If you happen to love fresh smoothies then, you are probably very familiar with the giants in the industry, Smoothie King and Tropical Smoothie. Very few fast food chains have the distinct pleasure of selling something with a health advocacy and to be patronized by countless thousands is a clear indication that society has become more conscious about their health and physical well-being. For those who are considering of breaking their soda habit for the healthy smoothie option, here is a comparative presentation of both smoothie bars so you may have some basis on which one to try first.
Starting the Health Revolution
If there is an award for the best fast food storyline, that will go to Smoothie King. Smoothie King started out in 1973 as the pioneer in the smoothie bar business. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the 70s, this was the time when almost everyone smoked cigarettes and the hippies smoked weed and the strangest part of all is that nobody really considered them to be health risks. For Smoothie King to try and sell healthy smoothies during those times will be like selling rafts and arks today for global flooding of the Greenhouse Effect. So, it’s a real success story that Smoothie King was able to survive those years and managed to be where they are today with 650 locations in the USA, Korea, Singapore and Cayman islands.
Tropical Smoothie is a much younger company which started in 1997. 1979, the “Health Craze” is already “in” and they were able to capitalize on that and have expanded to 400 locations in the U.S.A.
What about their Smoothies?
Smoothie King concentrated on selling smoothies with a few health bars whereas Tropical Smoothie developed their healthy menu and have included tacos, salads, and sandwiches; all in healthy preparations like a deli. For this comparative study however, we are just going to confine ourselves with smoothies because that’s their only point of comparison.
Tropical Smoothie
Tropical Smoothie has 28 flavors of smoothies, all served in 24-ounce cups. They classified their smoothies in four categories.
Their Classic Smoothies include the popular flavors of mango, pineapple, strawberry and other smoothie favorites. You don’t really have to be deeply health conscious to love them because whether they are in the form of juice, shake or smoothie; these flavors are popular.
Those who are strictly following high-alkelinic diets, they prefer the Superfood Smoothies. This is where the green drinks are; the spinach, cucumber and other superfoods.
Then, there’s the Supercharged Smoothies; their energy boosters. These are good morning treats for those heading to the office or gym.
Lastly, there’s the Indulgent Smoothies where you can enjoy the rich flavors of peanut butter and cappuccino without the guilty.
Smoothie King
Smoothie King has lived up to its title with 73 smoothie flavors that they serve in 20-ounce cups, 32-ounce cups and 40-ounce cups. Their slogan says that all their smoothies serve specific purposes. So, choosing a smoothie for you is easier.
If you are working out then, one smoothie from their Fitness Blends will definitely interest you depending on whether you want something for lean muscle mass, something that will give you energy for your workouts, weight gain or a post workout smoothie to jumpstart your muscles’ repair-growth phase.
If you want to lose weight, select smoothies in their Fit Blends can lower cholesterol levels, tone muscles and burn fats.
Smoothie in their Wellness Blends provide extra Vitamins A, C and beta-carotene. Some are anti-stress and anti-cold smoothies and there are those that even enhance skin health.
They have included the popular flavors of strawberry, pineapple, papaya and other tasty flavors in the “Take a Break” Blends. Basically, this category is for those days when you just want something tasty for general health without a specific purpose.
Which Smoothie Bar is better?
In our comparison, we are not going to talk about taste because that is purely subjective. We are going to compare these two smoothie giants based on their menu. And based on what both smoothie bars can offer, Smoothie King has the advantage.
It’s all about the first impression on the facts provided. One has the word “King” in the trade name that suggests dominance while the other one uses “Tropical” which could suggest that their smoothies are more refreshing and has more exotic taste. However, if we are going to look at the tale of the tape; King Smoothie has 73 flavors, while Tropical Smoothie only has 28 flavors. King Smoothie can serve them in 3 sizes; regular, medium and large while Tropical Smoothie just has one cup size for all.
Someone who has not tasted any of their smoothies will likely choose King Smoothie first. Now, it is very unlikely that King Smoothie will disappoint this customer. On the contrary, Smoothie King will be very effective in selling the concept of healthy smoothies because of their presentation.
Smoothie King’s decision to stick it out with their smoothies and to remain exclusive is a brilliant and highly advantageous marketing plan as far as establishing themselves as the leader in the Smoothie business. It is also very smart for Tropical Smoothie to include other food items in their menu.
If we are going to talk about smoothies them Smoothie King is definitely “King”. On the other hand, Tropical Smoothie can work on the image of being the complete health restaurant that combines the best of a smoothie bar and a healthy deli.
