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Are Smoothie King smoothies made with yogurt?


Smoothie King is a popular smoothie chain with over 1,300 locations across the United States and internationally. Smoothie King offers a wide variety of smoothie options, including low-calorie, protein-packed, and nutritious smoothies made with whole fruits and vegetables.

One common question that Smoothie King customers have is whether the smoothies contain yogurt. Yogurt can provide protein and a creamy texture to smoothies. However, some customers may want to avoid dairy products or extra calories from yogurt.

So, are Smoothie King smoothies made with yogurt? The short answer is that some Smoothie King smoothies contain yogurt as an ingredient, while others do not. Smoothie King uses non-fat yogurt in select smoothie recipes to provide protein, calcium, and a rich, creamy texture. However, many of their smoothies are made without any yogurt at all.

Smoothie King Smoothies That Contain Yogurt

Here are some examples of Smoothie King smoothies that do contain non-fat yogurt as an ingredient:

  • Strawberry Surge
  • Caribbean Way
  • Island Green
  • Mango Kale Tropic Thunder
  • Berry Yogurt
  • Strawberry Wonder
  • Carrot Kale Tropic Thunder
  • Coffee Yogurt Protein

The Strawberry Surge contains strawberries, non-fat yogurt, and whey protein. The Caribbean Way is made with mangos, pineapples, bananas, non-fat yogurt, and whey protein.

These smoothies use non-fat yogurt to provide protein and calcium while keeping the calorie and fat content low. The yogurt adds a rich, creamy texture and flavor to the fruit and vegetable ingredients.

Smoothie King Smoothies Without Yogurt

While some Smoothie King smoothies do contain yogurt, many are made without it. Here are some examples of popular Smoothie King smoothies made without yogurt:

  • Angel Food
  • Lean1
  • Slim-N-Trim Orange
  • Sweet Kale O
  • Vegan Berry
  • Island Green
  • Aruba Green
  • Caribbean Green

The Angel Food smoothie is a low-calorie option made with strawberries, bananas, and ice. Lean1 contains strawberries, bananas, whey protein, and gluten-free oats for a meal replacement smoothie without yogurt.

Many of Smoothie King’s veggie-based and green smoothies are made without yogurt as well. The Sweet Kale O contains kale, orange, stevia, and ice but no yogurt. Aruba Green includes spinach, pineapples, bananas, and apple juice.

For customers watching calories or dairy intake, these yogurt-free smoothies provide flavor and nutrition from fruits, veggies, and protein powders without the extra calories or fat that yogurt can add.

Nutrition Information on Yogurt vs. Non-Yogurt Smoothies

To compare the nutritional difference between Smoothie King’s yogurt-based and yogurt-free smoothies, here is a nutrition info table for two popular smoothies:

Nutrition Facts Strawberry Surge (with Yogurt) Angel Food (without Yogurt)
Calories 270 140
Total Fat 1.5g 0g
Protein 30g 4g
Sugar 51g 32g
Calcium 45% DV 4% DV

As you can see, the Strawberry Surge smoothie contains yogurt and provides 270 calories, 30g of protein, and 45% of the daily value of calcium. Meanwhile, the yogurt-free Angel Food has just 140 calories, 4g of protein, and only 4% DV calcium.

So yogurt-based smoothies offer more protein and calcium nutrition, while yogurt-free smoothies are generally lower in calories and fat.

Smoothie King’s Stance on Yogurt

On Smoothie King’s website FAQ page, they provide the following response to “Do you use yogurt in your smoothies?”:

“Some of our smoothies contain non-fat yogurt. Yogurt adds calcium, protein and creaminess. Many Smoothie King smoothies, however, are made without yogurt.”

So their official stance is that some smoothies do contain yogurt, but many are made without it. They use yogurt in select recipes to boost nutrition and texture, but also offer dairy-free options.

How to Order a Smoothie King Smoothie Without Yogurt

If you want to order a Smoothie King smoothie without yogurt, here are some tips:

  • Check the menu or Smoothie King app to view smoothie ingredients
  • Choose a yogurt-free smoothie, like Angel Food, Slim-N-Trim, or Sweet Kale O
  • Ask the Smoothie King employee to make any smoothie without yogurt
  • For nutritious options without yogurt, choose veggie and green smoothies
  • Look for the dairy-free icon on some smoothies
  • Order an Enhancer like pea protein instead of whey protein
  • Customize your smoothie and ask them to remove yogurt

Smoothie King employees are able to make any smoothie without yogurt upon request. They can substitute in different bases, proteins, and ingredients to meet your dietary needs.

Many of their green smoothies like Island Green are already made without yogurt. But feel free to ask your Smoothie King blender any questions about yogurt in their smoothies when ordering!

Smoothie King Yogurt Substitutes

For customers avoiding yogurt, either due to dairy intolerance or for lower calories, here are some substitutes Smoothie King uses instead of yogurt:

  • Soy, almond, oat, or coconut milk
  • Avocado
  • Banana
  • Silken tofu
  • Vegan protein powder
  • Nut butter
  • Extra ice
  • Chia seeds

Non-dairy milks like almond milk can provide creaminess without the dairy. Avocado gives smoothies a thick, rich texture. Bananas blended up creamy as well.

Silken tofu, nut butter, and protein powders add protein and thickness to replace yogurt’s nutrition. Chia seeds help create a tapioca-like texture too.

Ultimately you can get creative and customize your Smoothie King smoothie with any yogurt replacements you prefer!

