Veggie Grill is one of my favorite fast casual restaurants, so I was excited to be invited to try their new line of superfood smoothies. My husband Gideon and I visited Portland’s downtown location on a Saturday and sampled all five.

The Superfood smoothies blend organic fruits, vegetables, herbs and sweeteners. Most include plant-based proteins made from pea, sunflower and pumpkin. Like everything at Veggie Grill, they are totally vegan.  And they’re made fresh on the spot. Our host Greg kept the blenders whirring.

Here are the results of our research.

Hydration Hero

Hydration Hero is full of natural electrolytes. It’s made from coconut milk, lime, lemon, pineapple, cucumber, fresh basil, pomegranate and acerola cherry. This one was Gideon’s favorite and my second favorite. The cucumber and basil make it refreshing and keep it from being too sweet. Greg said the Hydration Hero was the most polarizing among the staff, with both fierce adherents and those who strongly preferred other flavors. You’ll need to try it to come to your own conclusion.

Tropical Tonic

This mixture of orange, coconut, mango, pineapple, ginger, turmeric, tart cherry and ashwagandha was my favorite. The turmeric keeps it from being too sweet, but fortunately isn’t overpowering. I liked the ginger and pineapple.

Green GlowUp

As promised, this one is bright green.  It includes mango, orange juice, coconut milk, spinach, spirulina, chlorella, kale, broccoli, Indian moringa, lucuma, baobab fruit and coconut crystals. I know drinks made out of kale and broccoli are really good for you, but I still don’t like them. This one was good for a green smoothie, but I’d rather have fruit or chocolate. Or peanut butter. But if you’re one of those virtuous people who love to drink kale, go for it!

Java Jolt

I thought for sure this combination of coffee, cocoa, banana, maca, cinnamon, adaptogenic mushrooms and a touch of maple syrup would be my favorite. And it was good. Gideon pointed out that it was almost as thick as chocolate pudding. It felt more like a dessert smoothie, or maybe a main course. Since we were having a full  lunch at Veggie Grill, a sample was enough. I think I would have burst if I drank a whole Java Jolt after my Baja fish tacos.

Banana Berry

The Banana Berry is sweet and bright, and tastes just like you’d expect. This one was Gideon’s second favorite, mixing strawberries, banana and orange, plus goji berry, acerola, rosehips, cranberry, raspberry, pomegranate and vegan collagen.

Conclusion

Now there’s even more reason to go to Veggie Grill. People will want to stop by for a morning smoothie or an afternoon pick me up. I love that these are made up fresh with organic ingredients for every order.