McDonald’s launches own smoothies

The chain began selling them in 2007 as part of its drive towards healthier options on its menu—leading to accusations at the time that Innocent had compromised its integrity by working with McDonald’s. But it says the trial has not proved as popular as hoped with customers. A statement said: “From speaking to our customers, we knew that while parents appreciated the nutritional benefit of fruit smoothies for kids, they were widely considered a standalone snack or treat, rather than a meal accompaniment.”

As Peach Report has previously reported, McDonald’s has launched its own ‘Fruitizz’ drink for children that it claims provides one of children’s five daily portions of fruit and veg. But perhaps the most interesting part of the development is McDonald’s move into its own-brand smoothies. It has been trialling two iced fruit smoothies at various restaurant, including its Olympic Park venues, and will roll them out further if they prove popular. They have been available in the US for some time (pictured), and have been an important part of its healthy eating and drinking strategy.