# Playa Bowls maximizes functional ingredients

> Playa Bowls' protein-rich smoothies blend spirulina and protein for wellness benefits.
- Title: Playa Bowls maximizes functional ingredients | Shortify
- Summary: Playa Bowls' protein-rich smoothies blend spirulina and protein for wellness benefits. Playa Bowls' Tidal Wave Smoothie offers 31g protein per 20oz serving…
- Keywords: playa bowls, tidal wave smoothie, spirulina, protein, glp-1, functional beverages, smoothie, beverage trends, Nation's Restaurant News
- Source: Nation's Restaurant News — https://nrn.com/beverage-trends/playa-bowls-maximizes-functional-ingredients-to-offer-beverages-with-benefits
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: playa bowls, tidal wave smoothie, spirulina, protein, glp-1, functional beverages, smoothie, beverage trends, food, business
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Playa Bowls' Tidal Wave Smoothie offers 31g protein per 20oz serving with spirulina for GLP-1 support.