Smoothie King is a popular smoothie chain that has been around since 1973. One of their most popular smoothies over the years has been the Watermelon Extreme smoothie. This refreshing summertime smoothie contains watermelon, strawberries, and lemon, making it a tasty and vitamin-packed beverage. However, Smoothie King frequently rotates their smoothie menu options. So does Smoothie King still offer the iconic Watermelon Extreme smoothie in 2023? Keep reading to find out.
History of the Watermelon Extreme Smoothie
The Watermelon Extreme smoothie was first introduced by Smoothie King in 2004. It quickly became a customer favorite due to its refreshing and lighter take on the typical fruit smoothie. While many smoothies utilize bananas as a base, the Watermelon Extreme had no bananas, focusing solely on the sweet and nutritious blend of watermelon and strawberries.
The tart lemon juice gave it a bit of zing to balance out the sweetness. The Watermelon Extreme was branded as a “Slim & Trim” smoothie on their menu, marketed as a lower calorie option. Smoothie King describes Slim & Trim smoothies as having “25% fewer calories than our regular smoothies but with all the nutrients you need to refuel.”
Initial Popularity of the Watermelon Extreme
When it debuted in 2004, the Watermelon Extreme quickly became one of Smoothie King’s most popular seasonal options. Its light, fruity flavor profile was perfect for summertime. The Slim & Trim branding also attracted customers looking for lower calorie options.
According to Smoothie King’s website, a 20oz Watermelon Extreme smoothie contains 270 calories. For comparison, a 20oz Strawberry Banana smoothie contains 350 calories. So with 80 fewer calories, the Watermelon Extreme allowed customers to enjoy a filling, nutritious smoothie without overindulging in calories.
The refreshing watermelon flavor also made it stand out from other fruit options on their menu. While strawberry, banana, and mixed berry smoothies are delicious, watermelon has a uniquely sweet and thirst-quenching taste. The Watermelon Extreme capitalized on the consumer craze for all things watermelon in the mid 2000s. Brands like watermelon flavored Oreos and airheads further boosted watermelon popularity. Smoothie King’s seasonal smoothie rode this wave of watermelon demand.
Continued Popularity Over the Years
Since its 2004 debut, the Watermelon Extreme maintained its popularity as a featured summer seasonal smoothie at Smoothie King. Customers came to eagerly await its return each May. While it disappeared from menus come September, fans knew it would come back again when summer rolled around.
The Smoothie King menu frequently rotates specialty flavors in and out. But the Watermelon Extreme smoothie became an exception to this rule due to its reliable seasonal popularity. Fans rated it highly on the Smoothie King app and website, with many calling it their “absolute favorite.” As social media rose in popularity, so did the Watermelon Extreme. Fans spread their love for it widely on Instagram and TikTok. When May hit, fans would rush to their local Smoothie Kings to get their first Watermelon Extreme of the season.
Smoothie King even occasionally brought it back for limited-time only specials outside of summer. In 2016, they offered it in May for a limited time to celebrate their 40th anniversary. Its reliable return each summer and occasional special releases made it a menu staple.
Recent Availability of the Watermelon Extreme
In recent years, Smoothie King has begun offering an expanded list of limited-time seasonal smoothies. While classics like the Watermelon Extreme remain, they test out new specialty flavors each summer. In 2021 and 2022, Smoothie King added additional limited edition summer smoothies like the Pineapple Whip and Mango Magic.
However, the Watermelon Extreme continues to be included in their summer lineup. According to the Smoothie King website, the iconic smoothie returned for its usual summer 2022 seasonal run from May 16 to September 5. During this timeframe, customers can head to their local Smoothie King to get this longtime favorite.
Once September hits, the Watermelon Extreme will disappear from menus until next May. But Smoothie King has given no indication that the beloved seasonal smoothie will be removed from rotation anytime soon. In a 2017 interview with Delish, Smoothie King’s CEO Wan Kim confirmed that classics like the Watermelon Extreme will remain menu anchors. The smoothie satisfies fans cravings for a lighter, fruity treat in the summer.
Nutritional Information on the Watermelon Extreme
Part of the Watermelon Extreme’s sustained popularity comes from its nutritional profile as a lighter, yet filling option. Here is a look at the nutritional facts on the Watermelon Extreme from Smoothie King’s website:
| Size | 20oz |
| Calories | 270 |
| Fat | 0.5g |
| Sodium | 100mg |
| Carbs | 64g |
| Sugar | 56g |
| Protein | 4g |
The Watermelon Extreme delivers nutrients while remaining relatively low in calories, fat, and sodium compared to other smoothie options. It provides a solid dose of vitamins and minerals from its fruit ingredients. A 20oz serving provides 100% of your daily Vitamin C from the strawberries and watermelon. It also contains small amounts of potassium, Vitamin A, calcium, and iron.
With 64 grams of carbohydrates, it provides a quick energy boost as well. The majority of these carbs come from natural sugars in the fruit. So you get a nutritious, satisfying smoothie that fuels your body without weighing you down.
Watermelon Extreme Ingredients
The simple blend of refreshing ingredients adds to the Watermelon Extreme’s appeal. Here are the ingredients in a Watermelon Extreme, according to Smoothie King:
– Watermelon
– Strawberries
– Lemon juice
– Ice
– Splenda
By keeping the ingredient list short, Smoothie King maintains the naturally sweet flavors of the fruits. The watermelon and strawberries provide plenty of flavor and sweetness on their own. They balance out the tart lemon juice that gives it a zesty kick.
