Let’s start by addressing the elephant in the room: is Erewhon (aka the most luxurious grocery store in America) actually worth the hype? As someone who travels to LA quite frequently—and who tends to make Erewhon her first stop from the airport—my answer is: it depends.

If I actually lived full-time in LA, Erewhon would not be the place I’d go for my weekly grocery run. It’s probably not where you’re going to stock up on stuff for your kids’ school lunches, or toilet paper, or even produce for that matter. Unless you’re (shall we say) not on any type of budget.

But do I love to hit up Erewhon for fun little treats when I’m visiting LA? HELL YES—when it comes to my love for their adaptogenic lattés, vegan buffalo cauliflower, raw chocolate cake, and most of all, this probiotic strawberry smoothie—I’m 100% on board. It’s honestly such a fun experience to peruse all of the healthy offerings you won’t see anywhere else, and their smoothies have that certain something that elevates them above the typical smoothie you can whip up at home.

That said, since the vast majority of us don’t have a neighborhood Erewhon (or aren’t in the mood to hand over $20 for a smoothie—yes seriously!), you can bet that I was determined to make a copycat version of Erewhon’s strawberry probiotic smoothie at home. After a few iterations, I’ve finally landed on a version that packs all the flavor and nutrition as the original, at a fraction of the price.

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this smoothie:

• Frozen strawberries
• Fresh strawberries
• Coconut yogurt
• Almond milk
• Collagen peptides 
• Vanilla extract
• Dates
• Ice

Tips for Success:

1. Choose Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, use organic strawberries and high-quality coconut yogurt with live probiotics. The fresh and frozen strawberries create the perfect balance of creamy texture and fresh flavor, while the yogurt adds a tangy, probiotic-rich twist.
2. Customize Your Smoothie: The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Want an extra protein boost? Add a scoop of your favorite plant-based protein powder. Need more greens in your diet? Toss in a handful of spinach—it won’t affect the flavor but will up the nutritional ante.
3. Use Frozen Strawberries for Texture: While fresh strawberries add flavor, frozen ones are essential for creating that thick, creamy texture without watering down the smoothie. If you only have fresh strawberries, add more ice to reach your desired consistency.
4. Sweeten Naturally: Medjool dates are perfect for adding natural sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor. If you prefer your smoothie less sweet, start with one date and adjust to taste.
5. Blend It Right: A high-speed blender is your best friend here. It helps achieve that silky, smooth texture Erewhon is known for. If your blender struggles, try soaking the dates in warm water for 10 minutes before adding them.

Health Benefits of This Strawberry Probiotic Smoothie

1. Probiotics for Gut Health: Thanks to the coconut yogurt, this smoothie is packed with probiotics that help maintain a healthy gut microbiome, which is crucial for digestion, immune function, and even mood regulation.
2. Antioxidant-Rich Strawberries: Strawberries are a powerhouse of antioxidants, including vitamin C, which supports skin health, boosts the immune system, and helps fight inflammation.
3. Protein-Packed Collagen Peptides: Adding collagen peptides supports healthy hair, skin, nails, and joints. It’s also a great way to get a protein boost without adding any extra sugar or flavor.
4. Natural Energy from Dates: Dates provide natural sugars, fiber, and essential minerals like potassium and magnesium, giving you sustained energy without the crash you’d get from refined sugars.
5. Healthy Fats from Coconut Yogurt: The healthy fats in coconut yogurt help keep you full and satisfied while providing a dose of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are great for brain health and metabolism.

Make It a Habit

While I may not make my Erewhon grocery run a habit, I can make this copycat strawberry probiotic smoothie one. This smoothie is the perfect recipe to start your morning on a high note or enjoy as a post-workout treat. Plus, you can feel good knowing you’re nourishing your body with every sip.

So, next time you’re craving something special, skip the trip to LA (or the $20 price tag) and blend up this refreshing, nutrient-packed strawberry probiotic smoothie at home. It’s good for your gut—and your wallet. Scroll on for the recipe.

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