What is the blue smoothie from Erewhon?

The blue smoothie from Erewhon has become an iconic and popular drink that people seek out for its flavor, ingredients and health benefits. But what exactly is in this bright blue beverage? Here is a deeper look into the blue smoothie’s origins, recipe, nutrition facts and why it has developed such a cult-like following.

What is Erewhon Market?

Erewhon Market is an upscale grocery store chain with locations in Los Angeles, Calabasas, Venice and Pacific Palisades in California. Founded in 1966 by Aveline and Michio Kushi, Erewhon markets itself as a premium organic and natural foods retailer. It was one of the first stores dedicated to providing a large selection of organic, macrobiotic and hard-to-find health foods and products.

Over the decades, Erewhon has become known as a destination for health-conscious celebrities and affluent shoppers looking for top-quality organic and vegan fare. The prepared foods and juice bar sections of Erewhon are especially popular. Customers can find an array of cold-pressed juices, smoothies, bowls and other grab-and-go items that use unique ingredient combinations.

History of the Blue Smoothie

Erewhon first introduced its blue smoothie in the early 2000s at its juice counter. It quickly became known as one of Erewhon’s trademark and most sought-after menu items. The vibrant royal blue color comes from the addition of trendy functional ingredients like blue-green algae, spirulina and butterfly pea flower powder.

Over the years, the blue smoothie has attracted many celebrity fans like Gwyneth Paltrow. It has been featured in magazines, websites and social media posts from health and wellness influencers. Thanks to its photogenic blue hue and nourishing ingredients, the smoothie encapsulates the laidback yet health-conscious lifestyle that Erewhon represents.

Blue Smoothie Ingredients

Erewhon’s blue smoothie recipe has remained relatively unchanged since its inception. It contains a blend of trendy superfoods and nutrient-dense ingredients like:

  • Almond milk – Provides creamy texture and nutrients like vitamin E.
  • Bananas – Contribute potassium and natural sweetness.
  • Blue-green algae powder – Loaded with protein, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants like chlorophyll.
  • Spirulina – An antioxidant-rich blue-green algae that contains protein, B vitamins, beta carotene and phytonutrients.
  • Butterfly pea flower powder – Adds vibrant blue color. Contains anthocyanin antioxidants.
  • Dates – Provide fiber and help naturally sweeten the smoothie.
  • Hemp seeds – A complete protein source with all essential amino acids.
  • Chia seeds – Packed with fiber, protein, magnesium, omega-3s and other nutrients.
  • Macca root powder – Supplies energy and stamina along with vitamins and minerals.

The ingredient list varies slightly between Erewhon locations. Some stores sell an almond-coconut milk based version or swap ingredients like dates for vanilla protein. But the core elements of almond milk, bananas, blue-green algae, spirulina and butterfly pea powder remain constant. The smoothie has a thicker, creamier texture than many juice blends thanks to the fiber from the seeds, dates and powders.

Blue Smoothie Nutrition Facts

The Erewhon blue smoothie packs a nutritional punch thanks to its all-star cast of healthy ingredients. Here are some of the main vitamins, minerals and other beneficial nutrients found in a 16 ounce blue smoothie:

Nutrient Amount
Calories About 350
Protein 10-12g
Carbohydrates 60-68g
Fat 10-12g
Fiber 11-13g
Sugar 36-42g
Potassium 900-1000mg
Magnesium 100-120mg
Iron 5-7mg
Calcium 300-350mg

It provides high doses of potassium, fiber, magnesium, iron, calcium and protein. The algae, spirulina and seeds also boost antioxidant levels to reduce inflammation. So you get an excellent balance of macronutrients, vitamins and minerals in one nutrient-dense beverage.

Potential Health Benefits

Drinking the blue smoothie regularly may provide these science-backed health benefits:

  • Improves digestion and gut health – Thanks to the high fiber content from the dates, seeds, powders and banana.
  • Stabilizes energy and blood sugar – The fiber helps slow digestion while the banana, dates and maca provide sustained energy.
  • Supports heart health – The banana, algae, spirulina and nutrients provide potassium, omega-3s and antioxidants to reduce heart disease risk factors.
  • Enhances immunity – Blue-green algae is especially high in immunity-boosting nutrients.
  • Promotes bone strength – It’s a good plant-based source of bone-supporting calcium and magnesium.
  • May support brain function – Compounds in blue-green algae like phycocyanins could enhance focus and cognition.

