After getting my workout in this morning, I decided to make a quick stop at the new Fuel Up shakes, smoothies and coffee shop next door. I was looking for something refreshing after exercising, but I also wanted something substantial enough that I would not be hungry again 20 minutes later. With plenty of choices on the menu, the Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Smoothie immediately caught my attention.
Strawberry cheesecake in smoothie form already sounded like a pretty good combination, but then I noticed something I was not expecting. Cottage cheese is part of the base.
I will admit, that gave me a moment of hesitation. Cottage cheese is not exactly the first ingredient that comes to mind when I think about a smoothie, especially one that is supposed to taste like strawberry cheesecake. I like trying different foods and combinations, but I was not completely sure how cottage cheese was going to work blended into a drink.
As it turns out, I did not need to worry.
The Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Smoothie was really good. The strawberry flavor came through immediately, followed by that creamy cheesecake taste that made it feel a little more indulgent than the average protein smoothie. At the same time, it was not overly rich, excessively sweet or so heavy that I regretted drinking it after a workout. It managed to be refreshing while still having enough substance to leave me feeling satisfied.
The cottage cheese ended up being one of the most interesting parts of the smoothie. If I had not known it was there, I am not sure I would have immediately identified it. Instead of overpowering the other ingredients, it helped give the smoothie a thicker, creamier texture that fit surprisingly well with the strawberry cheesecake flavor. What sounded a little strange on the menu actually made a lot more sense once I tasted it.
For me, that balance matters when it comes to a post workout drink. I want something that tastes like something I would actually choose to order, not something I have to convince myself to finish simply because it is supposed to be good for me. I also want it to be filling enough to feel worthwhile. This smoothie checked both of those boxes.
Fuel Up offers shakes, smoothies and coffee, making it an easy option whether you are coming out of a workout or simply looking for something different during the day. Based on my first visit, I will definitely be interested in going back and exploring more of the menu.
If you are skeptical about cottage cheese showing up in your smoothie, I understand. I was too. My advice is to give it a chance before judging the combination, because sometimes the ingredients that sound the strangest on paper are the ones that work surprisingly well together.
My verdict on the Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Smoothie is simple. It is creamy, refreshing, filling and definitely worth trying.