Like many other restaurants, Tropical Smoothie Cafe offers a variety of smoothies that can be made dairy-free upon request. They typically use non-dairy milks like almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk, and can also make smoothies with just fruits, vegetables, and ice.
However, it’s important to note that while some smoothies can be made dairy-free, not all are by default. Many of their smoothies contain yogurt, milk, or other dairy products. Additionally, even if a smoothie is made with non-dairy ingredients, it may still be blended on the same equipment as dairy-containing smoothies, which could be a concern for people with severe dairy allergies due to potential cross-contamination.
Always check with the staff at the specific location to confirm whether a particular smoothie can be made dairy-free and if they can take precautions to avoid cross-contamination if necessary.
Tropical Smoothie Café Allergen Information
“Tropical Smoothie Cafe® serves freshly made food and smoothies that may contain or come in contact with allergens, including eggs, fish, milk, peanuts, shellfish, soy, tree nuts, and wheat. While we take precautions when preparing menu items that contain allergens, normal cafe operations involve shared cooking and preparation areas, equipment, and utensils. We, therefore, cannot guarantee that any menu item is free from allergens. Please consult your physician about any food allergies, sensitivities, or dietary restrictions.”
Source: Tropical Smoothie Café
Tropical Café Vegan & Dairy-Free Menu Options
Smoothies
- Acai Berry Boost
- Avocado
- Blimey Limey
- Blueberry Bliss
- Chia Banana Boost with Peanut Butter
- Chia Banana Boost with Strawberry
- Detox Island Green
- Island Green
- Jetty Punch
- Lean Machine
- Paradise Point
- Sunrise Sunset
- Jetty Junior
- Lil’ Limeberry
Supplements
- Energizer
- Fat Burner
- Multivitamin
- Pea Protein Powder
- Probiotic
- Soy Protein Powder
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin C Immune Complex
Fresh
- Raw Almonds
- Chia Seeds
- Ground Flaxseed
- Fresh Ginger
- Peanut Butter
- Spinach & Kale Super Pack
- Whole-Grain Oats
Wraps
- Thai Chicken Wrap (substitute with plant-based chicken if you are a vegan otherwise safe for a dairy-free diet)
- Hummus Veggie Wrap (order without cheese and ranch sauce)
- Baja Chicken Wrap (order without cheese for a dairy-free diet and substitute chicken if you are vegan)
Salads
- Thai Chicken Salad (order without chicken if you are vegan)
Flatbreads
- Thai Crunch Island Flatbread (order without cheese for a dairy-free diet and substitute chicken if you are vegan)
- Hawaiian BBQ Island Flatbread (order without cheese for a dairy-free diet and substitute chicken if you are vegan)
Breakfast
- Peanut Butter Banana Crunch Flatbread (order without honey if you are vegan)
Sides
- Apple
- Banana
- Maple Kissed Sweet Potatoes
- Oven-Baked Lay’s — Original
- Miss Vickie’s – Simply Sea Salt
Please note that the above options may not be available at all locations. Hence, it is better to ask before visiting and request that the staff cater to your dietary needs.
Tips for Ordering Dairy-Free at Tropical Smoothie Café
Ask for Non-Dairy Milk: Request to replace the regular milk/yogurt with almond, soy, or oat milk.
Avoid Protein Powders: Some may contain dairy, so always double-check.
Watch for Add-Ins: Ensure that add-ins like whey protein or turbinado sugar are dairy-free.
Communicate Your Dietary Needs: Tell the staff about your dietary restrictions for better assistance.
Check for Cross-Contamination: If you have a severe allergy, inquire about their cleaning process to avoid cross-contamination.
Dairy-Free Alternates to Smoothies
Acai Bowls: They’re similar to smoothies but thicker, eaten with a spoon, and often topped with granola, fruit, or nuts.
Fresh Juices: Fresh fruit or vegetable juices are a great dairy-free alternative, packed with vitamins and minerals.
Chia Pudding: Made with chia seeds and non-dairy milk, it’s a filling and healthy alternative.
Green Tea Frappuccinos: Made with non-dairy milk and matcha green tea powder, they’re refreshing and energizing.
Fruit Salads: Simple, healthy, and refreshing, fruit salads are a great dairy-free alternative to smoothies.
Restaurants that offer Dairy-Free Smoothies
Jamba Juice: Known for their healthy juices and smoothies, they offer various dairy-free options. Simply choose a plant-based milk or juice base, and avoid add-ins like yogurt or sherbet.
Smoothie King: This chain offers a “Vegan” category in its menu. Their vegan smoothies are made with plant-based proteins and non-dairy milks.
Planet Smoothie: Planet Smoothie offers a selection of smoothies that can be made dairy-free upon request. They use almond milk, and their ‘Planet Pro’ protein is plant-based.
Robeks: At Robeks, you can customize your smoothie with various dairy-free options. They offer almond milk, coconut water, and soy milk as alternatives.
Nekter Juice Bar: Nekter offers a wide range of vegan and dairy-free smoothies made with fresh fruits, vegetables, and plant-based milks.
Dairy-Free Smoothie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup mixed berries (like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or other non-dairy milk of your choice)
- 1 tablespoon of chia seeds
- A handful of spinach or kale (optional)
- 1-2 teaspoons of honey or agave syrup for added sweetness (optional)
- Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions
- Combine the mixed berries, ripe banana, almond milk, and chia seeds in a blender. Add the leafy greens if using.
- Blend on high until all the ingredients are well combined, and the smoothie is creamy.
- Taste the smoothie. If you’d like it a little sweeter, add honey or agave syrup and blend until well mixed.
- If desired, add a few ice cubes and blend again until smooth.
- Pour your smoothie into a glass and enjoy!
Remember, the beauty of smoothies is that they’re easily customizable. Feel free to play around with the ingredients to suit your taste!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tropical Smoothie vegan?
Some options at Tropical Smoothie can be vegan, but not all items are vegan by default. You’ll need to specify your dietary preferences when ordering.
Is Tropical Smoothie vegetarian?
Yes, many of Tropical Smoothie’s offerings are vegetarian-friendly, including many of their smoothies and some food items.
Is Tropical Smoothie gluten-free?
Some smoothies and food items at Tropical Smoothie are gluten-free, but not all. Always verify with the staff about potential cross-contamination if you have a severe gluten intolerance.
Is Tropical Smoothie healthy?
The healthiness of Tropical Smoothie items can vary. While many of their smoothies and food items contain nutritious ingredients, some can also be high in sugar or calories.
Is Tropical Smoothie pesto dairy-free?
Traditionally, pesto contains cheese, so it’s not typically dairy-free. However, it’s best to check with the specific location, as ingredients vary.
Is Bahama Mama at Tropical Smoothie Dairy-Free?
The Bahama Mama smoothie typically contains yogurt, which is a dairy product. But you can likely request it to be made with a non-dairy substitute.
Is Tropical Smoothie Beach Bum dairy-free?
The Beach Bum smoothie generally contains yogurt, but you can ask for a non-dairy milk or yogurt substitute.
Is Tropical Smoothie chocolate dairy-free?
The chocolate used in Tropical Smoothie recipes typically contains milk, so it’s not dairy-free.
Does Tropical Smoothie use water or milk?
Tropical Smoothie typically uses milk or juice as the base for their smoothies, but non-dairy milks can often be substituted upon request.
What kind of yogurt is in Tropical Smoothie?
Tropical Smoothie often uses non-fat yogurt in its smoothies, but the specific brand or type may vary by location.
