Why Invest in a Smoothie Franchise?
The smoothie industry generated nearly $15 billion in global revenue in 2025 and is projected to surpass $30 billion by 2030. With North America leading the market, smoothie franchises are well-positioned to satisfy the needs of health-conscious consumers wanting quick service and nutritious options.
Smoothie franchise opportunities vary widely, with investment costs ranging from $84,000 to $1,277,650; however, these top brands provide strong pathways to entrepreneurship, scalability, and long-term growth.
Top Smoothie Franchises Leading the Industry
1. HB Wellness— High-Protein Smoothies with Low Overhead Costs
HB Wellness offers high-protein smoothies, and their innovative approach to beverage production fosters a health-focused community where people can indulge in a protein-packed item without compromising convenience.
Why Invest in a Protein-based Smoothie Franchise?
The US protein sector is a $114.4 billion enterprise that is rapidly expanding. With an anticipated annual growth rate of 1.9% through 2028, nutrition-conscious consumers have access to both healthy and convenient options that meet their wellness goals.
What Sets HB Wellness Apart from Other Smoothie Franchises?
- Early Capitalization on the Protein Drink Movement: HB Wellness has spent over a decade refining the high-protein beverage experience. Now that brands like Starbucks and Chick-fil-A are joining this movement, HB Wellness gives franchisees a proven model to be part of this growing health focus.
- A Simple Buildout and Efficient Operations: HB Wellness’s flexible buildout enables franchisees to convert a current location, in-line or on end. Franchisees can also choose to offer drive-thru if they prefer. The most important equipment is your freezer and your blenders. No need for hoods, vents, ovens, or expensive equipment.
- A Low Labor Model: You’ll only need 1-3 employees on your busiest days, and HB Wellness has national partners to help recruit the right employees for your location.
- A Reduced Need for Perishable Products: The shelf life of HB Wellness’s protein balls extends up to 2 months, and few smoothie flavors call for fresh fruit, so you don’t have to experience the burden of stocking large quantities of produce and the financial and other inconveniences of food loss.
Who their customer is
HB Wellness serves health-conscious customers who value convenient, protein-rich nutrition. With 35–50 grams of protein per smoothie and unique daily flavors, customers can make HB Wellness part of their regular routine—visiting throughout the month without getting bored. They’re not looking for an occasional indulgence; they’re seeking a consistent, nutritious solution that supports their wellness goals.
Financial Overview
- Initial Investment: $198,900 – $326,350
- Franchise Fee: $30,000
- Royalties: 5% of Gross Sales
- Worldwide Creative Fund: 2% of Gross Sales
- Local Store Marketing: 1% of Gross Sales
- Minimum Liquid Capital: $150,000
- Minimum Net Worth: $300,000
2. Tropical Smoothie—Flexible Real Estate
Tropical Smoothie has built a strong reputation in the healthy beverage market and offers flexible franchise locations. With proven success in offering both smoothies and food suitable for multiple dayparts, like breakfast, lunch, and dinner, franchisees have the potential to generate multiple streams of revenue from drive-thru, dine-in, catering and delivery options.
Who Their Customer Is
The Tropical Smoothie customer prioritizes a healthy lifestyle but also craves flavorful alternatives to standard fast food.
Financial Overview
- Initial Investment: $340,750 – $814,500
- Franchise Fee: $35,000
- Royalties:6%
- Marketing Fee: 5-6%
- Term of Agreement: 15 Years
- Additional Financial Details: [Contact franchisor for details]
3. Smoothie King — A Health-Conscious Smoothie Shop for Franchisees with a Track Record of Success
Smoothie King showcases a proven model, prioritizing purposeful, customizable ingredients tailored for active, health-conscious guests on the go. To execute the Smoothie King vision, the brand requires that franchisees possess an entrepreneurial drive and have prior experience in marketing, sales, restaurant, or retail.
Who Their Customer Is
Smoothie King’s brand appeals to various demographics, including individuals and families who prioritize convenience and the ability to live healthy and active lifestyles without relinquishing their desire for premium ingredients. When crafting their smoothie experience, they consider their guests’ wellness goals, ambitions, and dietary intake, including access to high-quality fruit, proteins, and fiber.
End-Cap or In-Line Location Financial Overview
- Initial Investment: $346,350 – $679,465
- Minimum Liquid Capital: $175,000
- Minimum Net Worth: $400,000
- Credit Score: 700
- Additional Financial Details: [Contact franchisor for details]
Free-Standing Drive-Thru Location Financial Overview
- Initial Investment: $661,150 – $1,277,650
- Minimum Liquid Capital: $175,000
- Minimum Net Worth: $400,000
- Credit Score: 700
- Additional Financial Details: [Contact franchisor for details]
4. Nékter— Established Name in Juice Franchising
Nékter positions itself as both a smoothie and lifestyle brand. Its modern, inviting environment encourages guests to linger, making the restaurant an entryway to wellness and a healthier lifestyle through their juices. They offer numerous fresh fruit smoothies and bowls with an extensive menu.
Who Their Customer Is
Nékter customers prioritize nutrition. They are focused on lots of fresh fruit and bowls.
