Dive Brief:
- F’real, maker of blend-it-yourself milkshakes and smoothies sold at c-stores, will launch a new line of protein smoothies in early 2027, according to a Thursday announcement.
- The drinks will feature 20 grams of protein while remaining under 250 calories. The initial flavor lineup will include tropical mango and peanut butter banana with Reese’s peanut butter, according to the announcement.
- Convenience retailers are well-positioned to capitalize on a growing push for more protein, and the latest F’real line offers another way to meet the demand.
Dive Insight:
The upcoming release of its protein smoothies represents F’real’s expansion into functional beverages, according to the announcement. The smoothies use real fruit and no artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners, meaning they meet increasing customer demand for drinks with clean ingredients as well.
"Consumers are increasingly looking for products that deliver both indulgence and function," said Megan Grinstead, vice president of customer and consumer marketing at Rich Products Corporation, which owns F’real.
The company also plans to roll out updated packaging across its full portfolio in early 2027, according to the announcement. The new look features a bolder color palette, a modernized take on its signature swirl iconography, a more premium full-cup design and a clearer distinction between milkshake and smoothie offerings.
The updated packaging aims to make F’real products easier to recognize and include icon-based callouts to highlight each product’s attributes, like real fruit content or protein levels. It’s part of a larger brand refresh F’real is undertaking next year that will include blender screen content, social media, in-store materials and more.
Finally, the company is introducing the B8 Blender, the latest iteration of the hardware that allows customers to blend their smoothies and milkshakes in the store. The blender includes a larger touchscreen that shows promotions, videos and interactive content; a system that recognizes each cup, to ensure a more precise, consistent blend; and a more accessible interior that makes maintenance and service easier.
