Seattle-based Evolution Fresh, a leader in cold-pressed, high-pressure processed (HPP) juice and Refrigerated & Frozen Foods’ 2015 Refrigerated Foods Processor of the Year, and Dannon Co., White Plains, N.Y., debuted handcrafted Evolution Fresh smoothies in 4,300 Starbucks stores in the Pacific Northwest, Northern California and in select Starbucks locations within grocery stores such as Target, Albertsons/Safeway and Kroger nationwide.
Made with traditional, proprietary Greek non-fat yogurt and super-premium, cold-pressed fruit and vegetable juice, the smoothies come in Sweet Greens (a vegetable-forward smoothie made from an assortment of green vegetables balanced with mango and banana), Strawberry (a classic strawberry smoothie enhanced with apple and banana) and Mango Carrot (a mango smoothie with a twist of carrot).
“Our customers are looking for foods with fewer ingredients that are minimally processed and taste great,” says 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 non-fat yogurt combined with fruit prepared to highlight the taste nature intended.”
“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,” adds 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.”
The smoothies can be customized by adding fresh kale, protein powder or extra Greek yogurt for an additional boost of protein or nutrients. Each 16-fluid-ounce smoothie boasts a suggested retail price of $5.95.
Evolution Fresh and Dannon also collaborated to develop Evolution Fresh Greek Yogurt Parfaits, a proprietary Greek non-fat yogurt that is available in 6,000 Starbucks stores nationwide. The new Greek yogurt parfaits will be crafted from proprietary, creamy, Greek non-fat yogurt, artisan granola and real fruit and comes in Strawberry and Dark Sweet Cherry varieties, and seasonal Fresh Berries and Honey options. The suggested retail price for one parfait ranges from $3.75-4.25.
Evolution Fresh and Dannon also introduced new fruit on the bottom Greek non-fat yogurts, available in Blueberry, Black Cherry, Raspberry Blackberry and Pineapple Passion Fruit flavors. These fruit on the bottom yogurts combine proprietary, creamy, Greek non-fat yogurt with real fruit in clear packaging.
They’re available in grocery stores nationwide for a suggested retail price of $1.69.