The Hillwood Café Smoothie Bar

Fresh fruit smoothies are now available to students at the brand new smoothie bar at the Hillwood Cafe located in Hillwood Commons. It is open from 7:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. on Mondays to Fridays.

The bar has a variety of fresh fruit including berries, tropical fruits and more. Many students in college gain weight—everyone’s heard of the alleged “Freshmen 15”—perhaps because there is just so much work and so little time.

Some students are burdened with deadlines, tests, schoolwork, and even jobs. For most, there just never seems to be enough time in one day to do everything that needs to be done in college. Work builds up and energy levels drop low as the months pass by.

“I haven’t even tried it yet. I just found out about it,” said Griffin Lockette, a sophomore musical theatre major. “There are so many people walking around with it that you can’t miss it. I definitely want to try it soon.”

People try to stay healthy, students and athletes all included. Imagine running between two classes that have approximately a ten minute gap, trying to get something from the cafeteria that will fill you up, wake you up, and your options either cost you your health in the long run, or thirty extra minutes in the gym.

“I know this is kind of embarrassing but I’ve tried all the flavors. I have to say that the mixed berry one is my favorite,” said Christine Mackerer, also a sophomore theater major. “It’s literally the most perfect snack to grab before class.”

The menu includes: Ginger and Carrot Smoothie, Strawberry Banana Smoothie, Tropical Fruit Smoothie, Very Berry Smoothie, and Mango Smoothie. For those who wish to add a scoop of protein, it is available upon additional charge. The smoothies themselves are $4.59, and with the additional protein boost they add $0.60 cents to the total. The location is central to most of the classrooms and it takes about one- and-a-half minute to make.

“They need to put healthier things out there on the counter to choose from. I mean it’s already pretty healthy but I think it would be better if they had some greens out there too,” said Heena Kewalramani, a senior and an international business major, and student-athlete. “Like a vegetable smoothie I guess. Also, they add a syrup or juice and it tastes too sweet. They should add way less syrup and it should be on the student’s request as an option. Other than that, I like it and I’d recommend it to people too.”