V8 Strawberry Banana Smoothies were discontinued in 2025 due to low demand, but you can find similar fruit smoothies from other brands.
V8 Strawberry Banana Smoothies were once a popular fruit and vegetable juice blend from Campbell’s. However, Coca-Cola (which owns the V8 brand) discontinued this product in 2025 due to declining consumer demand. While fans were disappointed, the market shift toward fresh, homemade smoothies and reduced-sugar beverages made this pre-made option less viable.
The Rise and Fall of V8 Strawberry Banana Smoothies
V8’s Strawberry Banana Smoothie was part of their “100% Fruit and Vegetable Juice” line. It combined strawberry, banana, apple, beet, and carrot juices with added vitamins and zinc. Each 8-ounce serving provided two combined servings of fruits and vegetables.
The product initially gained popularity for its:
- Convenience as a grab-and-go beverage
- Perceived health benefits from vegetable content
- Sweet flavor profile masking vegetable tastes
Why Coca-Cola Discontinued It
Several market factors led to the smoothie’s discontinuation:
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Declining sales | Consumers shifted toward fresh, homemade options |
| Sugar concerns | Increased awareness of juice sugar content |
| Portfolio optimization | Coca-Cola focused on best-selling products |
How to Make Your Own Version
You can easily recreate a healthier version at home using a quality blender. Here’s a simple recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 cup strawberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 ripe banana
- 1/2 cup milk or dairy-free alternative
- 1/2 cup carrot juice (optional for veggie boost)
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
Preparation
- Combine all ingredients in blender
- Blend until smooth (about 1 minute)
- Add more liquid if too thick
- Serve immediately
Better Alternatives to Store-Bought Smoothies
While convenient, pre-made smoothies often contain added sugars and preservatives. Consider these alternatives:
Fresh Homemade Smoothies
Making your own allows complete control over ingredients. Use frozen fruit for thickness without ice dilution. For equipment, check our guide to the best commercial blenders for smoothies if you want restaurant-quality results at home.
Cold-Pressed Juices
For a vegetable-forward option, cold-pressed juices retain more nutrients. The original V8 vegetable juice remains available, though it lacks the strawberry-banana flavor.
Nutritional Comparison
Here’s how the discontinued V8 smoothie compared to homemade versions:
| Nutrient | V8 Smoothie (8oz) | Homemade Version |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 120 | 90-150 |
| Sugar | 24g | 12-18g (natural) |
| Fiber | 1g | 3-5g |
The homemade version typically contains more fiber and less concentrated sugar since it uses whole fruits rather than juice concentrates.
