State of play: Juice Pod, a new South End smoothie bar, is all over Charlotte TikTok for its "Glow Series." Think Instagram-worthy smoothies with bold, colorful swirls, functional add-ins like creatine and collagen, and a price tag to match.
When I stopped by earlier this week, the viral smoothies were completely sold out. I tried again the next day and had to order at 9am for afternoon pickup.
Sip on this: The "Queen City Beauty" blends mango and pineapple with coconut water, plus a coconut smear and pitaya drizzle. It's $11 (plus $1 for protein). I paired it with a Rail Trail walk.
My thought bubble: Smoothies aren't new, but this version is pricier, it's prettier, it has a few more extras, and it underscores Charlotte's shift toward a more luxury wellness scene.
Zoom out: It's not just South End. Other new health-focused spots to offer smoothies that look like artwork include South Block in Plaza Midwood and Ballantyne, Pure Green in NoDa, and Eden in Carmel Commons.
