Naked Smoothies is marking National Smoothie Day with the debut of two new protein-forward SKUs: Chocolate Banana Protein and Blueberry Cheesecake Protein. Both products feature real fruit, plant-based protein, and no added sugar — a combination the brand says responds directly to what today's smoothie consumers are seeking at retail and on-the-go channels.
For operators and buyers tracking the functional beverage space, the launch signals continued momentum behind protein-enhanced RTD options that blur the line between snack and meal replacement. Smoothies positioned around convenience and nutritional density have become increasingly relevant fixtures in c-store coolers, gym cafes, campus dining, and fast-casual grab-and-go programs — all channels where a recognizable brand with a 40-year heritage can carry meaningful shelf authority.
The flavor strategy here is worth noting. Chocolate Banana and Blueberry Cheesecake are designed to lead with indulgence first, letting the functional protein content serve as a secondary — but no less important — selling point. That approach mirrors a broader trend in beverage industry product development, where brands are finding that taste remains the primary purchase driver even among health-conscious buyers.
Naked's move also fits neatly into the no-added-sugar positioning that has become table stakes across better-for-you beverage launches. As restaurant and foodservice operators continue expanding their grab-and-go beverage sets, RTD smoothies with clean-label credentials and recognizable flavor profiles represent lower-friction additions to refrigerated display programs.
The Chicago-based brand, which has operated in the smoothie category for more than four decades, framed the launch as a direct response to consumers who want bold, craveable flavors paired with functional benefits and everyday ease. For buyers and menu developers, the two new SKUs arrive at a moment when protein-forward beverages are among the fastest-moving segments in the refrigerated drinks aisle.
Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine's "Top 40 Under 40" for founding American Wholesale Floral, Politz is also the Co-founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.
