Quick Answer
A large strawberry banana smoothie from McDonald’s costs between $3.99 and $4.49 depending on location. The smoothies at McDonald’s are 24 oz.
Ingredients in a McDonald’s Strawberry Banana Smoothie
A McDonald’s strawberry banana smoothie is made with the following ingredients:
- Strawberry puree
- Banana puree
- Low fat yogurt
- Ice
- Sugar
The exact proportions of each ingredient are not publicly available but the smoothie contains both real fruit purees and low fat yogurt. The strawberry banana flavor has no artificial flavors or preservatives.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 270 |
| Total Fat | 2g |
| Sodium | 115mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 61g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 51g |
| Protein | 6g |
As you can see from the nutrition information, the strawberry banana smoothie is high in carbohydrates and sugar but relatively low in fat and sodium. It provides 270 calories per 24 oz serving.
Cost of a McDonald’s Strawberry Banana Smoothie
The cost of a McDonald’s strawberry banana smoothie depends on size and location but averages between $3.99 and $4.49 for a large 24 oz size. Here are some example prices:
- Los Angeles, CA: $4.49 for a large
- Houston, TX: $3.99 for a large
- Chicago, IL: $4.29 for a large
- New York, NY: $4.69 for a large
Prices are subject to change but are typically within that range nationally. The smoothies may cost more in major cities and coastal regions.
Benefits of Strawberry Banana Smoothies
There are several potential health benefits associated with drinking strawberry banana smoothies:
- Fruit intake – Smoothies provide an easy way to get more servings of fruit into your diet. The strawberry banana smoothie delivers over 1 cup of fruit.
- Antioxidants – Strawberries are high in polyphenol antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation.
- Potassium – Bananas are known for being high in heart-healthy potassium.
- Bone health – The yogurt provides calcium and vitamin D for improved bone health.
- Fiber – With 3g of dietary fiber, the smoothie helps meet fiber needs.
The specific health benefits will depend on the other components of your diet but strawberry banana smoothies can be a nutrient-dense beverage option.
Smoothie Customization at McDonald’s
When ordering a strawberry banana smoothie from McDonald’s, you can customize and modify it in the following ways:
- Size – Choose small, medium or large.
- Added fruit – Add blueberries, strawberries, raspberries or peach for extra cost.
- Yogurt – Substitute the regular yogurt for low-fat or non-fat yogurt.
- Sweetener – Request less or no added sugar.
- Milk – Replace the yogurt with milk for a dairy-free option.
- Protein – Add a protein boost of whey protein powder.
Some McDonald’s locations may have limited customization options but you may be able to make simple tweaks like exchanging yogurt or reducing the sugar. Speak to the cashier for details on customizing your smoothie.
Price Comparison to Other Smoothie Chains
Compared to other major smoothie restaurant chains, McDonald’s has very competitively priced strawberry banana smoothies. Here is a price comparison:
| Restaurant | Small | Medium | Large |
|---|---|---|---|
| McDonald’s | $2.99 | $3.99 | $4.49 |
| Jamba Juice | $4.45 | $5.45 | $6.45 |
| Smoothie King | $5.99 | $6.99 | $7.99 |
As you can see, McDonald’s offers strawberry banana smoothies for 25-50% less than competing chains for a medium and large size. Their small size is also reasonably priced. Overall, they offer great value on smoothies.
Taste Reviews of the Strawberry Banana Smoothie
Here are some reviews of the taste and quality of McDonald’s strawberry banana smoothies:
- “It was thick, creamy, and full of fruity flavor. You can really taste the strawberry and banana.””
- “Smooth and creamy but the strawberry flavor was mild. I wanted a more intense strawberry taste.”
- “The smoothie was sweeter than I expected but very tasty. A solid option if you have a sweet tooth.”
- “Not the best smoothie I’ve ever had but very good for the price. I added blueberries for more fruitiness.”
The consensus seems to be that McDonald’s smoothies are tasty and refreshing if you like sweeter fruit flavors. Some people feel the strawberry flavor could be stronger. Overall, they provide good quality and flavor for the low cost.
Nutrition Compared to Strawberry Banana Smoothies from Other Chains
Comparing the nutrition facts, McDonald’s strawberry banana smoothies have slightly lower calories, fat, and sodium versus competitors:
| Restaurant | Calories | Fat (g) | Sodium (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| McDonald’s | 270 | 2 | 115 |
| Jamba Juice | 320 | 1 | 180 |
| Smoothie King | 340 | 3.5 | 190 |
However, the sugar content is roughly the same, ranging from 45-53g per large smoothie. And ingredients like fruit and yogurt are comparable at most chains. So while McDonald’s smoothies edge out competitors slightly on calories and sodium, the overall nutrition is broadly similar.
Tips for the Best Tasting McDonald’s Smoothie
Here are some tips to get the tastiest strawberry banana or other fruit smoothie from McDonald’s:
- Ask for light ice to avoid dilution of the fruit flavors.
- Add extra fruit like blueberries or raspberries to give it more depth.
- Go for non-fat yogurt for a richer, creamier mouthfeel.
- Try adding chia seeds or peanut butter powder for healthy fat and protein.
- Request less sugar or simple syrup if you don’t want it too sweet.
- Stir well before drinking to evenly distribute the fruit and yogurt.
- Enjoy with a spoon straw to get the thick fruit smoothie consistency.
Starting with light ice and adding extra fruit is the best way to create a flavorful McDonald’s smoothie tailored to your tastebuds.
Are McDonald’s Smoothies Healthy?
McDonald’s smoothies provide some nutritional benefits but also contain high sugar:
Pros:
- 1 serving of fruit per smoothie
- Low fat yogurt as a protein and calcium source
- Vitamins and antioxidants from real fruit
- Can be customized to be low sugar or high protein
Cons:
- High in natural and added sugars – average 51g per large size
- Higher calorie beverage at 270 calories for a large
- Lacks fiber of whole fruits and veggies
- Often artificially flavored in non-fruit varieties
In moderation, a McDonald’s smoothie can add nutrition as part of a balanced diet. But the high sugar content should be considered for individuals watching their sugar intake.
Conclusion
A McDonald’s large strawberry banana smoothie typically costs between $3.99-$4.49, providing a 24 oz beverage blended with fruit purees and yogurt. It delivers 1 fruit serving and vitamin antioxidants but also 51g of sugar. While not the healthiest choice, it offers nutrients and refreshment at one of the lowest prices among major smoothie chains. Customizing with light ice and extra fruit can improve the flavor and nutrition. Overall, it can be an occasional affordable treat for strawberry banana smoothie lovers.
