So if I am to get this straight, not yet a month after they admitted defeat and brought back their scorched-earth coffee blend, followed by closing down a massive number of stores due to ill-advised hyperextension, Starbucks has decided, in its infallibility, to extend itself into smoothies? None of my friends orders actual coffee from Starbucks anymore - just their frou-frou coffee drinks with soy milk and toffee shavings blended with the finest Antarctic ice. Pretty soon, Starbucks will sell everything EXCEPT coffee. I ordered a cup a couple months ago and the barista had to ask me to repeat my order, as if I'd stepped up to the head of the line and asked her for a pair of bowling shoes.

well subway will have gelato AND panini....
then again, starbuck's does have my vanilla bean fappuccino with whipped cream and iced white chocolate mocha....

Both of these smoothies sound like they have tons of calories! Aren't we supposed to eat our (healthy) calories and not drink them away with sugar-loaded drinks?

i hate banana and both of those drinks have it so NO

yumsugar, do you know if these smoothies are out in Canada yet?

Unlike some people, I'm always willing to try new things (even if it has banana in it lol). I hate how Starbucks has become this "evil, giant corporation that will crush all the smaller coffee businesses."
there just a successful business that's trying to venture into different directions.

I'm not sure about the Subway coffee thing. I mean I don't know anyone who drinks coffee with subs, or who goes to Subway before lunch time, just seems too odd. The smoothies, well who cares! Maybe I'll try the Chocolate Banana one, I use to be addicted to Chocomilk (Mexican Quick) and Banana smoothies when I was pregnant so I might enjoy that...

The subway expansion seems like a good idea, I would definitely give it a chance.

I have not been a fan of Starbucks for some time now. I think all their stuff is low quality and I do not plan on trying anything new of theirs.

I suppose I'll try a smoothie from Starbucks, since I have a coupon to get one free! The Orange Mango Banana sounds good. Caribou and other coffee shops have smoothies, I'm not surprised Starbucks is doing something similar.

But gelato at Subway? Why don't they just open a whole new business? I don't think that's a great idea.

Anyone over 15 knows this is just a sign of the times. Years ago there was the everything store and regular doctors, then came specialty everything and special doctors, now with the failing economy everyone is getting into everything. Remember when Amazon sold just books, Avon just beauty products - now I think you can buy a house through them. Come to the SF bay area where we have stores that you can get your taxes done, pet groomed, clothes dry cleaned and buy adult toys. And I'm not kidding.

I don't go to Starbucks unless a friend drags me along with them, which is maybe once or twice a year. Still I won't get a smoothie from there, because I know that it won't be very healthy.

As for Subway, it's probably not a bad idea for them to do what their doing. I heard a radio commercial the other day stating they were making breakfasts now too, so the coffee goes hand in hand. I love the idea of when my hubby and I grab a couple sandwiches for dinner I could get some gelato, too! YUM! Much more convenient than the fancy places at the mall. Hopefully it tastes good!

amberhoney, i think that store you're talking about is wal-mart. haha. i know what you mean, though. i'm 18, but i think it's necessary to diversify somewhat. gotta make the money where you can(tastefully of course), especially if you have to pay for college and stuff (in my case anyway).

Shoneyjoe, you are so right! I ask for a coffee and they look at me as if I have sprouted another head!LOL That said, I would try coffee at Subway. If it's good, they have a returning customer. I hope it is cheaper than Starbucks. I'm not into status, I'm into good flavor and quality.

I'm definitely getting that Chocolate Banana smoothie from Starbucks!! Hell yeah. I don't buy Starbucks as regularly as I used to (like twice a day haha), but I still love it and I'll definitely check those new products out.

I don't have a problem with Subway trying something new. I think it might be a good.

Ok, Im good with Starbucks smoothies, sumthing about that sounds thrilling and Yumma-Licious!!
Subway making coffee??? YUCK.....fast food coffee doesn't really appeal to me, I was mortified when I found out McDonald's was making coffee....so im going to steer clear of Subway.

Starbucks is way too overpriced for me so no, I won't try their smoothies. Subway making coffee? Not a big surprise for them. I'd rather saved up my money else instead of smoothie drinks.

When I used to live in Canada I lived near a Subway that was a "test market" for their new smoothies. They were pretty good - do they actually make them at all Subways now?

Also, when I was in China they didn't have Starbucks (at least where I was living). Instead they had KFC "coffee houses" aka exact ripoffs of Starbucks but with awful tasting fast food coffee!

I'm with meg, both smoothies have bananas so that's a definite no from me on trying one.

My husband is a nutrition guy and also works at Starbucks. He said the new smoothies are really tasty and not that bad for you. It's not supposed to be a side drink, but a meal replacement. It's packed with protein and ideal for those people who are on the run during lunch and stop in for a drink.
And to address all the comments about Starbucks being overpriced you should know this- Starbucks pays top dollar for their beans so that they can help the communities they buy from. They require that the suppliers reinvest in their communities. Starbucks may charge more, but they do a lot of good with that money.

well i think that there's more of a synergy with starbucks doing the smoothie thing than subway w/ coffee but that's just me. starbucks has been doing their frapps for a long time and those in a sense are smoothies so it's a relative thing. the point of subway having a coffee bar...hmm...not sure i'm into that. the key to a good sandwich is a nice cold soda to go with it no?

if Subway's coffee is as bad as their sandwiches, I'll pass. Also, Subway smells like gross bread and iceberg lettuce. I wouldn't want to hang out and use their wifi. Jack in the Box has delicious iced coffee.