Instagram Food Wars: The Smoothie Showdown

With the new year and the new health kick/spurt, I decided that February's edition of Instagram Food Wars would feature a showdown of that most typical of health foods, the smoothie. While this showdown may not be all-encompassing (there are other smoothie options out there, I know) I went with the two that I frequent the most- the Tropical Cafe at the CRWC and Orange Julius out at the Mall.

We'll kick it old school with Orange Julius first. Growing up, these were the smoothie of smoothies- the Orange Julius in the Old Capitol Mall was the site of many of a smoothie stop. (Yes, young Iowa Citians, back in the day when the Old Capitol Mall was more of a mall and less of a food court/walk through for the University there was an Orange Julius in there. Right where the Hancher Box Office sits today.) I went for a Tropical Sunlight- one of the offerings on the light menu (150 calories per 12 oz. serving) and was somewhat disappointed at the result.

It was delicious- the flavors of orange, mango and guava were all there but it was less of a smoothie and more of a straight-up juice drink. It was liquid and not at all what I would consider a smoothie. The new partnership/merger with Dairy Queen hasn't been good to the old gang at Orange Julius. I, for one am not a fan.

Next up, there's the newer smoothie joint on the block, the Tropical Smoothie Cafe. This smoothie joint has become an occasional post-workout treat of the Missus and I and to be totally honest with you, kids, it's because they might just have the best damn smoothies in town. They're fruity, thick, filling and the perfect way to cap off a good workout down at the CRWC. I believe (but I'm not 100% sure) that they're Iowa City's first Tropical Smoothie Cafe franchise (there was another one at food court on the MSU-Mankato Campus) and they've got location and quality on their side. Pictured here is the Sunrise Sunset- a delicious blend of strawberries, pineapple, mango and orange. Ordered with Splenda, it runs into the 200-300 calorie range. The other delicious one that's a recent discovery is the Acai Berry Boost (acai, pomegranate, banana, blueberries and strawberries) which again, when made with Splenda runs into the 200-300 calorie range which isn't bad at all. (I was less a fan of their Mocha smoothie. Felt a little too syrupy for my liking but the Missus was a fan!)

The Verdict: There's no argument here at all- Tropical Smoothie Cafe FTW!