that we’d like to share from one of their sleep education pages. Here’s an excerpt from that page:

AASM also recommends that people exercise regularly and maintain a healthy diet, as proper nutrition and fitness correlates with your quality of sleep or “sleep hygiene.” Don’t worry; we’ll get to that portion in a moment. For now, try to make sure your bedroom is simply a place for rest, meaning no studying, working, binge-watching, or eating in bed. By eliminating these activities from your bedroom, your body will learn over time that it’s a place for sleep.

The gist is that sleep is vital, and sometimes when we’re in our teens, twenties, thirties, and beyond, we tend to forget that and acquire some bad habits that affect our rest. That said, hitting snooze now and then isn’t a sin, and if you’re feeling that urge to take a quick power nap, listen to your body first.

Exercise: Not a Fast Track for Weight Loss, But It Helps

Women exercising together in a gym class

If you’re starting – or on a plateau of – a weight loss journey, you know that exercise can’t do it all. Experts recommend marrying exercise and diet because you won’t see significant progress or changes without focusing on both. Yet, exercise isn’t strictly for those looking to lose weight or bulk up. Regular exercise can benefit your overall well-being; even just a little movement each day can help you feel refreshed and balanced. Consider the following benefits of exercise:

Getting up, getting your body moving, and getting some fresh air are important things to consider when living a more well-balanced life. According to the Mayo Clinic, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends getting at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity a week.

Nevertheless, even small daily swaps like taking the stairs over the elevator or going on an evening walk will add up and help you reap some of those associated benefits listed above. Remember that physical health is a marathon, not a sprint. Your body will feel the changes and benefits subconsciously before you actively recognize them. And hey, you’ve got 30 minutes to spare in a day – we know you do.

Think of What You Eat as Fuel Rather Than Food

Friends taking a selfie in a car with their Smoothie King drinks

Your body has needs, just like any other living thing. Sure, you can get energy from almost anything you eat or drink, but some things are more nutritious (and delicious!) than others. Your plates should be balanced, colorful, and satiating without leaving you stuffed, regretful, or worse, feeling empty. Consistency is key, but that doesn’t mean you can’t splurge now and then.

There are some excellent ways you can switch up your diet, like incorporating healthy smoothies, wellness shots, or fresh, organic pressed juices, for example. Not only do different types of smoothies have different benefits, but they can promote better gut health, provide immune support, and simply blend up your everyday diet (pun intended 😉). If you’re still asking the question, “Are smoothies good for you?” for more answers.

At the very least, you know your local Smoothie King will be using 100% whole fruits and organic veggies while avoiding:

We want you to feel good about what you fuel your body with, which is why we encourage our guests to rule the day, every day, by making informed, balanced decisions in each area of life.

Final Thoughts & Tips on Living a Well-Balanced Life

We’ve only touched the tip of the iceberg with these suggestions, and there’s a lot more to cover if you’re interested. As a parting thought, we wanted to share five tips shared by another blog that resonated with our Smoothie King team:

Rule the Day and Find Balance with Smoothie King

Forget a pumpkin spice latte, Smoothie King’s protein-packed pumpkin smoothies are the best way to get your fall flavor fix without sugar-loaded syrups or artificial flavors!

Back for a limited time starting today, all five of Smoothie King’s pumpkin smoothies (including new Keto Champ™ Pumpkin) are made with real, organic pumpkin puree and have more than 13 grams of protein for the nutrition guests need and the taste they crave.

“We want our guests to be able to enjoy the best flavor of the season without all of the sugary syrups and artificial ingredients found in so many of the other options out there,” said Rebecca Miller, Chief Marketing Officer of Smoothie King. “That’s why we created our pumpkin blends, crafting each recipe to taste great with a specific purpose in mind so guests can choose the one that best supports their individual tastes and health and fitness goals.”

The full line-up of pumpkin goodness is available in all Smoothie King locations nationwide and includes returning fan-favorites Pumpkin Vegan, Pumpkin D-Lite®, Pumpkin Coffee High Protein and Pumpkin Slim-N-Trim™ as well as a brand-new blend, Keto Champ™ Pumpkin.

Pumpkin for Every Purpose

Smoothie King’s pumpkin smoothies are high in protein, made with organic pumpkin puree and delicious as an easy fall meal on the go, post-workout fuel or a festive afternoon pick-me-up. Each one is blended with a specific lifestyle and fitness goal in mind, so from keto to coffee and vegan to slim, there’s a pumpkin for every purpose!

Like all Smoothie King smoothies, the pumpkin line-up is blended according to Smoothie King’s Clean Blends™ commitment and made without artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.

“We’re proud to not only offer purpose-driven pumpkin options, but also to offer smoothies made with high-quality, clean ingredients to match,” said Miller. “From teaming up with partners who share our vision like Califia Farms® and Sunwarrior®, to offering a delicious coffee pumpkin blend with more protein and less sugar than Starbucks’ popular Pumpkin Spice Latte for a better way to fuel your morning, Smoothie King’s pumpkin blends are the perfect way to savor fall flavor.”

