SEATTLE — Starbucks customers may soon be asked, “Would you like kale with that?”
As part of a partnership with Dannon, the coffee chain has added smoothies to the menu in 4,300 of its stores. The handcrafted Evolution Fresh Smoothies are made with Greek nonfat yogurt and premium cold-pressed fruit and vegetable juice in three varieties: sweet greens, featuring assorted green vegetables with mango and banana; strawberry, with apple and banana; and mango carrot.
Each smoothie contains no artificial sweeteners, preservatives, colors and flavors, and customers may add fresh kale, protein powder or extra Greek yogurt.
“Our customers are looking for foods with fewer ingredients that are minimally processed and taste great,” said Jeff Hansberry, president, Evolution Fresh. “That’s why it is so important for Dannon and Evolution Fresh to each bring what we do best. Customers will appreciate the simple ingredient list, creamy, proprietary high-quality Greek nonfat yogurt combined with fruit prepared to highlight the taste nature intended.”
After a successful pilot test in 2014, Starbucks is introducing the smoothies in its stores in Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Northern California and select Idaho stores, as well as select stores inside grocery locations, including Target, Albertsons, Safeway and Kroger across the country.
Starbucks and White Plains, N.Y.-based Dannon collaborated for two years to develop a proprietary Greek nonfat yogurt. Beginning in May, Evolution Fresh Greek Yogurt Parfaits, Inspired by Dannon will debut in 6,000 Starbucks stores nationwide. The parfaits will feature Greek nonfat yogurt, artisan granola and strawberries, dark sweet cherries, fresh berries or honey.
Launching in grocery stores nationwide are new fruit-on-the-bottom Greek nonfat yogurts in four flavors: blueberry, black cherry, raspberry blackberry and pineapple passion fruit. Evolution Fresh Greek Yogurts, Inspired by Dannon will launch in select markets beginning in May with a nationwide roll-out planned for July.
“Our collaboration with Starbucks promises to make a significant contribution to Dannon’s mission to bring health through food to as many people as possible,” said Jeffrey Rothman, vice-president of marketing and innovation for Dannon. “Combining the unique capabilities of both companies, we have crafted simple, delicious fruit and Greek yogurt products that are more accessible than ever before. This new range of Greek yogurt products has no artificial flavors, artificial sweeteners or preservatives, simple as that. And, because they will be available at both grocery stores and thousands of Starbucks retail locations, this partnership breaks new ground, making it even easier for Americans to enjoy yogurt-based products wherever and whenever they want.”
