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5 Shocking Secrets And The Full Ingredient List Of Costco’s New Strawberry Banana Smoothie In 2025

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The Costco Food Court has once again shaken up its menu, making a major—and highly debated—change to its beverage lineup with the introduction of the Strawberry Banana Smoothie. This new item, which many members have already crowned a favorite for its classic fruit flavor, officially replaces the previous, less-popular "Fruit Smoothie" (often called the "Berry Smoothie") across most warehouse locations as of late 2024 and into 2025. This deep dive reveals the full, surprising ingredient list, the latest nutritional profile, and why this new $2.99 drink is causing such a stir among dedicated Costco shoppers. The constant evolution of the Costco Food Court menu is a source of endless fascination for its loyal membership base. The switch to the Strawberry Banana Smoothie is the latest in a series of strategic moves by the retail giant, aiming to provide a more universally appealing, high-value treat that stands alongside legendary items like the $1.50 Hot Dog Combo and the Chicken Bake.

The Full Nutritional and Ingredient Profile of the New Smoothie

The previous "Fruit Smoothie" had a mixed reception, often criticized for a slightly tart taste and an uninspiring color. The new flavor, however, leans into a time-tested, crowd-pleasing combination: strawberry and banana. While the flavor is a hit, a closer look at the nutritional facts reveals why many members are expressing concern, particularly about the sugar content.

Strawberry Banana Smoothie: Key Facts & Figures (2025)

  • Current Price: $2.99 (Note: Price is generally consistent, but may vary slightly by location).
  • Total Calories: 320 Calories
  • Total Carbohydrates: 77g
  • Total Sugar: 69g
  • Added Sugar: 25g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Sodium: 5mg
  • Fiber: 6g
The most striking number here is the total sugar content at 69 grams. For comparison, the previous fruit smoothie had approximately 46 grams of sugar, meaning the new Strawberry Banana version contains 23 grams *more* sugar. This significant increase is the main point of contention among health-conscious members.

The Complete Ingredient List (15+ Entities Revealed)

The common assumption is that a "Strawberry Banana Smoothie" is a simple blend of the two named fruits and ice. However, the official ingredient list for the food court version reveals a much more complex composition, relying heavily on fruit concentrates and purées to achieve the desired consistency, flavor, and shelf stability in a high-volume warehouse setting. The following entities are listed in the new food court mix:
  1. Water
  2. Pear Purée
  3. Strawberries (Fresh/Frozen)
  4. Deionized Pineapple-Juice Concentrate
  5. Apple Purée
  6. Banana Purée
  7. Pear Purée Concentrate
  8. Sugar (Added)
  9. Apple Purée Concentrate
  10. Natural Flavors
  11. Citric Acid (Likely for tartness/preservation)
  12. Pectin (A gelling agent for texture)
  13. Corn Starch (For thickness/consistency)
The inclusion of Pear Purée, Apple Purée, and Pineapple-Juice Concentrate is what gives the smoothie its unique, layered sweetness that goes beyond a simple two-fruit blend. These entities are used as cost-effective, natural sweeteners and thickening agents, a common practice in commercial food service.

The History of Costco's Food Court Smoothie Wars

The Strawberry Banana Smoothie is not Costco’s first foray into the frozen beverage category, but it is the latest move in a long-running "smoothie war" on the menu. Understanding its predecessors is essential to grasp why this new flavor has generated such a powerful, if divided, reaction.

1. The Reign of the Mango Smoothie (Pre-2017)

The original iconic smoothie flavor was Mango. It was a favorite for years, but it was eventually phased out around 2017. Reviews of the Mango Smoothie were often polarized; some loved its tropical tang, while others infamously compared its consistency and flavor to "baby food."

2. The Era of the Fruit Smoothie (2017-2024)

The Mango was replaced by a generically named Fruit Smoothie, which was essentially a Berry Smoothie blend, featuring ingredients like strawberries, blackberries, and açaí. This version was often touted as having a slightly more subdued, tart taste and lower sugar content. Despite a dedicated following, its overall popularity lagged, leading to its eventual replacement. Costco's strategy is always to maximize sales velocity, and the berry version simply wasn't hitting the mark.

3. The New Challenger: Strawberry Banana (2025)

The decision to switch to the classic Strawberry Banana flavor appears to be a direct attempt to win back the broadest possible audience. The flavor is a universal favorite, and its high sweetness level is a clear pivot from the tartness of the previous berry blend. The change demonstrates Costco's commitment to continuously optimizing its food court offerings, even if it means alienating a segment of the membership who preferred the older, less-sweet profile.

Why the Strawberry Banana Smoothie is Dividing Costco Members

The introduction of this new flavor has created a clear split in customer sentiment, often seen in online forums like Reddit and social media discussions. The debate centers on two main aspects: flavor nostalgia and the nutritional profile.

The Pro-Smoothie Camp: Nostalgia and Universal Appeal

For many, the Strawberry Banana Smoothie is a welcome return to a classic, simple, and universally pleasing flavor. It tastes exactly as advertised: sweet, creamy (thanks to the purées), and refreshing. This group appreciates the strong, recognizable flavor profile and the excellent value for the $2.99 price point. They view the smoothie as a perfect, inexpensive treat after a long shopping trip through the warehouse chain, placing it in the same category as the legendary Pizza slice and the Chicken Bake.

The Anti-Smoothie Camp: The Sugar Shock

The primary criticism is the extreme sweetness level and the resulting nutritional profile. With 69 grams of sugar, the drink is seen by many as less of a "smoothie" and more of a "milkshake in disguise" or a fruit-flavored soda substitute. Members who valued the previous, lower-sugar berry smoothie are disappointed, viewing the change as a downgrade in health-consciousness. They argue that the high added sugar content undermines the perception of it being a healthier, real-fruit option.

How the Strawberry Banana Smoothie Fits the Food Court Strategy

The new Strawberry Banana Smoothie is a perfect example of Costco’s core business strategy: offering high-value, high-impact items that drive member loyalty. The $2.99 price point is intentionally low, designed to be an impulse purchase that enhances the overall shopping experience. The smoothie's ingredients, heavily reliant on concentrates and purées, allow for consistent quality and high-volume production, which is essential for the fast-paced, high-traffic nature of the food court. While the nutritional trade-offs are real, the flavor profile is engineered for mass appeal, ensuring a steady stream of sales that contribute to the overall success of the food court operation. This strategy is critical, as the food court is viewed not as a major profit center, but as a crucial member-only item that reinforces the value of the annual membership. The new smoothie, despite the sugar debate, is a powerful new tool in maintaining that all-important member value proposition in 2025.
5 Shocking Secrets and the Full Ingredient List of Costco’s New Strawberry Banana Smoothie in 2025
costco strawberry banana smoothie
costco strawberry banana smoothie

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