Jamba Just Announced The Return Of Its Pumpkin Smash Smoothie
Pumpkin Spice season seems to come earlier and earlier every year. But this year, one chain's traditional pumpkin drink might just be the thing to beat the lingering summer heat. Jamba — formerly known as Jamba Juice — announced in an August 11 press release that its fall favorite, the Pumpkin Smash Smoothie, will be returning to menus on August 16. While it is not the first chain to roll out its fall menu items – Krispy Kreme started selling its pumpkin-flavored doughnut and coffee line on August 8 — the announcement notes that this is the earliest the drink has ever returned to stores. That may be a positive as much of the U.S. is still experiencing record-setting heat (per Newsweek).
Unlike Starbucks' renowned Pumpkin Spice Latte, the Pumpkin Smash Smoothie is a drink best served cold. The seasonal smoothie is made with a specialty blend of pureed pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg mixed with 2% milk and rozen yogurt. "We know Jamba fans eagerly await the return of Pumpkin Smash to fulfill their pumpkin fix long before the official start of fall," said Jamba's Vice President of Marketing Danielle Fisher. "With our Pumpkin Smash smoothies, we're able to provide a beverage that satisfies guests' cravings and keeps them refreshed through the lingering days of summer and all fall long."
A pumpkin smoothie for everyone
In addition to its standard Pumpkin Smash Smoothie, Jamba announced it will also be bringing back its newer rendition of the drink, the plant-based Pumpkin Smash Smoothie, which Live Kindly notes is made with Oatly oat milk and So Delicious dairy-free ice cream. The vegan-friendly version of the smoothie was introduced in 2020 as part of an ongoing effort to add more plant-based and low-sugar items to its menu.
Although the official push to make the chain's menu more health-conscious began in 2019, and the Pumpkin Smash Smoothie reportedly tastes like drinking a pumpkin pie, the brand has boasted about its nutritional value for years due to the fact that it includes real pumpkin in the smoothie mix, which is high in Vitamin A. Like many of Jamba's drinks, the Pumpkin Smash Smoothie can also be made in a "make it light" version which contains one-third less sugar, calories, and carbs.
The Pumpkin Smash Smoothie will be available at Jamba stores nationwide from August 16 to November 14 while supplies last. As an extra bonus, the chain will be offering the medium size of the drink for just $5 to Jamba Rewards members on Saturdays and Sundays from August 27 through September 25.