... I live in halls, and while I was away some random man followed someone in, broke into my fridge compartment and stole my Innocent Smoothie. I got a phone call from a friend who told me about this heinous crime. A few days later I was asked "has anyone caught that strange man who stole ... Read review
Advantages: yummy, healthy, and guilt relieving. Disadvantages: expensive, HIGHLY addictive
...fridge compartment and stole my Innocent Smoothie. I got a phone call from a friend who told me about this heinous crime. A few days later I was asked "has anyone caught that strange man who stole your innocence?"
Needless to say I was crying with laughter.
Anyway, on with the review!
===Some Background===
Innocent are a very special and unique kind of company. They're really ... ...don't I?)
Innocent themselves are very big on natural products, and looking after the planet. Everything is recyclable and they try their best to do things nicely - for example clean energy. Think of corporate hippies, and you may get an idea!
You may not be aware but, although they are apparently situated at "Fruit Towers" in London, the factory where all the magic happens is in Holland, and from there is ... more
I suppose I really ought to explain the title to this one. I live in halls, and while I was away some random man followed someone in, broke into my fridge compartment and stole my Innocent Smoothie. I got a phone call from a friend who told me about this heinous crime. A few days later I was asked "has anyone caught that strange man who stole your innocence?"
Needless to say I was crying with laughter.
Anyway, on with the review!
Some Background
Innocent are a very special and unique kind of company. They're really just a bunch of lads who quit their jobs because they wanted to do a good thing. According to the plentiful and hilarious information on their website, they bought £500 of fruit and made Smoothie out of it. They then sold it at a music festival with a sign saying "Do you think we should give up our jobs to make these Smoothies". The response was such that the next day they resigned and started making Smoothies.
The first time I had one of their Smoothies was in my hall of residence - one person got someone else hooked on Smoothies, then another person and another and it quickly got out of hand. Now our entire kitchen has at least one carton in their fridge compartment, myself included. I have at least 1 sometimes 2 large cartons, per week! Well, I'd rather be addicted to Smoothie than caffeine or nicotine! (I'm a student; I have to be addicted to something, don't I?)
Innocent themselves are very big on natural products, and looking after the planet. Everything is recyclable and they try their best to do things nicely - for example clean energy. Think of corporate hippies, and you may get an idea!
You may not be aware but, although they are apparently situated at "Fruit Towers" in London, the factory where all the magic happens is in Holland, and from there is shipped all over Europe. I wonder if there's a connection between the Smoothies being made in Holland, and being addictive, but I would never ever make such a suggestion, so I'll tell you about the Smoothies themselves.
The Smoothies
Well they're thick, they're colourful and they're just plain yummy. We're told that they contain absolutely nothing other than fruit, and from the taste and texture I'm inclined to believe them. They come in lots of different flavours and colours (natural, of course) and they're addictive. No GM, no preservatives, no E numbers. Just fruit. Finally.
---The Flavours---
My favourite is Banana and Strawberry, or Mango and Passion fruit. Oh and Raspberry and Cranberry. Simply put, there are lots of flavours, including "guest" (which has cinnamon in it!!) and "seasonal" extras. I have yet to try the others, but I have little doubt that I'll like them. Others include: Blackberry and Blueberries; Orange, Banana and Pineapples; and Pineapples, Bananas and Coconuts (I'm looking forward to this one)
---The Varieties---
I get the regular Smoothies, because it's the most cost effective for me, but there are others! If you have children, you'll be pleased to hear that there are "Smoothies for Kids" which come in special cartons and have special flavours which children are more likely to like. Plus it makes them feel special, which is always good.
There are also the "Superfoods" which are apparently packed out with vitamins and so forth to make you feel good and healthy. I haven't tried these, as they seem like they're catering to the irritating "Detox" fad that's going around, but what the hell, I'm sure they're lovely.
According to the website there are also "Thickies" but I've never seen these! I feel so left out that there's a whole Innocent range that I've never heard of! I'm going to spend this week hunting for them. These are apparently a kind of milkshake/yoghurt sort of thing!
They also have "juicy waters" which again I've never seen before. They look like a kind of natural fruit squash - something else I think I have to try! I think they're designed to be thirst quenching rather than filling like Smoothies are.
