Tropical Smoothie Cafe’s Dragon Fruit Smoothie is a refreshing and nutritious blended drink made with a combination of fruit, yogurt, and juice. Some key ingredients that give this smoothie its unique flavor and nutritional profile include dragon fruit, strawberries, banana, nonfat yogurt, and apple juice.
Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit is the star ingredient that gives this smoothie its name. Also known as pitaya, dragon fruit is a tropical fruit that originated in Mexico and Central and South America. The most common varieties have a pinkish red exterior and white flesh studded with tiny black seeds. Dragon fruit has a mildly sweet taste that is often described as a cross between a kiwi and a pear. It provides the Dragon Fruit Smoothie with a vibrant color and subtle sweetness.
Dragon fruit is rich in antioxidants like vitamin C, polyphenols, and betacyanins. It also contains carotenoids that can be converted into vitamin A in the body. The seeds provide omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Dragon fruit is high in fiber and low in calories, making it a nutritious addition to smoothies.
Strawberries
Strawberries add great flavor and texture to the Dragon Fruit Smoothie. They also boost the nutritional value with vitamin C, manganese, folate, and antioxidants. The combination of strawberries and dragon fruit provides a double dose of immune-supporting vitamin C for a healthy start to your day.
Banana
Banana lends its creamy texture and natural sweetness to balance out the more exotic flavors. Banana is an excellent source of potassium, which can help lower blood pressure. It also provides vitamin B6, vitamin C, manganese, and fiber.
Nonfat Yogurt
Nonfat yogurt adds protein and calcium to make the Dragon Fruit Smoothie a balanced beverage. Yogurt contains live active cultures that support digestive and immune system health. Nonfat Greek yogurt would be especially high in protein. The yogurt adds a rich, creamy element that complements the fruit flavors.
Apple Juice
Apple juice adds a subtle sweetness and smooth texture to the Dragon Fruit Smoothie. While regular apple juice contains a good amount of vitamin C, calcium-fortified juice would provide an extra calcium boost. Apple juice made from concentrate would have a longer shelf life than fresh pressed juice.
Other Possible Ingredients
While dragon fruit, strawberries, banana, nonfat yogurt, and apple juice are the core ingredients, Tropical Smoothie may include additional components to customize the nutrition and taste:
- Whey protein powder to boost the protein content
- Ground flax or chia seeds for omega-3s and fiber
- Oats or spinach to increase fiber
- Peanut butter or almond butter for healthy fats and protein
- Vanilla or almond extract to add flavor
- Honey or agave nectar to sweeten
- Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom to add spice
- Crushed ice to achieve the signature Tropical Smoothie texture
Nutrition Facts
Based on the core ingredients, a 16-ounce Dragon Fruit Smoothie would provide:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | About 300 |
| Total Fat | 1.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 10 mg |
| Sodium | 100 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 60 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 6 g |
| Sugars | 35 g |
| Protein | 15 g |
| Vitamin C | 100 mg |
| Calcium | 400 mg |
| Iron | 3 mg |
| Potassium | 600 mg |
The actual nutrition may vary depending on exact quantities of each ingredient and any additions like protein powder or nut butters. But the smoothie provides a substantial supply of vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein, and antioxidants from all the nutrient-dense fruit.
Benefits of the Dragon Fruit Smoothie
Here are some of the key benefits you can expect to enjoy from drinking a Dragon Fruit Smoothie from Tropical Smoothie Cafe:
- High in Antioxidants – The combination of dragon fruit and strawberries provides a spectrum of antioxidant carotenoids, vitamin C, anthocyanins, and phenolic compounds to reduce oxidative stress.
- Anti-Inflammatory – Nutrients like vitamin C, omega-3s, and polyphenols in the smoothie fight inflammation to improve immunity and chronic conditions.
- Supports Gut Health – The probiotics in the yogurt paired with the fiber content promotes good gut bacteria and healthy digestion.
- Strengthens Immunity – Vitamin C, zinc, and antioxidants help boost immune defense against pathogens and protect cells from damage.
