Jamba Juice offers a variety of refreshing smoothies and juices, many of which are gluten-free. For customers avoiding gluten, the good news is that most Jamba Juice drinks are naturally gluten-free. With the exception of a few ingredients like wheatgrass and mango banana bread, the smoothies and juices at Jamba Juice are gluten-free by nature.
When preparing gluten-free drinks, Jamba Juice takes steps to avoid cross-contamination, like using separate blenders and utensils. So for anyone following a gluten-free diet, Jamba Juice can be a great option.
List of Gluten-Free Drinks at Jamba Juice
Here is a list of gluten-free smoothies and juices currently available on the Jamba Juice menu:
| Smoothies | Juices |
|---|---|
| Aloha Pineapple Smoothie | Beet Juice |
| B-Kick Smoothie | Enlighten Mint Lemonade |
| Berry Fulfilling® Smoothie | Ginger Juice |
| Black & Blue Smoothie | Go-Go Green Lemonade |
| Caribbean Passion® Smoothie | Green Ginger Lemonade |
| Citrus Squeeze® Smoothie | Lemon Ginger Kombucha |
| Classic Strawberry Smoothie | Orange Carrot Karma® Juice |
| Coconut Water Smoothie – Island GreenTM | Pineapple Cucumber Juice |
| Fit ‘n FruitfulTM Smoothie | Pomegranate Juice |
| Island GreenTM Smoothie | Single Origin Cold Press Juices |
| Mango-A-Go-Go® Smoothie | |
| Orange Dream Machine® Smoothie | |
| Peach Perfection® Smoothie | |
| Pineapple Surf® Smoothie | |
| Pomegranate Pizzazz® Smoothie | |
| Protein Berry Pizzazz Smoothie | |
| Strawberries WildTM Smoothie | |
| Strawberry Surf Rider® Smoothie | |
| Sunrise Smoothie | |
| Sweet Deal® Smoothie | |
| The Bee’s KneesTM Smoothie | |
| Triple Berry Smoothie |
As you can see, most smoothies and all juices at Jamba are gluten-free. The only exceptions are a few smoothies made with wheatgrass or other gluten ingredients. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to ask your Jamba Juice server to double check if a certain smoothie contains gluten.
Cross-Contamination Precautions
While Jamba Juice smoothies and juices are gluten-free by nature, the company takes extra steps to avoid cross-contamination for customers with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Here are some of the precautions followed by Jamba Juice employees:
- Using separate blenders to make smoothies with gluten ingredients like wheatgrass
- Thoroughly washing blenders between different smoothie batches
- Using separate utensils and washcloths to handle gluten-free smoothies
- Changing gloves frequently
- Keeping allergen information up-to-date for every ingredient
Following these steps minimizes the risk of gluten cross-contamination. But it’s always smart for gluten-free customers to clearly state their dietary needs when ordering. This ensures the employees take all the right precautions.
Smoothies to Avoid
While Jamba Juice has a great selection of gluten-free smoothies, there are a few that contain gluten. People following a strictly gluten-free diet should avoid:
- Bonus Size Wheatgrass Smoothie
- Wheatgrass Smoothie
- Triple Berry Wheatgrass Smoothie
- Blueberry Wheatgrass Smoothie
- B-KoolTM Smoothie
- Any smoothie made with mango banana bread or bakery toppings
The wheatgrass is the main ingredient to watch out for. Jamba Juice grows and juices their own wheatgrass in the store. So wheatgrass smoothies are contaminated with gluten and not safe for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
A few Jamba Juice locations also offer bakery toppings like muffins, scones, and banana bread for their smoothies. These baked goods contain gluten, so smoothies with bakery toppings should be avoided on a gluten-free diet. When in doubt, check with your Jamba Juice location to see if they offer bakery toppings.
Juices and Other Beverages
The juice menu at Jamba Juice is a gluten-free oasis. All the fresh juices, lemonades, and kombucha beverages are made without gluten ingredients. They’re centrifuged to remove pulp, so there’s no risk of wheatgrass or other contamination.
Jamba Juice also offers organic tea and coffee drinks. These hot beverages are gluten-free as well, as long as no bakery toppings are added. Stick with drinks prepared with coffee, tea, steamed milk and flavorings like honey or agave.
Kids’ Menu Drinks
Little ones with gluten intolerance or celiac disease can also enjoy gluten-free smoothies at Jamba Juice. The Kids’ Menu features smaller smoothies in kid-friendly flavors like Strawberry Surf Rider® and Orange Dream Machine®.
The only Kids’ Menu smoothie to avoid is the Peanut Butter Moo’dTM. It contains wheat germ, so is not gluten-free. The rest of the kids’ smoothies are based on fruits and juices, without any gluten ingredients.
When ordering for gluten-free kids, make sure to tell the Jamba Juice employees that a wheatgrass-free blender must be used. This prevents cross-contamination.
Boosts and Add-Ons
Jamba Juice offers a variety of boosts and add-ons you can add to your smoothie, depending on your dietary needs and preferences. Here’s a rundown of which boosts are gluten-free:
| Gluten-Free Boosts | Boosts with Gluten |
|---|---|
| Daily Vitamin Boost | Muscle BuilderTM Boost |
| Energy Boost | Vegan Boost |
| Fiber Boost | |
| Immunity Boost | |
| Kid-C Boost® | |
| Protein Boost | |
| Whey Protein Boost |
The Muscle BuilderTM and Vegan Boosts contain wheat germ, so they are not gluten-free. All the other boosts and add-ons, like chia seeds, peanut butter, and fresh kale, are free of gluten ingredients.
