Starbucks, This 'Bugs' Me

I've heard of companies using cochineal beetles before and I know to look for it on the ingredients of what I buy in the grocery store but I wouldn't think to look for it in a Starbucks drink. The beetles are used as an alternative to artificial flavourings but it's not a good alternative! Seventy thousand beetles are killed to produce just one pound of the red dye. Here's my idea.. for a cool drink on a hot day, drink REAL drinks like Water and Lemonade made with real lemons. I do love a Starbucks Coffee once in awhile and appreciate the company's interest in providing products that are Fair Trade. This one ingredient probably won't make me stop going there but it does make me want to spread the word to fellow Vegetarians. A drink that was once Vegan is no longer and of course I know now to never order these items. Most people freak out at the sight of an insect, ..now imagine drinking up the crushed bugs AND paying $7 for it. Regardless if you live an ethical lifestyle or not, it's just gross! Read this article I saw today on Yahoo Shine about the Starbucks Strawberry Cream Frappuccino and Strawberry Smoothies.

Fruit and Kale Smoothie

2 bananas
1 Gala apple
1 pear
1 cup of kale
1/2 cup water
This makes 2-3 servings, but don’t feel bad downing the entire smoothie by yourself. It is that good.

Green Smoothie

2 bananas, frozen
2 HUGE handfuls spinach (you won’t even taste it)
1 cup milk (almond or soy is even better than moo juice)
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon coconut oil
Add all ingredients into a blender. Blend until mixed. Serve.

Peanut Butter and Bananna Smoothie

4-5 apple bananas (2-2 1/2 regular banana)
4 spoonfuls of peanut butter (creamy preferred) (or 2 spoonfuls if you have a big spoon)
1 can of sprite
7-15 pieces of ice (depending on how thick you want your smoothie)
You mix together the bananas, peanut butter, and sprite first.  then when that is fully blended together you add in the ice.  I like my smoothies more on the liquidy side so I put in less ice so its still smooth but you also have that crunch.

Granola Smoothie

Ingredients:
1 banana
1 cup milk (I use skim or 1%)
2 Tbs. of honey or sugar-free honey substitute
1/2 cup granola
1/2 cup of ice

Breakfast Smoothie

While just about all smoothies are packed with vitamins since their ingredients are usually fruits and vegetables, there are some healthy smoothies that are healthier and more rich in vitamins than others. This is one of the best healthy smoothies I have come across and its taste can’t be beat. I usually prefer frozen fruit for a better texture and consistency, but frozen or fresh this will be a delicious and healthy breakfast smoothie or anytime smoothie.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup blueberries
1/2 cup strawberries
1/2 cup blackberries
1 medium carrot
1 cup low-fat milk
1 cup pomegranate (cranberry is an okay substitute)
2 cups ice
Easily 2 servings, but don’t feel too guilty if you finish it by yourself, it is that good.

POM Smoothie

Ingredients:
1 cup POM wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice
3/4 cup soy or low-fat milk
2 ice cubes
1 large banana
2 tablespoons almonds
3 table spoons protein powder (optional)
1 teaspoon honey or stevia sweetener
In a blender combine all ingredients. Cover and blend on high for at least 30 seconds (make sure the almonds aren’t visible) then pour into two glasses. Makes 2 servings.