Summer Smoothies

Smoothie Sunday will be a summer feature for June, July, and August. There's nothing better than a nice refreshing smoothie on a hot day. So every week, I will share a new smoothie recipe for you to try.

I am a big, big fan of smoothies, though not of cleaning the blender. And I know there are days when I am not the only one wanting a refreshing smoothie without all the work. So, before we get going with the recipes this Sunday, I am featuring some local joints that offer vegan smoothies.

CHAINS

Jamba Juice- Mesa, Gilbert, Tempe, Scottsdale, Chandler, Fountain Hills, Ahwatukee, Phoenix, & Paradise Valley.

Jamba's All Fruit Smoothies are completely vegan and so is the Protein Berry Workout with Soy Protein. All Boosts and Super Boosts are vegan (except for the Weight Burner, Whey Protein, Calcium, and the Daily Vitamin). Jamba lists all the vegan flavors on their online menu. Click Menu, then Special Diet, then Vegan...et voila.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe- Mesa, Chandler, Queen Creek, & Tempe

I've been told that most of their smoothies can be made vegan, though their website is no help in this regard. I'm still waiting to confirm the vegan options via email. Anyway, I normally get the Peanut Paradise (no yogurt, with soy protein), but I've also enjoyed the Sunrise Sunset (already vegan).

Smoothie King- Scottsdale, Phoenix, & Glendale (Luke Air Force Base).

Smoothie King's website helps you find your perfect smoothie by having you checklist your favorite flavors, and the feature also helps you find vegan flavors. The only caution here is they list some smoothies with honey as vegan.

SOLOS

That's A Wrap- Central Phoenix
That's A Wrap has my favorite non-fruit vegan smoothie ever, their Chocolate/Almond Butter smoothie. All of their smoothies are vegan, and flavors include: Blueberry, Strawberry, Raspberry, Mango, Peach, and Chocolate/Almond Butter. They have limited hours, so watch out for that. {Editor's Note: After TAW was sold to a new owner, they stopped making these smoothies, so they are no longer available.]

24 Carrots- Chandler

Their entire menu is either vegetarian or vegan, and most of their vegetarian drinks can be made vegan as well, including their smoothies. (see photo left)

Pomegranate Cafe- Ahwatukee

A completely vegetarian cafe, they have some shakes on their menu (which look like they might really be smoothies in disguise). Their shakes can be made with your choice of non-dairy milk (hemp, almond, rice) and you can add Vega protein powder.

D'lish (Kitchen, Coffee House, & Drive-thru)- Scottsdale

D'lish has both vegan smoothies and shakes listed on their menu. And you can go through their drive-thru!

NOT smoothies, but cold and tasty...

Green- Tempe

Green's been featuring some amazing vegan milkshakes; vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. I highly recommend the Strawberry flavor. They aren't quite regular menu items, but they're more than just an occasional special- just don't hate me if you go for one and they're gone. Just get one of their yummy Tsoynamis (think DQ's blizzard, but with soy soft serve and other delicious vegan mix-ins-see above photo right).