From Nation's Restaurant News · · 1m 50s
Playa Bowls maximizes functional ingredients
Playa Bowls' protein-rich smoothies blend spirulina and protein for wellness benefits.
In brief
Playa Bowls' protein-rich smoothies blend spirulina and protein for wellness benefits. Playa Bowls' Tidal Wave Smoothie offers 31g protein per 20oz serving with spirulina for GLP-1 support. Originally reported by Nation's Restaurant News.
Playa Bowls menu strategy
Playa Bowls maximizes functional ingredients to offer beverages with benefits.
Functional beverage standards
For a beverage to make it onto Playa Bowls’ menu, it has to meet four crucial benchmarks.
Tim Hackbardt on standards
Tim Hackbardt, CMO of Playa Bowls, said functional benefits are a top priority but every item must also be visually appealing and taste great.
2026 Bevvy Award
Playa Bowls earned the 2026 Bevvy Award for Best Functional Beverage Offering.
Tidal Wave Smoothie
The Tidal Wave Smoothie combines coconut blend with banana, pineapple, vanilla protein, blue spirulina, organic coconut milk, and non-dairy coco whip.
Protein content
A 20-ounce serving of Tidal Wave contains 31 grams protein while the 16-ounce version has 17 grams and provides 16% daily fiber.
Viral success
The Tidal Wave Smoothie became a viral sensation despite not every Playa customer knowing what spirulina is.
In-store education
Playa staff are trained to explain ingredients and their benefits to guests.
2027 menu plan
Tim Hackbardt suspects the Tidal Wave Smoothie will become a permanent menu item in 2027.
Mermaid SZN promotion
Mermaid SZN features items like Passion Glow Smoothie with passion fruit, mango, strawberries, and organic coconut milk.
Protein Clouds
Protein Clouds blend nutrient-dense Brazilian acai with vanilla or chocolate protein powder and whole fruits.
Wellness shots
Playa Bowls offers cold-pressed functional juices and wellness shots with turmeric, ginger, cayenne, and elderberry.
Mermaid Mood Bowl
The Mermaid Mood Bowl features Nutella drizzle and chocolate-hazelnut seashell treat with spirulina benefits.
What matters most
Playa Bowls' Tidal Wave Smoothie offers 31g protein per 20oz serving with spirulina for GLP-1 support.