Smoothie King uses seedless watermelons so you get pure watermelon flavor in every sip. Real strawberries also provide more nutrients and flavor than strawberry syrups or purees used by some chains. The Splenda gives it some added sweetness while keeping calorie and sugar counts down. And the ice makes it perfectly chilled and frosty.
Overall, the simplicity of the Watermelon Extreme ingredients contributes to its refreshing, nostalgic taste.
Where to Get the Watermelon Extreme
Smoothie King fans eager to get this summer favorite can visit their local Smoothie King during its seasonal run. The Watermelon Extreme is only available for a limited time from mid-May through early September each year. Availability can vary by location, so check with your neighborhood Smoothie King for exact dates.
The Watermelon Extreme is one of Smoothie King’s pre-designed “Classic” smoothies. So you can order it easily off their menu board by name at any location. Of course, ordering ahead through their app or online for pickup can help avoid long waits during peak summer months. You can also customize your Watermelon Extreme and add boosts like whey protein upon request.
Smoothie King has over 1,300 locations across the United States. It has a strong presence throughout the south and west. Use Smoothie King’s online location finder tool to get the address and hours of the nearest branch. This makes it easy to navigate to the closest one wherever your summer travels take you.
And if all else fails, you can use Smoothie King’s online shop to order any of their Classic smoothies for nationwide shipping. While nothing beats an ice-cold Watermelon Extreme on a hot day, you can still get your fix shipped directly to your door.
Price of the Watermelon Extreme
As a Classic smoothie made with simple fruit ingredients, the Watermelon Extreme comes in on the lower end of Smoothie King’s price range. Here are the current prices for a 20oz Watermelon Extreme smoothie, per Smoothie King’s online menu:
– Small (20oz): $6.99
– Large (32oz): $8.49
– X-Large (40oz): $9.99
These prices may vary a bit by location, but provide a general price range to expect. Smoothie King also allows you to add boosts like supplements or protein that increase the price.
Overall, the Watermelon Extreme offers solid value at under $7 for a 20oz serving. The simple ingredients make it more affordable than specialty smoothies packed with superfood add-ins. Smoothie King also offers loyalty rewards through their Healthy Rewards program, allowing you to earn points toward free smoothies.
How to Make a Watermelon Extreme Smoothie at Home
While it’s tough to replicate the true Watermelon Extreme without Smoothie King’s commercial blenders, you can create a tasty dupe at home. Here is a simple DIY Watermelon Extreme smoothie recipe:
Ingredients:
– 2 cups watermelon, cubed
– 1 cup strawberries
– 1 lemon, juiced
– 1/2 cup ice
– 2 tbsp honey or agave nectar (optional)
– 4-6 oz cold water
Instructions:
1. Add the watermelon, strawberries, lemon juice, ice, and sweetener (if using) to your blender.
2. Pour in cold water until you reach your desired consistency, around 4-6 ounces.
3. Blend until smooth, adding more water if needed.
4. Pour into a glass and enjoy your Watermelon Extreme!
You can also customize your homemade version with add-ins like flaxseed, protein powder, or spinach. Adjust the ingredient amounts based on your blender’s power and your personal taste preferences. While it won’t be exactly the same, this easy DIY recipe lets you create a refreshing Watermelon Extreme at home.
Alternatives to Try
If you stop by Smoothie King outside Watermelon Extreme season, there are some similar options to consider:
Strawberry X-Treme – This strawberry-lemon smoothie makes a tart, fruit-forward alternative. Smoothie King offers it year-round.
Watermelon Daiquiri – For a tropical twist, try this blend of watermelon, strawberries, banana, and pineapple. It’s available seasonally.
Mango Magic – Smoothie King’s seasonal mango smoothie delivers sweet fruit flavor with a vitamin C boost.
Real Strawberry Whirl – Pick this classic if you want to highlight the strawberry flavor notes.
While no substitute can fully replace the Watermelon Extreme, these refreshing fruit smoothies come close. You may even find a new favorite!
Does Smoothie King Still Have Watermelon Extreme? The Verdict
In conclusion, Smoothie King still offers their iconic Watermelon Extreme smoothie each summer. This seasonal favorite provides a nutritious, guilt-free treat that customers eagerly anticipate. While Smoothie King has expanded their limited-time smoothie menu, the Watermelon Extreme remains a staple. It saw nationwide availability from May 16 to September 5, 2022 during its usual summertime run.
Barring any major menu changes, fans can expect to see the Watermelon Extreme return again in May 2023. Smoothie King has kept the signature smoothie in rotation each summer for nearly 20 years, much to customers delight. For a light and refreshing fruit fix, head to your local Smoothie King and grab a Watermelon Extreme before summer ends!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the ingredients in the Watermelon Extreme smoothie?
The Watermelon Extreme contains watermelon, strawberries, lemon juice, ice, and Splenda. Smoothie King uses simple, whole ingredients like seedless watermelon and real strawberries.
When is Watermelon Extreme available?
The Watermelon Extreme is a seasonal summer smoothie. It’s typically available from May through early September each year at participating Smoothie King locations.
How many calories are in a Watermelon Extreme?
A 20 ounce Watermelon Extreme smoothie has 270 calories. The Slim & Trim smoothie packs nutrients while remaining low in calories compared to other standard Smoothie King smoothies.
Can you make a Watermelon Extreme smoothie at home?
Yes, you can make a version of the Watermelon Extreme at home! Blend watermelon, strawberries, lemon juice, ice, and optional sweetener. Add water until smooth. While not exactly the same, it makes a tasty dupe.
What are some other smoothies to try if Watermelon Extreme isn’t available?
The Strawberry X-Treme, Watermelon Daiquiri, Mango Magic, and Real Strawberry Whirl are good alternatives. They use similar fruit flavors in refreshing combinations.