Try One Free

Today through Sept. 2, all Healthy Rewards members can visit localhost:10369/pumpkinpower
and take a fun pumpkin-themed quiz to redeem a free 12 oz. pumpkin smoothie of their choice! This smoothie freebie will be redeemable through Sept. 6 with Smoothie King’s Healthy Rewards app.

For more information or to find a nearby location, visit localhost:10369/ or download the Healthy Rewards App, available on the App Store and Google Play.

Protein is an important nutrient for building muscle and overall health and wellness. Finding ways to add adequate protein to your diet can be challenging, and that’s where protein smoothies come into play. They’re quick, easy, and packed with fantastic nutrients that your body needs for whatever your health and fitness goals are. At Smoothie King, we take pride in our wide range of protein options that you can blend into your smoothies. From whey to vegan protein, we keep our guests in mind as they seek to Rule the Day.

FITAID® + Paleo Protein

This is a great protein option for faster recovery after a high-intensity workout. This nutritional enhancer is a complete, paleo-friendly protein that’s also an excellent source of vitamins C, E, B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6, B12, Biotin, and Pantothenic Acid. Mix this into a Get Fit Blend and off you’ll go feeling good about your fitness and nutrition choices.

Keto Protein

Our keto protein is a balance of protein, fat, and carbs that contains type II collagen peptides. With only 1g of carbs, you’re able to stay focused on your keto goals. Try it in our Keto Champ™ Coffee and fuel up for your next task at hand.

Sunwarrior™ Organic Plant-Based Protein

Vegan Mixed Berry Smoothie

A protein that is both organic and plant-based, this easy-to-digest blend aligns with both keto and paleo lifestyles. Plus, it’s free from dairy and soy. With 6g of protein, this blend of pea and goji berry proteins mixes well with any of our vegan protein smoothies. From our Vegan Mixed Berry to our Vegan Mango Kale, this protein makes a vegan smoothie an excellent protein source. An added bonus – most proteins can be swapped out for Sunwarrior™ Organic Plant-Based Protein!

Whey Protein

Derived from low-fat milk, our whey protein is meant to help you reach your fitness goals by building muscle mass and strength. This protein can be blended into any of our smoothies and will add a nice, creamy texture to your drink. Our Muscle Punch smoothie is a great break-time snack or post-workout “treat.”

Lean1™ Protein

Our Lean1™ Protein is formulated with lactose-free protein, fiber, carbs, probiotics, vitamins, and minerals. Adding this protein to any smoothie can help you meet and maintain your goal weight. Our Lean1™ Pineapple Mango is made with fewer calories to help you crush your goal and set your sights on the next one.

Gladiator® Protein

This proprietary protein blend is exactly what it sounds like: it’s a “complete” protein, containing all nine essential amino acids, important electrolytes, and more. Ranging in vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry flavors, you can mix and match this protein with a variety of fitness blends, and is a fantastic hack for a low-carb diet.

Rule the Day® with Protein Smoothies from Smoothie King

When selecting which of our proteins is right for you, we have endless combinations to make your protein smoothie yours. As you analyze the needs of your day and the intensity of your workout, we guarantee a healthier choice as you make wellness a priority.

Even with a good energy smoothie, staying active can be challenging. Whether you have a desk job or you’re on your feet all day, there’s always a way to add some physical activity into your everyday life. Movement is life, and despite the lifestyle changes “Work from Home” and the internet have brought on, humans are not sedentary creatures. So, let’s talk about some ways we can keep, maintain, or create a more active lifestyle.

1. Use a Standing Desk

This may be a small investment, but if you work from home or at a desk, it may be worth it for most of your job. Many stand-up desks are adjustable and have various names, but they all have the same goal in mind – to get people up and out of their chairs while still having the option to sit down. By offering the opportunity of standing without forcing you to stand all day, this is a simple way to be more active at your desk. If you don’t want to invest, you can get creative with household objects (stack those soup cans or books on your desk; it gets the job done).

2. Dedicate a Portion of Your Day to Activity

It goes without saying that moving is part of a healthy lifestyle, which can look very different for a wide range of people. For some, it could be a simple walk in the afternoon. For others, it’s a high-intensity workout early in the morning. Whatever it is, it’s important to dedicate an allotted time to some form of activity; it doesn’t have to be completed in one big chunk, either. You could split your day up by completing a twenty-minute yoga session in the morning, paired with a 10-minute walk after lunch. Whatever it looks like, dedicating a specific time in your day makes it much easier to have an active lifestyle (and holds you accountable).

3. Get a Dog

Now, if you’re not a dog person or it simply isn’t within your means, feel free to move onto the next tip. However, since we’re talking about movement, dogs need walks and someone to walk them. That someone could be you! Getting a dog can force you to schedule some time to simply walk, play, and move – it’s an opportunity to get out and enjoy the world around you! Coupled with the companionship a dog offers, both you and your dog need activity.

