Juice Bar 101: Your Guide to Juice Shots, Acai Bowls & More

A juice bar is all about providing customers with fresh juices that are filled with vitamins and superfoods, and free of additives. Think: Cold-pressed juices, green juices, fruit-and-veggie smoothies, ginger shots, protein shakes and even acai bowls or smoothie bowls. Because juice bars are usually so health food focused, you're not as likely to find alcoholic beverages or popular fast food fare, such as ice cream or milkshakes. But you may find vegan sweets, plus foods and drinks with anti-inflammatory or cleansing properties. After all, the goal is to step out of a juice bar feeling healthier and more rejuvenated than when you stepped in!

Juice bars are frequently attached to restaurants and fitness centers or freestanding, but you can also make your own juice bar at home or for a party. If you are looking to make a DIY juice bar, or simply want to know what you're most likely to find at a juice bar, consider this guide to all the juice bar classics.

The number one item at a juice bar? Why, juice, of course! Juice bar drinks typically start with a common base, such as apple, orange or pineapple juice. Then the juice bar baristas mix the base ingredients with different combinations of fruits and vegetables, including strawberries, blueberries and bananas; tropical fruits such as mango and papaya; and vegetables such as beets, celery, carrots, spinach and kale. Often juice bars offer ingredient add-ons, like spirulina and wheatgrass juice.

Juice bars also typically offer smoothies. Smoothies are made by blending a juice drink with a thicker dairy product or dairy substitute, such as yogurt or almond milk. Frozen fruit (bananas and strawberries are particularly popular) are also commonly added to increase flavor and thicken texture. Smoothies are popular at juice bars because they tend to be more substantial and filling compared to juice.

You might also have the opportunity to add juice shots to your smoothie for added nutritional value. Take a look at our juice shot overview below for a breakdown of purported benefits and common uses.

A juice shot is typically a 2 oz. to 4 oz. drink filled with ingredients that have tons of vitamins and minerals. But what exactly do these "shots" do (or, at least, claim to do) health-wise? Here's a quick breakdown of what's being added to your juice when you opt for some of juice bars' most popular add-ins and shots:

‌Ginger shots:‌ It's no secret that ginger is a common at-home remedy for nausea or general upset stomachs—in fact, many of us remember sipping ginger ale to sooth stomachaches growing up. Think of a ginger shot in your juice as a grown-up version of that ginger ale: You'll soothe any digestive issues while adding a pop of flavor to the mix.

‌Wheatgrass shots:‌ First and foremost, what ‌is‌ wheatgrass? It might sound like something you'd find a farm animal chomping on, but the reality is much more appetizing. Wheatgrass is made from the earliest leaves of standard wheat plants and contains chlorophyll, amino acids, iron, calcium, vitamins C and B, magnesium and more. In short, it will boost your daily nutrient intake and even help the digestive process.

‌Barley grass shots:‌ Like wheatgrass, barley grass comes from young barley plants and offers a variety of nutrient and vitamins, especially amino acids, calcium and magnesium. Opt for barley grass shots if you're looking to improve digestion, support bone health and keep your cholesterol under control.

‌Apple cider vinegar shots:‌ You might have apple cider vinegar in your pantry, but did you know it's a great addition to juice, including juice you pick up at a juice bar? Apple cider vinegar is generally safe to consume in quantities of one to two tablespoons per day, so don't over-do it—but an appropriate amount each day (say, for instance, in the form of a juice shot!) may help regulate glucose levels and lower cholesterol.

Acai bowls and other "smoothie bowls" have gained popularity in recent years, quickly becoming regular menu items at juice bars and cafés across the country. It's easy to see why: Smoothie bowls are packed with nutrients (acai berries are full of antioxidants, omega fatty acids, B vitamins, vitamin K and fiber) and are super tasty, plus they're filling enough for breakfast—or any meal, for that matter.

If you're more of a "sit down and dine with utensils" sort of person instead of a "sip my breakfast as I rush to another meeting" sort of person (or you just adore the colorful aesthetic of a vibrant dish), acai and smoothie bowls are the way to go.

Tea and coffee have health benefits too, so you can often find both at juice bars. Coffee may be available in a wide variety of bean types and flavors, while the tea selection typically includes iced teas, decaffeinated herbal teas (such as chamomile) and caffeinated tea varieties (such as green tea, black tea, white tea and red tea).

Matcha (including the much-loved matcha latte) has also grown in popularity during recent years, so you might find matcha-based drinks or matcha powder add-ins when you visit the juice bar. Matcha is actually composed of finely ground tea leaves (some call it the "ultimate" version of green tea) and can be used as a hot or cold drink base and even a culinary ingredient. If you're not a fan of its strong taste, the bitter flavor can be tempered by milk or other liquids—plus, it's loaded with antioxidants. What's not to love?

Whether you're a total juice bar newbie or a daily visitor, it's important to know what you're selecting and consuming. Now that you're armed with everything you need to know about common juice bar products and add-ins, start crafting your perfect order. It's time to sip with confidence!