- Good Source of Fiber – The fiber from the fruits, yogurt, and possible additions like oats keeps you fuller longer while feeding healthy gut bacteria.
- Antimicrobial Properties – Dragon fruit contains compounds that inhibit the growth of certain bacteria, fungi, and other microbes to support oral and gut health.
- Vision Protection – Vitamin A from the dragon fruit and yogurt helps maintain eye health and prevent vision issues like macular degeneration.
- Heart Healthy – Nutrients like potassium, vitamin C, and omega-3s support heart health by improving circulation and lowering blood pressure and inflammation.
- Aids Digestion – The enzymes in the pineapple and probiotics in the yogurt break down proteins, fats, carbs and fiber for efficient digestion.
- Bone Health – Calcium and phosphorus strengthen bones and prevent bone loss leading to osteoporosis.
How to Order
You can order the Dragon Fruit Smoothie at any Tropical Smoothie Cafe location. Here are some tips for ordering:
- Choose a size – 16 oz, 24 oz, or 30 oz.
- Select regular or light version. The light has less calories and sugar.
- Add a supplement if you want extra fiber, protein, vitamins or superfoods.
- Choose dairy or non-dairy yogurt. Options are regular yogurt, Greek yogurt, coconut yogurt, almond milk yogurt, etc.
- Request any other customizations like an added boost of cinnamon or extra strawberries.
- Opt to make it a combo meal with food like oatmeal, a wrap, or breakfast sandwich.
- Order online for takeout or delivery through the Tropical Smoothie app or a delivery service.
The Dragon Fruit Smoothie is one of Tropical Smoothie’s speciality smoothies. While availability can vary by location, most stores carry it regularly. Check the Tropical Smoothie menu online or on the app to confirm they offer it.
Cost
Expect to pay the following prices for a Dragon Fruit Smoothie:
| Size | Price |
|---|---|
| 16 oz | $4.99 – $5.99 |
| 24 oz | $5.99 – $6.99 |
| 30 oz | $6.49 – $7.49 |
Supplements, boosts, dairy alternatives, and other customizations will raise the price. Combos that include food are more expensive but can be a good value.
Nutritional Alternatives
While the Dragon Fruit Smoothie is a healthy choice, Tropical Smoothie has many other smoothies that provide great nutrition in different ways:
- Jetty Punch – With spinach, kale, spirulina, and chlorella, this smoothie packs protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Caribbean Way – Pineapple, banana, coconut, and almond milk provide fiber, vitamin C, magnesium, and healthy fats.
- Angel Sunrise – Strawberries, bananas, and fat-free yogurt give you protein and antioxidants.
- Island Green – This smoothie contains kale, pineapple, banana, Greek yogurt, and fresh apple juice.
- Sunny 10 – A blend of mangos, oranges, bananas, and nonfat yogurt with just 10 grams of sugar.
- Rise & Shine – Strawberry and banana paired with fat-free yogurt and wheat germ for fiber and vitamin E.
Compare nutrition facts online to find another Tropical Smoothie smoothie with the ingredients and benefits you desire.
Make it at Home
You can recreate the Dragon Fruit Smoothie at home with just a blender and a few simple ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup diced dragon fruit
- 1 cup strawberries
- 1 small banana
- 1/2 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup apple juice or coconut water
- 1 cup ice
Directions:
- Add all ingredients to a high-powered blender.
- Blend until smooth, about 1 minute.
- Pour into a glass and top with slices of dragon fruit if desired.
- Enjoy immediately for maximum freshness and nutrition.
Feel free to tweak the recipe with your favorite fruits, yogurt, juice, protein powder, or other mix-ins to replicate the Tropical Smoothie version or give it your own spin.
Conclusion
With its vibrant pink color and sweet, tropical flavor, the Dragon Fruit Smoothie is one of the most unique and nutritious choices on the Tropical Smoothie menu. Dragon fruit and strawberries provide most of the flavor and nutrition along with banana, yogurt, and apple juice. This antioxidant-rich smoothie supports immunity, digestion, heart health, and more. You can order it customized to your preferences in any Tropical Smoothie Cafe or try making a version at home for a refreshing, healthy treat.