Research also shows compounds from blue-green algae, macca and butterfly pea flower may have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-aging effects in the body when consumed regularly.

The Blue Smoothie Experience

Beyond its nutritional benefits, the Erewhon blue smoothie simply makes people feel good. The cheerful electric blue color is instantly uplifting. It looks beautiful in photos and social media posts.

The flavor profile is quite pleasant and easy to drink. Bananas and dates provide natural sweetness to balance the earthy, plant-like taste from the algae, spirulina and other superfood powders. Customers describe the texture as thick, creamy and frosty.

Sipping a chilled blue smoothie from Erewhon is part of the overall sensory experience of shopping there. From the eclectic music and scents to the vibrant produce and design, Erewhon feels like an escape from the ordinary. The blue smoothie lets people bring home a little piece of that escape.

Some also feel the blue smoothie provides a quick energy boost – both from its nutrients and aesthetics. The smoothie contains just the right amount of sugar, protein and healthy fats to give you sustained energy without a crash. So it has become popular as a pre/post workout beverage or morning pick-me-up.

Popularity and Availability

The blue smoothie remains one of Erewhon’s top selling menu items year after year. Celebs and influencers still flock to Erewhon for their blue smoothie fix and promote it on social media for their followers.

However, you can only purchase the blue smoothie directly from Erewhon Market stores in LA county. A few specialty grocers in the LA area offer blue-colored smoothies inspired by Erewhon’s signature blend. But nothing quite matches the OG blue smoothie.

Erewhon has expanded to offer online ordering and delivery in parts of Los Angeles. So if you’re local, you can get the blue smoothie delivered through apps like Postmates or Mercato. But for visitors and most smoothie lovers, a pilgrimage to an Erewhon store is required for the true blue smoothie experience.

The smoothie costs $10.95-$11.95 for a 16 ounce cup, depending on location. That’s quite pricey for a smoothie but expected given Erewhon’s premium products and reputation. Devoted fans happily pay the extra cost to enjoy the smoothie’s great taste and nutrition in one eye-catching blue package.

How to Make the Blue Smoothie at Home

While you can’t exactly replicate the blue smoothie without Erewhon’s proprietary ingredients, you can create your own healthier rendition at home. Here is a basic recipe to make one smoothie:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 medium banana
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen spinach or kale
  • 2 tablespoons almond butter
  • 1 tablespoon spirulina powder
  • 1 teaspoon blue-green algae powder (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon butterfly pea flower powder
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • 1 tablespoon hemp seeds
  • 1 Medjool date, pitted
  • 1/2 cup ice cubes

Instructions:

  1. Add the almond milk, banana, spinach/kale, almond butter, spirulina, blue-green algae powder, butterfly pea powder, chia seeds, hemp seeds and date to a high-speed blender.
  2. Blend the ingredients on high until completely smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
  3. Add the ice cubes and blend again until thick and icy cold.
  4. Pour into a glass and enjoy your homemade blue smoothie!

You can adjust the ingredient amounts based on your preferences. Add more spinach for extra nutrients or more dates, almond butter or bananas for more sweetness.

The color likely won’t be quite as vibrant as Erewhon’s trademark blue but will still have a pretty teal/green blue hue. If you want a more electric blue, you can add more butterfly pea flower powder or use blue spirulina powder instead of green spirulina.

Conclusion

Erewhon’s blue smoothie stands out as one of the most recognizable and iconic smoothies around. Its eye-catching blue color, healthy superfood ingredients and association with celebrity wellness culture all contribute to its legendary status.

While you can only purchase the true blue smoothie at Erewhon stores in LA, you can recreate a healthier version at home. Packed with plant-based protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals, the blue smoothie makes a nutritious choice to energize your day with a boost of color.

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