Starbuck's Vivanno A Good Addition, But Hardly Unique

Great, 5 grams of fiber and one case of diarrhea....instead of Vivanno, it ought be sold as a laxative....nothing unique about that....Starbucks should have been more clear about the contents of this stuff....if I knew it had 5 grams of fiber I would have not ordered it......if not for the banana, it would have been worse....that's the last Vivanno I'll have....

Goodness. Five grams of fiber aren't going to give anyone diarrhea.

Juice drinks always sell for a while at Starbucks. They get a boost just by being new.

Does "Vivanno" enhance Starbucks Coffee culture? Does "Sorbetto?"

Is this Starbucks doing what it does best? Or just an attempt to bolster the bottom line with anything that generates hot weather sales? Those are the concerns I have.

Very lack luster product. I tried the Orange-Mango-Banana blend today. I had to fight through drinking this thing until i finally gave up. Not a good choice at all.

I tried one in Michigan as well. It's not bad. But where I live, I have choices for fresh smoothies, and I'd rather help out a local business than a national chain.

I don't think this smoothie strategy is going to help them much. Maybe in the short-term, but not in the long-term. Starbucks is way to generic, I prefer a local coffee shop or Peets - something with quality.

As a former employee, a marketer, and a present stockholder in the company, this makes me upset. Starbucks needs to get back to being the most serious brand about coffee and nothing else. Even coffee ice cream. It should just be coffee, period. And not that bitter stuff they had sunk into serving. The espresso and the bean are their heart and soul and it has become too overshadowed by their own coporate 'brand' vision - which apprantly has become clearly dated to everyone but management.

What we need here is brand revitilization through overhaul - not a mere line extension typical of what many other conventional business models would do. I have faith in Schultz doing his part to turn it around, but I wonder if he can break through the very monster Starbucks that may have become.

There's a reason Dunkin Donuts and McDonalds are going for the jugular. They need to recognize this, respond by rebuilding their core, and not be fooled into diluting themselves into a fastfood chain.

People would contniue pay $4 for an espresso drink. If it's an amazing, consistent espresso drink they can't find anywhere else.

The drink is not in testing, the drink launched on Tuesday, July 15th, nationwide. Also, the chocolate in the drink is the same as is used in the Caffe Mocha. Perhaps the "chemical taste" you describe is from the large amount protein fiber included in the beverage.
Also, Naked would not be replaced by Vivanno as one of the key ingredients in the Orange-Mango-Banana is NAKED JUICE.
Perhaps you should research your material a little more thoroughly next time.

From Kiley: The info we were given was that it was Michigan and California first. Also, I was referring to the ready-to-drink Naked smoothies. If you have Vivanno, I was positing that Naked ready-to-drink smoothies might be displaced especially as Starbuck's is reconsidering what it sells as far as baked goods and ready-to-drink offerings.

Oddly enough, I tried those drinks in Ohio. They seemed chalky and left a rather thick, stale taste in my mouth. The fiber powder seemed to have added to the industrial goop taste of the Vivanno. As far as smoothies go, I'm not impressed and will not be ordering them again because when I drink a smoothie, I want to taste fruit not a bizarre chemical concoction. Their iced teas and lemonades are much better.

SBUX won't help its stock price by selling smoothies for sure... Because that's sadly the very bottom line folks.

Tried a chocolate banana Vivanno this morning with a shot of espresso and I was pretty disappointed. I have to disagree with Mr. Kiley and say that it did taste pretty chalky. Also - I am dissapointed in that you can only buy one size - the grande. I wasn't really looking to pay $5 this morning just to test something out, so I ordered a tall. When I was told that my total would be $4.56 - I asked if that was the price for a tall. It was then that I was informed that the Vivanno's only come in one size - the grande. Which I guess makes sense - it would be hard to cram a whole banana down into a tall. However, this should be marketed more clearly. I'm going back to the comfort of my iced lattes.

Meredith Brooks
www.23goingon60.blogspot.com

I sampled both of them today. I thought they were really good. Also, it's a lot cheaper than Jamba...

The whole 'it's 1992 so let's stick on a cheesy Kenny G CD and pontificate in our berets over a four dollar double-shot 2% mocha frappe' just isn't cool anymore.

The sooner they realize this, the sooner they can redefine their brand experience. It's the reason 'Fritalian' really struck a nerve with people. The US consumer is much more sophisticated and realistic now.

Local business? What local business? I live in Irvine, CA and there is no such thing as a local business anymore. There's a Starbucks in every retail center and a Juice It Up or Jamba in about half of those. I don't mind the occasional sweet little coffee companion but if I'm ever in the mood for a real fruit smoothie Starbucks is not going to be my destination.

It says clearly on the menu that it only comes in grande size.

I tried the chocolate banana twice this week here in PA. I thought it was just ok, not offensive, but not great. Adding a shot of espresso did not change the flavor at all.

You say it lacks 'zip,' I say it lacks flavor. I like the idea...it's low in calories (with skim milk), it's healthy, it's more substantial than a cold iced drink so if I'm hungry and don't have time to eat the Vivanno is a good idea, but, it lacks flavor. Starbucks should deepen the chocolate flavor, (I don't like mango so haven't tried that one.)
I just realized something, I'll just ask them to add some pumps of chocolate syrup. Starbucks chocolate syrup rocks. Problem solved. Never mind.