Benefits of Yogurt in Smoothies

While yogurt-free smoothies have perks like lower calories, reducing yogurt does remove some potential benefits. Here are some pros that yogurt adds to smoothies:

  • Protein – Yogurt provides an extra protein boost.
  • Creamy texture – Yogurt makes smoothies rich and thick.
  • Calcium – Yogurt contributes calcium, especially Greek yogurt.
  • Probiotics – Yogurt supplies gut-friendly probiotics.
  • Flavor – Tart yogurt complements fruits’ sweetness.
  • Makes smoothies filling – Yogurt’s protein keeps you satisfied.
  • Affordability – Yogurt is typically low cost to add.

So while yogurt does add calories and fat, it provides key nutrients, health benefits, and desirable smoothie consistency. Customers should weigh these pros against their own dietary needs and preferences when ordering.

Benefits of Smoothies Without Yogurt

Here are some potential benefits of choosing yogurt-free smoothies at Smoothie King:

  • Lower in calories and fat – Skipping yogurt keeps calories down.
  • Avoid dairy – Removes dairy for food intolerances.
  • Fewer carbs – Less sugar than yogurt’s naturally occurring lactose.
  • Nutritious substitutes – Add probiotics or protein other ways.
  • More produce focus – Allows more fresh, whole fruits and veggies.
  • Vegan smoothies – Dairy-free yogurt alternatives make them vegan.
  • Cheaper cost – Removing yogurt lowers price slightly.

So for some customers, minimizing calories, sugar, carbs, or dairy intake outweighs yogurt’s benefits for their goals or dietary needs.

Popular Yogurt Brands Used by Smoothie King

When Smoothie King smoothies do contain yogurt, they primarily use two brands:

  • Stonyfield Organic Nonfat Greek Yogurt
  • Dannon Light & Fit Nonfat Yogurt

Both Stonyfield Organic and Dannon Light & Fit are well-known yogurt brands focused on delivering protein in a creamy, low-fat yogurt base.

Smoothie King uses nonfat Greek and regular yogurt styles from these brands to add nutrition while keeping fat and calories low. Stonyfield Organic yogurt contributes organic ingredients as well.

So if you want to recreate Smoothie King yogurt smoothies at home, picking up these yogurt brands ensures similar nutrition, texture, and taste.

How Smoothie King Uses Yogurt

When added to smoothies, here are some of the main ways Smoothie King utilizes yogurt:

  • Blended into thick smoothie base
  • Swirled in for texture contrast
  • Toppings drizzled over smoothies
  • Mixed into fruit purees for flavor
  • Combined with protein powders

Most often, yogurt is blended into the smoothie base itself to build texture. But Smoothie King employees get creative with different ways to incorporate yogurt too.

Some recipes call for swirling in yogurt after blending to keep a thick, drinkable consistency. Yogurt also makes a tasty drizzled topping over finished smoothies.

They may mix fruit like strawberries with yogurt first to create a flavorful puree. Yogurt combines smoothly with protein powders before adding other ingredients as well.

So next time you order a yogurt-based smoothie from Smoothie King, notice how seamlessly the yogurt incorporates into the fruits, veggies, and other components.

Smoothie King’s Stance on Nutrition

As a brand, Smoothie King is committed to encouraging customers to live a healthy, active lifestyle. They aim to make it convenient to get important nutrients from smoothies made of whole fruits, vegetables, and quality ingredients.

Here are some key nutrition promises Smoothie King makes:

  • No artificial flavors, colors or preservatives
  • Gluten-free smoothie options
  • Low- and zero-calorie smoothie choices
  • Protein blends without added sugar
  • Nutrition info available for all menu items

Smoothie King smoothies provide protein from natural sources like yogurt, soy, whey, and veggies without heavily relying on added or artificial sweeteners.

They offer both indulgent treats as well as smoothies focused on being low-calorie, low-sugar, high-protein, or packed with greens for nutrition. Customers appreciate the range of options.

Ultimately, it’s about balancing your own dietary needs. That may mean choosing creamy yogurt smoothies some days and lower calorie yogurt-free smoothies other days. Smoothie King aims to offer diverse choices with transparency around ingredients and nutrition.

Common Smoothie King FAQs

Here are answers to some other frequently asked questions about Smoothie King smoothies:

Are Smoothie King smoothies healthy?

Smoothie King smoothies can be a healthy option depending on the specific smoothie and ingredients chosen. They offer many nutritious smoothies focused on protein, greens, vegetables, and lower calories and sugar. But some higher-calorie options do exist too, so customers should be mindful when ordering.

Are there vegan smoothies?

Yes, Smoothie King has vegan smoothie options made without yogurt, whey, milk, or other animal products. Some examples of vegan smoothies are their Gladiator, Veggie Pineapple Surf, and Mangofest Destiny.

Do smoothies have added sugar?

Many Smoothie King smoothies rely on the natural sugars from fruit and do not have added sugars. However, some do contain additional sweeteners like organic cane sugar, molasses, honey, or agave based on the recipe.

Can smoothies be customized?

Yes, customizations are welcome! You can ask to add or remove ingredients, including swapping out yogurt or protein powders based on dietary preferences.

Conclusion

In the end, Smoothie King uses non-fat yogurt in select smoothie recipes to provide nutrients like protein and calcium, as well as delicious creaminess. However, they also offer a wide range of yogurt-free smoothies focused on veggies, greens, and lower calories.

Customers can choose smoothies based on their own nutritional needs and tastes – whether craving an indulgent, thick yogurt blend or a lighter dairy-free option. Smoothie King aims to deliver delicious AND nutritious smoothies with transparency around ingredients.

So next time you visit Smoothie King, feel free to ask questions about yogurt content. And don’t be afraid to customize your perfect smoothie, with or without yogurt based on your preferences!