Tigerfruit Smoothie

The Tigerfruit Smoothie was a real-world drink that was part of a partnership between Neopets and Jamba Juice in September 2004.

The smoothie behaved like a hidden menu item and had to be requested. If supply allowed it, the customer would get a Tigerfruit Smoothie, some Tigerfruit Crystals, a sticker, and/or badge. When mixed in, the Tigerfruit Crystals changed the flavour and colour of the smoothie.

The promotion page for Jamba Juice still remains on Neopets here (Flash preservation software required).

Site Description[]

" For the first time in the history of Neopets there is a real drink available for Neopets members, families and friends. It's called a Tigerfruit Smoothie and you can get it at your local Jamba Juice. It's NOT on the menu, so remember to ask for the Tigerfruit Smoothie. And don't forget to get your Tigerfruit Crystals to mix with your smoothie. Stir in the crystals and watch your smoothie transform itself magically into a new flavour and colour. For a Limited Time, while supplies last! "

Flavour[]

The recipe for the final Tigerfruit Smoothies was notoriously well kept. A former Jamba Juice employee from 2005 heard that "it's a strawberry/banana blend that used to come with a packet of dehydrated grape juice crystals mixed in," but admitted they do not actually know how to make it, nor do they actually know anyone that does.^[1] By looking at earlier versions of the Flash advertisement hosted on Neopets, it was revealed that the drink itself was likely strawberry-apple juice with yogurt, strawberries, bananas, and ice.

Development[]

By looking at previous versions of the Flash promotional ad, one can witness the development of this drink.

Referred to as the "Neopets Jamba Juice Smoothies", the first version of this advertisement revealed that there were originally two flavors instead of one. The promotion also featured an Orange Kougra mascot, rather than the final White Kougra. These smoothies were described as:

"Flavour 1

The much-celebrated karma of fresh strawberries and bananas come together here with apple-strawberry juice and our low calorie Enlightened Dairy Base™. A heavenly way to get your B6 fix which ensures your nervous system's peak performance!

Ingredients: low calorie enlightened dairy base (nonfat milk, natural flavors, whey protein, Splenda), frozen strawberries, apple-strawberry juice blend, frozen bananas, ice.

Flavour 2

The name says it all! Berries fulfill while achieving the harmony of simple, fresh flavor. We add a mix of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries to our low calorie Enlightened Dairy Base™ and mix in raspberry juice. The result is filled with vitamin C as well as iron, which keeps your blood healthy and happy.

Ingredients: low calorie enlightened dairy base (nonfat milk, natural flavors, whey protein, Splenda), raspberry juice blend, frozen strawberries, frozen raspberries, frozen blueberries, ice." ^[2]

By the second version, this was reduced to only one version of the "Neopets Jamba Juice Smoothie" and the Transmogrification Crystals were added. It was originally planned to be available from September 16th to November 16th. The one flavor is missing description text but its ingredients read:

"Ingredients: apple-strawberry juice blend, nonfat frozen yogurt, frozen strawberries, frozen bananas, ice." ^[3]

This recipe was kept to the fourth version, the last version to list ingredients, and may be the final recipe used. While version three is missing, version four shows the first appearance of the final White Kougra mascot, with the drink being rebranded to the "Snowberry Smoothie", the crystals now being called "Snowberry Crystals". The drink's run was also planned to be extended from September 16th to December 16th.^[4]

By the fifth version, the drink was rebranded to the "Tigerfruit Smoothie" containing "Tigerfruit Crystals". When taking on a Mystery Island theming, Jhuidah was used to have created the "hidden recipe" for the crystals. As a result, the drink's ingredients are not listed in this or any following versions. This is also the first version the Collector's Buttons make an appearance.^[5]

By the seventh version the date of release was changed to one day, September 16th, with the addendum "*While supplies last".^[6]

The final version changed this date to say "Now Available!!!" with the same "*While supplies last".^[7]

Stickers and Badges[]

Everyone who ordered the Tigerfruit Smoothie received a sticker and had the potential of receiving a badge if there were any left in stock. There were eight badges and two stickers to possibly receive in total.