Are Those $23 Erewhon Smoothies Actually Worth It? We Asked Top Nutritionists
When the Los Angeles-based health food store Erewhon began launching celebrity-endorsed smoothies, the internet was enthralled. The drinks from Erewhon’s tonic bar — their version of a hot and prepared foods section — are pretty to look at. They're also packed with organic fruit and superfood add-ins that boast claims from improving skin to boosting energy. The catch? The smoothies cost as much as $23 for one drink. What's more, those superfood add-ins may not be all they’re chalked up to be. Curious about the Erewhon smoothies the internet can't stop talking about? Keep reading to learn if the ingredients are a hit or miss, plus how to make your own version at home.
What are Erewhon smoothies?
Erewhon smoothies are customizable smoothies served up at the grocery chain’s tonic bars. Customers can choose from signature 20-oz. Erewhon smoothies, simple classics or make their own with a variety of ingredients. Most of them brim with organic fruit, protein powders, nondairy milk and a variety of health-improving supplements. And keeping with Erewhon’s notoriously high prices, one smoothie can cost a pretty penny.
Currently, their Vacation “Sunscreen” Smoothie – which is loaded with coconut and doesn’t actually replace your need for sunscreen – is their least expensive sip, at $9. Others, like their Energy Elixir and Almond Butter Blast come in around $14 to 15. But crowd favorite celebrity collaborations like Hailey Bieber’s Strawberry Glaze Skin Smoothie and the Peaches and Cream Smoothie, which was previously branded with Kendall Jenner’s name, cost $18 to $23. But that price tag hasn’t stopped people from trying out the trend. Erewhon executive vice president Vito Antoci told GQ the chain sells as many as 40,000 Hailey Bieber smoothies each month.
What’s so special about Erewhon smoothies? Not much other than the fact that they come from the grocery chain, which is known for its high-priced fare, and have celebrity names attached. When it comes to the actual ingredients, nutrition experts aren’t so sure they’re the end-all, be-all of smoothies…
What’s in Erewhon smoothies?
Every Erewhon smoothie has a unique blend of ingredients. But if you’re ordering one of their signature smoothies, chances are you’ll be getting a couple of these common ingredients. And if you’re going to try and make an Erewhon smoothie at home, you may not need to spend the extra cash for some of these add-ins…
1. Organic fruit
Erewhon strictly sells organic produce, so it’s no surprise their smoothies are also made with it. But Jaclyn London, MS, RD, CDN, author of Dressing on the Side (and Other Diet Myths Debunked), doesn’t think that’s entirely necessary when you’re making a smoothie at home. “There’s a lot of concern about the pesticides that are used in conventional farming, but organic farming uses pesticides too, and there are always other residues and contamination that can occur.” If your wallet allows for it and it puts your mind at ease, buy organic! But it’s not a must for making a healthy smoothie.
2. Coconut cream
White swirls of coconut cream in many of Erewhon’s smoothies make for a pretty photo and a dose of fats. But if you’re looking to add some healthy fats to your smoothie, London advises skipping the creamy add-in. “Coconut is kind of beloved by the wellness community, yet it’s very high in saturated fat, which is linked to an increased risk of heart disease,” she explains. She suggests sticking to fat sources like avocados and nuts when making your smoothies. To get a similar swirl effect to Erewhon smoothies, try adding Greek yogurt to to the inside of your cup before pouring your smoothie in.
Learn more: Adding More Fat to Smoothies Boosts Weight Loss — Here’s the Recipe to Follow
3. Colostrum
You can buy a jar of the bovine colostrum, a powder made from the early stages of cow’s breast milk, from Erewhon for $65. That's likely why a single scoop in your smoothie at the tonic bar costs an additional $3. But is it worth the price? Probably not, says London. “There is some recent research on colostrum supplements for specific populations. However, you would need to have 20 times the amount that’s in one serving and do that consistently.” But if you’re confident you can stay on top of taking your daily dose of colostrum, go for it! (And learn more about the benefits of colostrum here.)
4. Spirulina
When your smoothie is pretty, it's more appealing — and that can help us meet our nutrition goals. For that reason, vibrant blue-green spirulina may be a fun add-in for your smoothie. “I love that there’s the aesthetic component, which I do think can be very beneficial for people as long as they’re not tricking themselves into think it’s some sort of health elixir,” says London.
However, though spirulina brims with antioxidants and polyphenols, you can get those some nutrients from a host of other fruits and veggies in your smoothie. In fact, you’ll get a better variety of nutrients if you opt for whole foods. Plus, you won’t have to pay the hefty price tag that often comes with spirulina powders. (The Blue Majik one used at Erewhon costs nearly $40!) But if you’re a visual eater, a bright blue drink may help you sneak in some extra fruits and veggies in a smoothie. (Read more about the benefits of blue spirulina.)
5. Maple syrup
“Sweeteners are fine as long as you limit the amount, but you can also get the benefit of sweetening things without added sugar, like from dates or prunes,” advises London. The Hailey Bieber smoothie boasts three sweeteners – maple syrup, stevia and naturally sweet dates – while other Erewhon favorites use maple syrup and the sugar substitute xylitol. But London says avoiding added sugars in favor of naturally occurring sugars, like those from dates, is best for your overall diet.
Related: A Nutritionist Reveals the Single Best Thing You Can Do for Your Smoothie If You Want to Lose Weight
6. Collagen powder
Collagen powders often contain a fair amount of protein, and they can help improve skin appearance. But to get those skin benefits, “you’d need at least 2.5 to 10 grams of collagen daily for eight consecutive weeks,” says London. (But if you can stay consistent, the benefits of collagen for older women are impressive!)
Instead of a collagen powder, London advises getting satiating protein from whole food sources like milk, Greek yogurt and cottage cheese. Or, if you’re opting for a protein powder, she suggests using one with whey and casein proteins, which support building lean muscle mass. (That’s vital for older women to ward off sarcopenia!)
How to make Erewhon smoothies at home
The original Hailey Bieber smoothie uses almond milk, coconut cream, stevia, maple syrup and other ingredients. Our version packs a nutritional punch with more protein from Greek yogurt, less added sugar and saturated fat and no pricey supplements.
Ingredients:
2-3 strawberries
1 cup frozen strawberries
1/2 frozen banana
? avocado
3/4 cup milk
2 dates, pitted
2/3 cup plus 1 Tbs. plain Greek yogurt
Instructions:
Muddle 2-3 strawberries. Set aside.
Blend frozen strawberries, banana, avocado, milk, dates, and 2/3 cup Greek yogurt until desired consistency, adding more milk if needed.
Add remaining Greek yogurt and muddled strawberries to a glass.
Pour in smoothie and enjoy!
Want to try an at-home version of the real deal? Watch this video on how to make a Hailey Bieber Strawberry Glaze Skin Smoothie. It's just as tasty — and it'll save you some money!
Other favorites include the Coconut Cloud Smoothie, which you can also make at home following this video:
And while it’s no longer branded as the Kendall Jenner smoothie, Erewhon’s Peaches and Cream Smoothie remains a menu staple. Learn how to make it here:
This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.
For more on healthy smoothies, check out these stories:
Adding More Fat to Smoothies Boosts Weight Loss — Here’s the Recipe to Follow
A Nutritionist Reveals the Single Best Thing You Can Do for Your Smoothie If You Want to Lose Weight
Mixed Berry Smoothie Bowls Recipe Will Be Your New Speedy + Healthy Morning Go-To