Stop beinng fooled people. Starbucks's appeal is the lifestyle appeal. That "snob" value..that tells people "I drink a piddly $4 coffee while you only serve it'.Now that people are realizing they can save 120 bucks a month on more utilitarian supplies, the stock has crashed in these difficult times. Only the fools and wannabe's will continue to throng Fourbucks coffee.

I was really excited about the smoothies coming to Starbucks because there are no exceptionally healthy places to eat around my work. But when I sipped on the chocolate-banana I was extremely disappointed. It's creamy but it severely lacks in flavor! I find it awkward and chalky. Hopefully the mango one is better.

The orange mango banana drink is just horrible. I love starbucks, I like almost everything they come out with and don't even mind the price for a yummy drink but this just tastes HORRIBLE. Don't try it, just don't.

I tried the Chocolate /Banana with a shot of espreso today. Initally the flavor was good,but by the end I was finished I was not so sure. A little chalky and the warmer it was the worse it became. Also htere is no mention of Carb content.. there must be some????

Had a choc banana for breakfast today and thought it was super yummy. Love that I only have to make the one stop for my coffee and grab n go breakfast shake.

Thanks Starbucks for making a new tasty healthy alternative for my daily goings. I love the lattes still, but theres something about going into summer again that presses me not to have to drive with the a/c blasting full throttle to compensate the steamed milk and espresso I'd be slurpin' on the way to or from work.

I like the new banana chocolate with espresso, but the Orange-mango is by far my fav. I dont know how anyone could say its horrible! It may not be the mix of fruits you prefer blended, but I asked to taste the Orange-Mango premix alone, and it clearly is a nice smooth pureed mix of the two. I even asked to check the label of it so as to verify that is was all pure and no artificial anything. Naked did good on that alone. And with the fresh whole banana in it its just about perfect.

I like the benefit of the protein and fiber too. It doesn't taste chalky or gritty at all like some whey proteins do, and all together the baverage is really just good and naturally sweet. Although since I'm a modification junkie(that goes with electronics and autos too), I had to try the strawberry mix added in place of about 1/4 of the Org-Mang blend. Delicious!!! Its not too tough trying new formulas, me being a regular there and they know what to expect from me(the unexpected lol). there are still a few syrups I think may be worth a try also, Banan-choco also has tons of potential in that respect.

I will never give up my latte(albeit less frequent now), but I see these drinks being a healthy alternative to the less than healthy frappuccinos. Whats cool is I've seen the baristas really try to encourage more ppl to switch to these rather than the other frapps, younger folks especially. Its a great idea. Its really good to see kids going the healthy alternative rather than the higher fat, sugar and caffeine laden drinks. Of course its just perfect for summer.

My only complaint is to have them in more variable sizes and it is totally doable I think with 1/2 banana increased proportions for each size(hello Howard Shultz!). Maybe theyre just waiting to see how well these catch on!?!

Thumbs up Starbucks for bringing something else to the table for its customers.
:)

I welcome the addition. After paying $7 or $8 for a protein drink after a workout this great. I have tried both the OMB (not Office of Management and Budget) and the chocolate smoothies with extra protein. I must say that the OMB hits the spot. In addition, it serves as a great snack during the day. So as long as the serve the OMB I will buy. Oh yeah did I mention that there are convenient SB stores. From home, work and the gym it is very easy to access a starbucks. I can not put a price on that type of convenience. Now if SB would just serve it in a venti..

This drink is performing well in downtown Boston (boyfriend is a barista), an area that, considering how many young adults and college aged students it has, certainly is lacking in the smoothie department compared to other parts of the country. For "smoothies" here, the only option is the ubiquitious Dunkin Donuts, whose smoothies (if you can consider them that) come out of a machine and could kill a diabetic in 3 seconds flat.

I like that this smoothie has no corn syrup, contains an entire banana, and has been "fortified" with fiber. The banana smoothie I tried was not heaven in a cup, but it was tasty and pleasantly frothy. I didn't feel like I had consumed several meals worth of calories like can happen at sugarfied places like Jamba Juice.

The only real question I have about the addition of these smoothies is this: how are these new arrivals accomplishing Howard Schultz's corporate rallying call to "get back to the basics" of what makes Starbucks unique?

I only drink starbucks when I have gift cards to redeem...they can give me a free song of the week on iTunes, encourage me to stay and read a paper, or listen to the smooth muzak - call me cheap if you like - I say this product isn't going to make it beyond a year.

I tasted Vivanno The Orange,Bannna,mango one and its awful.This will be my First and last one.Its very Bitter and made me have a candy to get rid of the taste. I wasted 4 bucks.

There are 40 calories in the matcha? Where do they come from?

the reason they don't taste AMAZING
is because they are supposed to be healthy!

orange mango banana

fruit juice
a little 2%
a banana
protein
fiber
and a little ice

no sweets added

good luck making a drink that you can make money on
this healthy
and still taste awesome!

try adding
green tea

or strawberries?

theyll do it

the reason its only a grande

is because the cups are made differently

using less plastic
and less emissions during the process.