---The Packaging---
They come in different sizes: big cartons for putting in the fridge at home, and small plastic bottles for when you're on the go. You'll be glad to know that they're all fully recyclable so you won't be hurting our lovely planet (Yes, I realise I'm starting to sound like a hippy).
The best thing about the cartons which I buy are the jokes. Yes, you didn't misread that, I said jokes. Firstly they tell you everything that's in the carton, so 3 apples, 2 bananas, 50 raspberries and 247 cherries, and so forth. Then for some reason there's a picture of a garden gnome with the caption "and we didn't add any of these". That made me laugh!
Also, there are jokes on the bottom of the carton - I won't tell you any since that will ruin it, but please, I beg of you, make sure the cap is on before you try to read it. Stop laughing; it's been done, yes, by me.
The Cost
I have to break the bad news to you now. They're expensive. It's unfortunate but I understand entirely why it is. They use recyclable packaging, no preservatives, the best fresh ingredients and they have to compete with other companies who don't.
I'm having to deviate from my usual student stinginess when it come to food shopping, and that's because my closest supermarket is Waitrose. A big carton of Smoothie in Waitrose costs £3.29, and in Sainsbury's it's £2.99. This is not cheap, but believe me when I say it's worth it. If your children don't eat actual fruit and you want to get something healthy inside them, then it's worth the cost. Can you put a price on your health?
If you have the opportunity then shop around - I just can't be bothered to walk an extra 15 minutes to Sainsbury's!
I should tell you that after drinking a large glass of the stuff I actually feel better. That's why I spend the money - besides, it actually works out cheaper than buying all the fruit, and it lasts longer too.
Advice
There are some things I've noticed that I think you should know:
•There's one of those little plastic pull rings inside the cap when you first open it. When you pull it out, hold it as fair away as you can, and aim it away from you - little drips go everywhere and if they're dark red fruits then your clothes will be stained for evermore!
•Follow their advice and keep it in the fridge, it tastes better and it will stay fresh for longer. I'd love to know if they're freeze-able, so if anyone can tell me I'd be grateful!
•Only buy one at a time - that way when you run out after 2 days you'll be forced to walk back to the supermarket, encouraging the whole healthy lifestyle! Ok that's less helpful, but it's true!
•Try every flavour at least once! I'm still working my way through them, but I know that variety is always a good thing!
Summary
They make me feel good. I like the fact that I'm pouring something good into my stomach rather than coffee or alcohol (lord knows there's plenty of that!). I like the Innocent philosophy, and the history behind it. It's the kind of company I'd buy shares in not because I think it'll make me rich, but because I agree with what they're doing.
For parents: if you're looking for something healthy that your children will actually enjoy, this is it - if nothing else the carton will keep them entertained for hours!
For students: I know, I know, it's expensive, but just think how much your body loves you when you have a glass! Rather than having that double vodka and red bull tonight (oh it's so bad for you), use the money to buy a Smoothie.
For everyone else: If you haven't got the idea by now, I'm shocked! Innocent are turning me into a bit of a hippy, and that's something I never thought would happen! My advice would be to buy one, the flavour that looks most appealing to you. If you like it, buy another one, and another one!
And besides, it's good enough for me, and it's clearly good enough for the strange man who broke in and stole my Innocence! Try it!
Advantages: Soooooo Good For You Disadvantages: Expensive.....ish
...side..." We promise that anything innocent will always taste good and do you good. We promise that we will never use concentrates, preservatives, stabilisers, or any weird stuff in our drinks. And if we do you can tell our mums." So do they live up to their promise ?.....
~The Taste Test~
Just twist the top, invert over mouth and...let the flavour flow. Wow, it really is a wonderful taste sensation ! Thick, almost syrupy in texture, rather like ... ...~Other Stuff~
All innocent drinks are GM free, contain no nuts, and the smoothies are suitable for vegans and pregnant women. The little plastic bottles are made from 25% recycled plastic and are themselves recyclable. This will make my Son very happy as he has been doing a project at school and is constantly badgering me to buy recyclable packaged goods...no bad thing I say.
Each bottle of smoothie provides the daily fruit requirement and if you ...
Averilla 10.07.2005
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Innocent Smoothie
Advantages: Delish, good for you... Disadvantages: umm.. costs £2 if that's one!
