Costco Fruit Smoothie Ingredients & How to Make It at Home

A Costco fruit smoothie typically contains a blend of fruit puree, ice, and yogurt or juice, offering a refreshing and nutritious beverage option.

Costco’s famous fruit smoothie has been a food court staple for years, but what exactly goes into this refreshing drink? Whether you’re curious about the ingredients or want to recreate it at home, we’ve got the full breakdown.

What’s in a Costco Fruit Smoothie?

The current Costco fruit smoothie contains a blend of real fruits with no artificial flavors or colors. According to food court employees and nutritional information, here’s what’s inside:

• Strawberries – Primary berry flavor
• Blackberries – Adds depth to the berry profile
• Açaí – Added in recent recipe updates
• Apple purée – Base ingredient for texture
• Pear purée – Sweetens naturally
• Pineapple juice concentrate – Provides tartness
• Carrot juice – For natural coloring
• Citric acid – Preserves freshness

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount (15.5 oz serving)
Calories	220-230
Sugar	56g
Sodium	200mg
Fiber	1g

How the Recipe Has Changed

Costco has modified their smoothie recipe several times:

The Original Berry Smoothie (Discontinued)

This fan-favorite contained DANNON’s Yocream Very Berry Soft Serve Sorbet Mix with:

• Blackberries
• Strawberries
• Blueberries
• Boysenberries
• Added sugar (16g per ½ cup)

Current Fruit Smoothie

The newer version eliminated added sugar but increased sodium content significantly (from 25mg to 200mg). It also introduced açaí to the berry blend.

How to Make a Costco-Style Smoothie at Home

You don’t need a commercial blender to recreate this treat. Here’s a simple recipe:

1. Combine in blender:
   • 1 cup frozen strawberries
   • ½ cup frozen blackberries
   • ½ cup açaí purée (optional)
   • ½ cup apple juice
   • ¼ cup pear nectar
   • 2 tbsp pineapple juice
   • 1 cup ice
2. Blend until smooth (about 45 seconds)
3. Add water to adjust consistency

For a thicker texture like the original, try using a high-powered blender for frozen fruit.

Why Costco’s Smoothie Stands Out

Several factors make the Costco version unique:

Texture

The combination of purées and juice concentrates creates a thicker, more substantial drink than typical fruit smoothies.

Flavor Balance

The apple/pear base provides sweetness while pineapple adds acidity, creating a well-rounded taste profile.

Natural Coloring

Unlike many commercial smoothies that use artificial dyes, Costco’s gets its color from berries and carrot juice.

Controversial Changes

Costco has faced backlash for smoothie modifications:

• 2017: Replaced original berry smoothie with less-sweet fruit version
• 2021: Changed suppliers and added açaí
• 2023: Briefly introduced (then removed) a mango smoothie after customer complaints

The current version remains popular despite these changes, proving that sometimes simple fruit combinations work best. For more smoothie inspiration, check out Tasting Table’s analysis of Costco’s offerings.

Tips for Perfect Smoothies

Whether making Costco’s recipe or your own variation:

• Use frozen fruit for thicker texture
• Add liquid gradually to control consistency
• Blend in stages for smoother results
• Chill glasses before serving

For those who prefer single servings, a personal smoothie blender can make preparation even easier.