Los Angeles–based organic grocer Erewhon Market has long been an iconic place to shop for niche health ingredients like sea moss and viral eats like buffalo cauliflower bites. Recently, it’s become even more illustrious as it’s teamed up with celebs to create signature smoothies that quickly go viral. We never thought we’d see the day when a star’s success was marked by launching a $20 smoothie at a grocery store, but here we are. From Kendall Jenner to Sabrina Carpenter, stars slapping their names on frozen concoctions is the new status symbol. However, there’s more to these frothy treats than pretty colors and star power. They’re actually full of ingredients that support skin health and wellness.
Featured Experts
- Mia Syn is a registered dietitian
- Jessica Sepel is a nutritionist and founder of JSHealth Vitamins
- Jennifer Hanway is a holistic nutritionist
- Alejandro Junger, MD is a functional medicine doctor and founder of the Clean Program
In support of the splurge
If you’re looking for validation to support your Erewhon smoothie habit, nutrition pros corroborate their benefits. “While these smoothies capitalize on celebrity endorsements, there are benefits from a nutrition perspective depending on the ingredients used,” explains registered dietitian Mia Syn. Nutritionist Jessica Sepel, founder of JSHealth Vitamins, says they’re a convenient way to nourish your body with a nutrient-dense treat. “They’re crafted with high-quality, organic ingredients, ensuring a rich mix of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other essential nutrients to support overall health.”
Holistic nutritionist Jennifer Hanway notes that the smoothies can, in fact, also have skin benefits when the right ingredients are involved. “For example, Hailey Bieber’s Strawberry Glaze Skin Smoothie combines collagen with vitamin C–rich strawberries—an essential cofactor for collagen synthesis—and sea moss, which is rich in skin-boosting vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.”
Making dupes at home to save money is easier said than done. Syn notes that many of the niche ingredients, such as holi mane, cowboy colostrom, lion’s mane and sun chlorella, aren’t found in mainstream groceries and tend to come with a high price tag. Because most people don’t have these ingredients at home, buying the smoothie becomes an “easy option for boosting your well-being and trying new ingredients,” says Sepel.
A sensorial celebration
Who is to say you can’t get the smoothie purely for enjoyment? Not us. Let’s be real—they taste delicious and feel like a fun treat. “An important part of how we fuel our bodies is through sensory enjoyment, so if you decide to fork out the extra dollars for one of these blends, remember to make the whole experience a ritual and savor every sip mindfully,” says Sepel. Sometimes, a stroll through Erewhon’s aisles and a sip of a celeb-backed smoothie is just what the soul needs.
Nutritionist notes
Sepel says it’s “important to remember that no single health drink, food or product is a magic answer or quick fix. True wellness comes from a balanced lifestyle and consistent habits over time.” While Erewhon’s smoothies can have a place within that by adding health benefits and moments of enjoyment, they’re not meant to be a cure-all, says Sepel.
Additionally, Hanway notes that many of these ingredients need to be consumed regularly to be truly efficacious. “It’s not that the ingredients are not beneficial themselves, but just one smoothie won’t make a real impact—just like a single trip to the gym won’t make you fit,” says functional medicine doctor and founder of the Clean Program, Alejandro Junger, MD. “For example, you would need a minimum of 2.5 grams a day for four weeks on average to see any improvements at the skin level,” explains Hanway. Therefore, you want to ensure you’re sneaking in these healthy ingredients outside the smoothie as well. The size of the smoothies is another aspect to take into consideration, as it can lead to a high intake of calories and sugar.
DIY blends
Dr. Junger thinks these smoothies are great for inspiring recipes you can create daily because “true benefits come from consistent intake over time.” While you may not be able to find or afford all of the ingredients in a given smoothie, Sepel says you can take inspiration from Erewhon’s expertly concocted recipes and get blending at home.
