Well Fed On the Town

About 7 years ago a friend of mine out in California told me the wonder that is Jamba Juice. She picked one up every day on her way to class and it tied her over until dinner. She loved it, swore by it, and teased all us east of the Mississippi for having no idea what she was talking about.

Like most things, Jamba Juice eventually made its way to New York City. I tried one (without sorbet), thought it was overly sugary, and ever since have been skeptical of the place. I prefer my own homemade smoothies to the sugar rush of Jamba (plus, mine were much cheaper).

But a colleague at work recently told me a little secret: There are “Mystery” Jamba flavors.

Interest peeked: “Mystery?”

“Yeah, like In and Out Burger’s ’secret’ menu.”

“Intriguing”

“Let’s go.”

I thought something like this would have hit big already in the blogsphere and was miffed when only one site with anything credible about mystery flavors could be found. Today we went to figure the mystery out for ourselves.

A little research was conducted. I called our closest location and asked about mystery flavors. “Oh yes, I’ve heard of these underground flavors from California. Yes, we have some of those.” I named off the specific flavors I found on a website: White Gummy Bear, Skittles, Push Up, Strawberry Shortcake. The location had some recipes and we could discuss it further upon arrival.

I entered Jamba Juice with coworkers foaming at the mouth for their mystery juice. We asked what flavors were available and were met with a blank stare. “I spoke with someone,” I explained. “He said you have them.” More blank stares so we asked to speak with the manager. An overly happy man–probably hyped up on Jamba sugar– appeared. His nametag said “Vivian.”

Others in the store began to take notice of our unusual interest in Jamba’s flavorings. It was explained to us that there were three flavors available: Strawberry Shortcake, White Gummy Bear and Pink Star. Vivian explained that these lists have started to circulate around Jamba Juice locations so a set recipe is becoming available– They were “finally made official.”

We didn’t really understand what that meant, non of the employees understood what mystery flavors were. As for the concoctions themselves, they will probably never appear on any menus (since they are predominantly sorbet and juice mixtures with little fruit).

We got one of each, passed them around for tasting, and all agreed the White Gummy Bear was by far the tastiest, essentially a sorbet shake with mango. The Pink Star was too sour-sweet; too much lemonade. Strawberry Shortcake was sweet and delicious, definitely reminiscent of pound cake slathered with strawberries and topped with thick whipped cream.

Would I go back for more? If a sugar bolt is desired or if I feel the need to impress a Jamba Junkie with my secret knowledge, I suppose I might be found purchasing another. Really though, I’m waiting for another custard shop in New York City!

Still, I bet my friend out in California doesn’t know of the mystery flavors yet, let the mocking begin!