News: McDonald's Debuting Real Fruit Smoothies at Olympics Games

While McDonald's Real Fruit Smoothies have been available at certain test markets for some time, McDonald's is taking advantage of its sponsorship of the upcoming Olympic Games to debut its Real Fruit Smoothies in two flavors: Strawberry Banana and Wild Berry.

Not simply content to take aim at Starbucks with its coffee offerings, it appears McDonald's is trying to nick away some business from smoothies chains such as Jamba Juice and Robeks.

The Real Fruit Smoothies, which feature real fruit blended fresh with low-fat yogurt, will be available at all three of McDonald's Olympic restaurants in Vancouver and are set to roll out nationwide in the U.S. this summer as part of their McCafe offerings.

Rival chain Jack and The Box already offers Real Fruit Smoothies which feature a blend of Minute Maid juices and non-fat frozen yogurt.  As of yet, I am unclear if McDonald's offering will have actual fruit blended in or just fruit juices since use of the label "real fruit" has, unless the FDA made some changes, included fruit juices and fruit juice concentrate.  (Update: they use actual fruit and not fruit juices)

McCafe Frappes, another part of "phase two" of McDonald's coffee venture, are also expected to be available nationwide this summer.  Similar to Starbucks' Frappuccino, Frappes are already available in one third of U.S. McDonald's restaurants in two flavors: caramel and mocha.