I guess most of these people never use protein powders. I found the chocolate banana a welcome variation from the protein drink, puddings, and Fage I've been eating as part of my weight training diet. It's slightly chalky as all protein powders are which doesn't bother me. it's certainly a better breakfast alternative than the sugar, fat, calorie laden scones and other "breakfast" items SBUX offers.

granted the orange mango vivanna is not the best tasting thing in the world. But it's a "health" drink--with protein and other ingredients that are good for you. "Health" drinks (with whey,especially) don't usually have a great taste. I drink it because it's healthier than soda or store-bought juices. No fat, sugar or extraneous calories.

These drinks are still high in sugar. I'm a diabetic and I'm getting very frustrated that they can't make a drink for us besides coffee! Nice that it's high in protein and fibre but CUT OUT THE SUGAR.

I called the 1-800 number to confirm that it was indeed high in sugar.

I'm an Starbucks junkie and I was glad to see something new added to the menu. I think it would bring a variety of people in since apparently serving just coffee is not doing it for them anymore. I tried the Orange Mango Banana and I truely loved it. I replaced the milk with soy and never did I encounter the chalky taste individuals are commenting on.

I tried the orange mango banana and thought it was great. I will try the other one too because I think these reviews are off base. Also nice incentives if you buy coffee in the morning you can use your register receipt and get a Vivianno for $2.00 on the same day. Well I have breakfast and lunch covered so far. I found it refreshing and in Florida's hot climate that says a lot. Try it for yourself and no I do not work for Starbucks, but I do like this particular product plus the free i-tune cards....

I agree with this article but think it's a good business strategy on Starbucks. It's a good way to tap into existing smoothie opportunities, gain new customers (non-coffee drinkers) and make more money from existing customers. For example, I go to Starbucks every morning to get my Venti Americano. But now, I am also going a few times more a week after my workout to get my smoothie, they getting about $10 to $12 extra a week from me which comes to around more than additional $40 a month from me alone.

Add 6 equals to achieve perfection. I took 1 sip after adding the equals and thought "wow, this tastes like something my mom would have made me".

I tried it a second time without the whey protein just to see how different it would taste. I loved it either way.

I think its a great idea I love the chocolate banana. Its alittle expensive but when I dont have time to sit down and eat the Vivianno is great.

I tried it today & loved it - way to go Starbucks

i guess the people that were complaining about vivanno here are hoping that it'll be healthy and taste like pepsi or cola at the same time.
for me, i think its pretty good. if i dont have the time to get fresh fruits, i dont mind getting one vivanno as a supplement. :)

I just had one of the orange/mango/banana ones and I thought it tasted good! As some people have alluded to, the complainers have probably never had a protein shake before! The taste of this blows away my pre & post workout shakes. Got it for $2 after 2 pm with my stamped receipt. $5... no thanks but as long as they sell 'em for $2, I'll take it!

If you get diarrhea from 5g of fiber, you've got one sensitive digestive system there. And, if you're that concerned about sugar that you can't drink fruit juice, then you should probably stick to your water and celery diet.

Overall, I think it's good if you need something somewhat healthy and are on the run. It will surely keep me satisfied for the rest of my workday (unless I'm on the pot!!! SOTPLMAO) ha ha ha ha

"Ed Kane"... two slices of WhiteWheat bread have 5g of fiber. You cannot eat a sandwich without getting the squirts? Maybe you should see a doctor.

Fiber can be a natural laxative for many people. That is why it often recommended as a way to keep regular. As for the drinks, I didn't care much for the two offered, but am in love with the orange mango strawberry vivanno. This adds calories, but gives it a much better flavor. When the banana is added it tastes a little bitter. The fiber and protein really help me to stay satisfied throughout the morning, and I like the fact that, unlike most smoothies, it is not made with sherbert or juice containing high fructose corn syrup. Of course it has sugar as it is made from fruit, but it is certainly not the sugar overdose that most other smoothy joints offer. It is a great alternative to a slimfast or protein shake.

I am a Vivanno lover-but I don't like bananas-what's wrong with this picture. Today I drank-not 1 but 3 and that was my breakfast, lunch and dinner-gotta slow down now-I am diabetic. I love the orange-mango-banana but the orange and mango ingredient needs to be kicked up a notch. The chocolate-banana is nasty-like yuck!!!Havent had an urge to eat a meal all day. Good work Starbucks and I don't even drink coffee either-just started patronizing Starbucks(lol).

I think it was a bit of a desperate move to start selling smoothies. It's pathetic even. Schultz just a few months ago said he wanted to "get back to coffee," and now here we are at blended fruit. I can't deny that the smoothies are good(Im loving the orange mango banana)and filling, but I really was looking forward to getting back to coffee. We've go enough unsophisticated frappuccino customers as it is that prey on sugar. Now, Ive gotta deal with people trying the smoothies and saying,"It's not sweet enough."

P.S. We actually use 2% Milk as the default in both smoothies.