Financial Overview
- Initial Investment: $243,000 – $742,160
- Franchise Fee: $35,000 – $130,000
- Royalties: Weekly 6 % royalty fee
- Marketing Fee: 4%
- Minimum Liquid Capital: $100,000
- Minimum Net Worth: $500,000
- Additional Financial Details: [Contact franchisor for details]
5. Jamba Juice — Established Name in the Smoothie Industry
Jamba Juice is well-established in the smoothie industry and seeks knowledgeable franchisees. Ideal franchisees are experienced in executive or operations roles, passionate about creating healthy communities, and driven by growth.
Who Their Customer Is
The Jamba Juice consumer aspires to healthy living. This brand works to evolve with the needs of its guests and what their definition of wellness is.
Financial Overview
- Initial Investment: $469,000 – $806,000
- Franchise Fee: [Contact franchisor for details]
- Royalties: [Contact franchisor for details]
- Minimum Liquid Capital: $120,000
- Minimum Net Worth: $300,000
- Additional Financial Details: [Contact franchisor for details]
6. Planet Smoothie — Flexible Footprint Model
Planet Smoothie’s franchise footprint model serves traditional and non-traditional retail locations, including standard shopping center food courts, street-level retail stores, kiosks, and convenience stores. While both models are flexible and scalable, the non-traditional model offers a more cost-effective solution for entrepreneurs seeking lower startup costs.
Who Their Customer Is
Planet Smoothie caters to customers who prioritize fitness. Through data collected from customers in their loyalty program, they found that 90% of their members exercise at least once a week, and their guests range from 18 to 49 years old. Planet Smoothie also offers customer perks, like same-day incentives, future smoothie discounts, and a point-based rewards system in its loyalty program.
Planet Smoothie Traditional (Full Service) Franchise Model Financial Overview
- Initial Investment: $205,650 – $478,500
- Franchise Fee: $12,000 – $25,000
- Royalties: 5% of Gross Sales
- Marketing Fee: 2% of Gross Sales within the United States
- Minimum Liquid Capital: [Contact franchisor for details]
- Minimum Net Worth: [Contact franchisor for details]
- Additional Financial Details: [Contact franchisor for details]
Planet Smoothie Nontraditional (Kiosk/Express) Franchise Model Financial Overview
- Initial Investment: $84,150 –$322,500
- Franchise Fee: $16,000 – $20,000
- Royalties: 5% of Gross Sales
- Marketing: 2% of Gross Sales within the United States
- Minimum Liquid Capital: Contact franchisor for details]
- Minimum Net Worth: [Contact franchisor for details]
- Additional Financial Details: [Contact franchisor for details]
7. Robeks Fresh Juices and Smoothies — For Entrepreneurial and Coachable Franchisees, Not Absentee Investors
While previous industry experience can be helpful, this smoothie franchise provides comprehensive training programs, community support, and other resources for franchisees who are committed to full-time involvement and bring genuine entrepreneurial passion. If you’re seeking a hands-off side hustle with minimal involvement, you will not match their ideal candidate profile.
Who Their Customer Is
Because of Robeks Fresh Juices and Smoothies’ flexible restaurant footprint and real estate options, their guests can range from fitness enthusiasts and high school students to employees from nearby medical facilities. They offer smoothies, juices, bowls, toasts, various bites, and wellness shots in major shopping centers, retail strip centers, airports, universities, and other non-traditional locations.
Financial Overview
- Initial Investment: $298,050 – $511,500
- Franchise Fee: $30,000
- Royalties: 7% of net sales on your first restaurant [Contact franchisor for more details]
- Marketing Fee: [Contact franchisor for details]
- Minimum Liquid Capital: $125,000 for a single unit
- Minimum Net Worth: $325,000 for a single unit
- Minimum FICO Score: 720
- Additional Financial Details: [Contact franchisor for details]
Why HB Wellness is the Top Smoothie Franchise in 2025
In a booming smoothie and protein industry, here’s how HB Wellness stands out:
- Competitive Investment Range: With an initial investment range of $198,900 to $326,350, HB Wellness offers a cost structure comparable to the footprint of a traditional smoothie shop—while delivering a differentiated and proven business model.
- High-Protein, Great Taste: Global brands are joining the high-protein movement, but few offer great-tasting products. HB Wellness has nailed down incredibly good recipes using their proprietary ingredients for over a decade, and franchisees benefit from their expertise.
- Innovative Approach to Production: HB Wellness’s high-protein beverage production minimizes the need for traditional restaurant supplies and utilities. Even with minimal staff requirements, equipment needs, and overhead costs, HB Wellness facilitates a community where people can indulge in a protein-packed smoothie without compromising convenience or wellness.
- Opportunities for Early Adopters: With a reduced franchise fee and royalty fees, early franchisees get an opportunity to build with this brand to their advantage.
- Powered by Fransmart: Fransmart franchise development has taken single-location concepts like The Halal Guys, Five Guys, and many more and launched them into global successes. Fransmart is partnered with HB Wellness and has leveraged their national partnerships and foundation to support this brand.
Click here to learn more about franchising HB Wellness in your region.
