If you’re starting a new juice bar or adding one to your current organic restaurant, you need to think seriously about what ingredients you want to stock. Obviously, you need organic fruits and vegetables, but there are also mix-ins, toppings, and other ingredients that can make up great smoothies, shakes, and juices. Here are some suggestions from the Organic Restaurants blog.

Superfoods

There are many “superfoods” that make for great additions to juices and smoothies. These ingredients are packed with nutrients that can help promote immune system health and boost energy levels. Things like chia seeds and raw cacao are sure to be popular with your customers. These superfoods often don’t taste amazing on their own, but they can fit nicely into a juice or smoothie.

Nuts

Nuts can be a tasty topping for certain types of smoothies and drinks. They can also be ground up to add protein to a juice or drink. If your customers are looking for healthier and more filling beverages, ingredients like walnuts and almonds can add a lot to any beverage.

Granola

This is another good topping idea, especially for breakfast smoothies. It adds a bit to a beverage and makes it more filling, something your customers are probably looking for in the early morning hours.

Neutral Tasting Ingredients

There are many juice bar ingredients that don’t have a bold flavor on their own, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t still have an important role to play. More neutral ingredients like celery juice and cucumber juice are refreshing. They add a little bit of zest to a fruit juice without being overpowering, and they offer a small nutritional boost as well.

Other Menu Items

Don’t just limit your juice bar to smoothies and juices. You can also add some different menu items that complement your beverage selection. Snacks or small meals are ideal. Yogurt parfaits, salads, and sandwiches are all easy to grab on the go along with a juice. Your customers will appreciate your juice bar being the only stop they need to make before work or on their lunch break.

General Advice

In addition to stocking certain ingredients, you should also make sure that you have a steady supply of those fresh fruits and veggies that become the base of most of your beverages. Partnering with a local farm is ideal. The produce will be fresher, you’ll save on shipping costs, and your customers will love the opportunity to buy local.

Our other bit of advice is to vary up the menu from time to time. You want to keep people coming back, and giving them new things to try in addition to their regular beverage is a great way to do that. You might even think about a loyalty program that rewards customers for trying new or seasonal offerings.

For More Organic Food Ideas

If you’re running a healthy restaurant or juice bar, we can help. Visit the Organic Restaurants blog and see more healthy menu ideas, tips for dealing with customers, and info about ingredients that could liven up your menu.