Keep in mind that boosts and add-ons are hand-scooped at the store, so there’s a small risk of cross-contamination. If you have celiac disease or are highly sensitive, request that the boosts are added using newly opened containers and clean utensils.
Making Special Requests
Don’t be shy about making special requests to ensure your Jamba Juice drink is safely gluten-free. The employees are used to accommodating guests with food allergies and intolerances. Here are some requests you can make:
- “I have celiac disease and need my smoothie to be completely gluten-free. Can you please use a clean blender and utensils?”
- “Can I get the immunity boost added after blending instead of blended in? I’m avoiding cross-contamination.”
- “Are the bakery toppings kept away from the fruit and juices? I’m gluten-free and want to check there’s no chance of contamination.”
- “Do you prepare wheatgrass at this location? I need to avoid smoothies with wheatgrass due to gluten.”
Reassure the employees you understand proper precautions require additional steps. With clear communication, the Jamba Juice staff will be happy to oblige your requests.
Choosing Lower-Risk Locations
If you’re especially sensitive to gluten, another strategy is to seek out Jamba Juice locations that carry less risk of cross-contamination. Here are some tips:
- Avoid stores that serve wheatgrass smoothies, since gluten contamination is more likely.
- Seek out smaller locations that don’t prepare bakery toppings on-site.
- Stick to newer Jamba Juice stores, which tend to have better awareness and training about allergens.
- Ask the staff extensive questions about their allergen procedures before ordering.
Taking these steps provides more assurance your gluten-free smoothie or juice will be contamination-free. Keep in mind that policies and training vary franchise to franchise.
Jamba Juice Allergen Information
If you have any doubts about the gluten-free status of a menu item, refer to Jamba Juice’s published allergen information. This definitive guide shows which menu items contain potential allergens, including wheat/gluten.
Jamba Juice makes their allergen and nutrition data available online at https://www.jambajuice.com/menu-and-nutrition. They also keep printed allergen guides at all store locations.
The online and in-store allergen guides are handy references for gluten-free guests. Double check the status of any menu item you’re unsure about.
Being Gluten Savvy
Dining out gluten-free requires some extra care and savviness. With menu items made on-site, there’s always potential for cross-contamination. But you can enjoy Jamba Juice smoothies and juices safely by:
- Sticking to fruit and juice-based smoothies without wheatgrass or bakery toppings
- Ordering fresh juices and tea/coffee drinks instead of smoothies
- Asking employees to take extra precautions and use clean blenders
- Opting for lower-risk locations when possible
- Checking company allergen info for any uncertainties
With the right knowledge and preparation, Jamba Juice can be a delicious gluten-free destination. Arm yourself with accurate menu information and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Then you can feel good enjoying flavorful, nutrition smoothies and juices that are safe for your diet.
Dining Out Gluten-Free
When you’re avoiding gluten, eating out requires extra care and planning. Here are some general tips for dining safely gluten-free:
- Research the menu ahead and note gluten-free choices.
- Tell your server you need gluten-free for a medical reason.
- Ask about how dishes are prepared and potential cross-contamination.
- Check restaurant allergen guides or nutrition info online.
- Stick to naturally gluten-free whole foods like fruits, veggies, eggs, meat.
- Avoid breaded, fried, creamy, or sauced dishes which often contain gluten.
- Request all sauces and dressings on the side.
- Ask about gluten-free menu substitutions or modifications.
- Thank and compliment helpful staff so they’re encouraged to accommodate.
Eating out gluten-free means empowering yourself with knowledge. Do some homework, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to make special requests. With preparation, care, and flexibility, you can safely enjoy dining out again.
Gluten-Free Living Tips
Following a gluten-free diet requires adjustments to many aspects of your lifestyle. Here are some tips for living well gluten-free:
- Learn to cook at home – Preparing your own meals gives you full control over ingredients. Stock up on gluten-free grains, flours, and condiments.
- Avoid cross-contamination – Use separate cookware for gluten-free cooking. Never reuse surfaces, utensils or oils that touched gluten.
- Read all ingredient labels – Get in the habit of always checking labels for wheat, barley, rye or ambiguous ingredients like “spices.”
- Find substitutes – Test out gluten-free versions of favorite foods like bread, crackers, noodles and baked goods.
- Communicate with friends and family – Make loved ones aware of your needs so they can accommodate you at social gatherings.
- Check medications and supplements – Prescription and over-the-counter medicines often contain gluten as binders.
- Join online groups – Connect with the gluten-free community for tips and support.
- Pack snacks – Bring gluten-free bars, trail mix etc. when traveling or running errands.
- Manage mistakes – Accidental gluten exposure happens. Have a plan to treat symptoms and get back on track.
At first, a gluten-free life involves many adaptations. But with time, it becomes second nature. Arm yourself with information and solutions. With the right knowledge and preparation, you can thrive living happy and healthy gluten-free.
Conclusion
When craving a nutritious smoothie or juice but following a gluten-free diet, Jamba Juice is a solid option. Almost all the smoothies and juices at Jamba are naturally gluten-free. Just avoid the few wheatgrass and bakery topping selections. With some savvy precautions, customers avoiding gluten can enjoy delicious refreshment from Jamba Juice. Do your homework, ask questions, and work with employees to customize your experience. A refreshing gluten-free treat from Jamba Juice is totally possible with flexibility and preparation.
