Blenders in the Grass

A Review of This Santa Barbara-Based Chain that's Replaced the Word Smoothie Around Town

By Amanda Mummert

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Where: 12 locations from Camarillo to Santa Maria; see drinkblenders.com for locations

What: Since 1995, Santa Barbarans have fulfilled their daily fruit nutritional requirements via Blenders fruity concoctions.

How much? All Blenders are about $4.50, and include one super or two single supplements.

The dish: The popularity of this homegrown company is undeniable – the word "smoothie" has been replaced by "Blenders" around town, literally renaming the fun and fruity drink with our own vernacular. Blenders in the Grass features both juice- and milk-based treats, though anything can be made with soy substitute. For a juicy treat, try the Orange Plus (fresh OJ, apple juice, peaches, blueberries, and non-fat frozen yogurt) or my favorite, the Tropical Pineapple (OJ, pineapple juice, peaches, banana, and pineapple sherbet) substituting the banana for strawberries (substitutions are free!). For a dessert-like treat, ask for a Peaches N' Cream – while not always officially on the menu, the drink combines peach juice, ice milk, orange Sherbet, and peaches for a twist on the classic 50/50 bar. Of course, to boost the healthfulness of your frozen delight, they'll always offer to add in supplements, including calcium, guarana, and ginkgo biloba.

Blenders has seven locations —