...-------------------------------
The innocence
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Innocent smoothies weren't given their name just because someone felt like it on a whim. They really are bottles fruity goodness! They are made entirely out of fruit and absolutely nothing else. No preservatives, no extra ingredients with names you can't understand, nothing! And because they are packed so full of fruit, it also means they are packed with all the natural ... ...can in turn be recycled. Innocent are currently testing a 50% PCR plastic bottle which will be a world first! So not only are you doing yourself good stuffing your body with fruit, but you can also do your little bit for the environment.
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The taste
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Ok, this is the really good bit. I've got a cranberry and raspberry right beside me, and I will try to describe exactly what it tastes like ...
borneo2007 05.07.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Innocent Smoothie
Advantages: Refreshing; great taste Disadvantages: Expensive
...added and nothing taken away. Innocent Smoothies in particular pride themselves on being free of concentrates, added sugar and water. THE 'INNOCENT' RANGE
Innocent Smoothies come in five different flavours: * Cranberries and Raspberries;
* Strawberries and Bananas;
* Blackberries and Blueberries;
* Oranges, Bananas and Pineapples; and
* Mangoes and Passionfruits.
I bought the Mangoes and Passionfruits Smoothie, as this was the only one they ... ...THE BOTTLE Innocent Smoothies come in two main formats: either large 1 litre cartons or smaller 250ml bottles. The smaller bottles are great if you are on the move or just want a quick drink with your lunch. The 'Mangoes and Passion Fruit' smoothie comes in a clear plastic bottle. This allows you to see the luscious yellow juice contained within. You cannot fail to miss it as its vivid colour certainly makes it stand out from among the other smoothies!
...
rowei 01.03.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Innocent Smoothie
Advantages: A nice way to get one. Disadvantages: See your shopping bill rocket.
...something fruity.
Pure
☼~☼
Innocent smoothies are, as their name suggests, pure smoothies made completely of fresh fruit and nothing else. I love the way that on all Innocent packaging whether it be the large litre cartons or small individual bottles, they list the exact contents that make up that particular smoothie. Shock horror, I have just pinched one of the kids' smoothies out of the fridge. It is from a pack of four 180ml cartons ... ...else.
Innocent
☼~☼~☼
The Innocent company was started in 1999 by three Cambridge University friends Adam, Richard and Jon. They started by spending £500 on fruit and making it into smoothies, which they sold at a small music festival in London from a grass covered ice cream van. Signs on their waste bins of 'Do you think we should give up our day jobs to make these smoothies?' with a yes and a no bin option for returning empty ...
susie191 17.01.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Innocent Smoothie
Advantages: Really healthy; loads of flavours and varieties; great packaging Disadvantages: I feel guilty about recycling the little innocent faced bottle; tad expensive
...its purchasers shows this.
Innocent smoothies are, as you may gather, complete virgins to added sugar and other gunk like additives and preservatives. They are litterally, a bottle of pure pressed fruit. I'm reviewing the strawberry and banana variety because it's my favourite, plus the fact, the little bottle is sittign beside me; watching me type. aww.
Let me start with the bottle seeing as it is sooo cute. I have a 250ml transparent plastic ... ...label is great fun as innocent like to add little quirks like:
- 'We promise that we'll never use concentrates, preservative, stabalisers....And we promise to eat our greens.'
The bottle is (quote) - 'made from 100% recyclable plastic. Please recycle it so we can make more.' Plus, we must 'shake it up baby' before drinking.
Innocent promises - 'Never ever ever from concentrate' 'over 50% of RDA of vit c' '2 portions of fruit'. The ingredients ...
LaceyR26 23.05.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Innocent Smoothie
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Very tasty, very healthy, made with responsible and environmentally friendly production methods. All packaging is easily recyclable, too, and is made mostly from previously recycled materials. But why oh why oh why do these smoothies have to be so ****ing expensive?! In my local supermarket (clue: the name begins with S and ends with ainsbury's), a 250ml bottle costs about £2.50! That's 1p per ml, or £1 per 100ml, or £10 per litre! Anyone else think that it's a rip off? I can make smoothies pretty much as nice here at home for a tiny fraction of that cost! And the other brands - such as the supermarket's own brand, and also PJ's, are no better on the value for money front. Seriously, do they have to be that expensive? ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful Review of Innocent Smoothies