4. Clean Your Home

Despite the apparent benefits of having a clean environment, cleaning is a fantastic way to stay active. Unless you have a Roomba or can afford to have your home cleaned for you, it is virtually impossible to clean sitting down. Even if you have an automated vacuum, it doesn’t catch all the details. If you do hire someone, allocating that money somewhere else and cleaning your home yourself can get you up, moving, and burning some extra calories.

5. Trade Movie Night for Dancing

Now, not everyone is a dancer or even wants to spin around the room, but the principle here matters. We all have a sedentary portion of our life, and the goal should be to trade one sedentary leisure activity for a more active one. Instead of a movie night with popcorn and soda, go out dancing with your significant other or friends! Instead of dining out, find a good cookbook and recipe you can follow and cook yourself. Taking away a bad habit is much more likely to stick if you replace it with something good. Take leisure and turn it into an active skill.

6. Make Your Breaks Active

It is impossible to be on the go all the time, which is where break times come in! Yet, just because we are taking a moment to slow down does not mean we need to hit the breaks and stop. Throw in some push-ups, bodyweight squats, and sit-ups while watching your favorite sitcom, making a “drinking game” out of it that replaces drinking with fitness. Take a walk! Rather than sitting on your break, walk. Plug into a podcast or audiobook and get outside to mentally and physically detach from the office.

Smoothie King Is on Your Side

Two women walking in the city with Smoothie King in their hands

At Smoothie King, our mission is a well-rounded one that not only seeks to offer good nutrition to the world but aims to help people simply rule their days. Google “healthy smoothies near me” and walk your way on over for one of our delicious, low-cal smoothies. Come in and see just how our smoothies do not replace an active lifestyle but rather partner with it, reinforcing an active culture.

Find a Smoothie King Near You!

Can smoothies be good for you? When it comes to Smoothie King and our smoothie blends, the answer is a resounding yes! You’ll get the health-maximizing benefits of natural, real fruits with 0 grams added sugars. Such a healthy approach, however, is not common to many other smoothie shops. Simply put, it depends on the smoothie. We’ll go over some key factors in what makes a healthy blend.

Sugar

We can all agree that sugar should be consumed in moderation, especially added sugars. Flavored yogurts and canned fruit all have the image of good health, but more likely than not, these products contain added sugar in the form of high fructose corn syrup, dextrose, or another form. Packed with sweet flavors and healthy carbohydrates, fruit is the best natural sweetener. Plain and simple. If you are mindful of carbs, stick with raspberries, blackberries, and the berry family in general. Fruit should be the number-one ingredient for a nice, healthy taste.

Whole Fruits and Veggies

When asking, “are smoothies good for you?” a good rule with any healthy diet is that whole ingredients are best. If given the option, always opt for whole ingredients. Think oats, plain Greek yogurt, raspberries, blueberries, mangoes, spinach, almonds, etc. If you look on the ingredients list of a product and cannot read or pronounce the word without stumbling over it, there’s your red flag signifying that it probably shouldn’t go in your smoothie. A food item with unfamiliar ingredients is not only highly processed, but it can also contain unnecessary calories and fillers.

Protein

Chocolate falling into cocoa powder

If you focus on protein first, you’re well on your way to making a healthy smoothie. Now, what does protein do? First and foremost, it supports muscle repair after it has been broken down through exercise and weight training, which is normal in any fitness regimen. Second, when you consume adequate amounts of protein, you feel fuller, and that fullness can help reduce cravings and suppress your appetite. Because protein takes longer to digest, that full feeling lasts much longer than it would after eating highly processed carbs. This naturally stops you from overeating.

Protein is an essential nutrient that you can find in dairy or plant-based forms. Whichever route you go, take note of the ingredients in your protein powder. When picking a protein to add to your smoothie, do some research on what is actually in the protein blend.

Excess Calories

This can be the hardest concept to wrap your head around, especially if you are staying away from added sugar, focusing on whole foods, and prioritizing protein. No matter how healthy food is, the body will always store excess calories as fat. You know the saying, “too much of a good thing is a bad thing?” If you consume more calories than your body burns through normal function and movement, weight gain is inevitable. Now, counting calories and restricting certain foods is not always necessary to have a healthy lifestyle. There is more to life than weight gain and weight loss. However, if you follow basic health principles, it is much easier to avoid overeating, and this comes into play when making a good, wholesome smoothie.

Are Smoothies Good for You at Smoothie King?

Three Smoothie King Smoothies

Let’s go over this one last time. Are smoothies good for you? In general, yes, but it fully depends on the ingredients. At Smoothie King, we try to avoid added sugars, include whole foods, have great protein options on hand, and try to keep calories within reason. The best part: our smoothies taste good! The days of deciding between health or taste are over. Don’t compromise a healthy lifestyle for poor taste. Find a location near you, and come in and see just how much we care about making great-tasting smoothies for your health.