Choose nutrition

Formerly located at 3616 Austin Peay Hwy in Memphis, Choose Nutrition was a local spot for vibrant, colorful beverages that has since permanently closed its doors. For a time, it offered residents a seemingly quick and easy option for on-the-go nutrition, specializing in brightly layered teas and thick, creamy shakes. The visual appeal of their products was undeniable, frequently showcased in customer photos that depicted a clean, bright, and welcoming interior space designed to foster a positive atmosphere.

Based on the limited available customer feedback, the establishment was praised for its offerings. A singular online review highlighted the “Delicious drinks” and commended the “Nice customer service,” painting a picture of a friendly local business that succeeded in creating tasty products and a pleasant purchasing experience. The photographic evidence supports this, showing an array of meticulously prepared drinks that were as much a feast for the eyes as they were presumably for the palate. This focus on aesthetics and flavor likely contributed to its initial appeal within the community.

What Was on the Menu?

While not a traditional juice and smoothie bar that emphasizes fresh juice from whole fruits and vegetables, Choose Nutrition operated within a different, yet popular, niche of the health beverage industry. Its menu was centered on two main products:

• Loaded Teas: These were not conventional brewed teas but rather complex concoctions made from various powders and concentrates. Typically, a loaded tea combines a tea concentrate (like green or black tea), herbal stimulants such as guarana, various vitamin supplements (especially B vitamins), and sugar-free flavorings, all served over ice. They were marketed as energy-boosting, metabolism-enhancing healthy drinks that could serve as a healthier alternative to sugary energy drinks.
• Meal Replacement Shakes: The other cornerstone of the menu was a variety of thick shakes. These were presented as complete, balanced meals in a cup, designed for weight management and convenience. Made from protein powder blends, flavorings, and other nutritional supplements, these shakes offered a quick option for those looking to manage their calorie intake without sacrificing what was promoted as essential nutrition.

The establishment positioned itself as a provider of healthy smoothies and drinks, catering to a clientele focused on fitness, weight loss, and convenient nutrition. However, it's important to understand the specific nature of these products, which differ significantly from those found at a typical juice bar.

The Business Model Context

It is crucial for consumers to understand that establishments like Choose Nutrition are often part of a larger, specific business structure. The branding, menu style, and product offerings are highly characteristic of what are known as "nutrition clubs." These clubs are typically independently owned but operate as storefronts for multi-level marketing (MLM) companies, most prominently Herbalife Nutrition. These distributors use the club as a way to sell products and recruit new members into the business.

This model has both proponents and critics. On the positive side, it provides a supportive community environment where customers can connect with like-minded individuals and receive encouragement from "coaches" (the distributors) on their wellness journeys. The club becomes a social hub focused on health. However, a significant drawback for many consumers is the lack of transparency. These shops are not always upfront about their connection to an MLM, and the health claims associated with the products are not regulated by the FDA. Nutrition experts often caution that while the drinks are low in calories, they rely on processed supplements, powders, and artificial sweeteners rather than whole-food nutrition. The high caffeine content in loaded teas, in particular, can be a concern for some individuals, potentially leading to jitters or increased heart rate.

The Customer Experience: Pros and Cons

Evaluating the complete customer experience at Choose Nutrition is challenging due to its sparse online footprint. A single 5-star review offers a snapshot of a very positive interaction but doesn't provide a comprehensive view of the business over its operational lifespan.

Potential Positives:

• Flavor and Appeal: The drinks were described as delicious and were visually stunning, making for an enjoyable treat.
• Customer Service: The report of friendly and welcoming service suggests a positive, community-oriented atmosphere.
• Convenience: For those seeking quick meal replacement shakes or an energy boost, it offered a fast-food alternative aligned with certain fitness goals.

Potential Negatives:

• Limited Online Presence: With only one review available, it is difficult to gauge consistency in product quality and service. A lack of broad feedback can be a red flag for potential customers of similar businesses, as it doesn't allow for a balanced understanding of the establishment's reputation.
• Ingredient Transparency: As is common with the nutrition club model, the exact breakdown of ingredients and their nutritional value was not always clear. Customers looking for a smoothie shop that uses whole, unprocessed ingredients would likely have found the offerings unsuitable for their needs. The term "tea" itself can be misleading, as these drinks are more akin to energy drinks.
• MLM Association: The connection to a multi-level marketing structure is a significant factor for many consumers. While some appreciate the coaching and community, others are wary of the business practices and sales pressure that can sometimes be associated with such models.

Choose Nutrition appears to have been a well-liked, albeit short-lived, establishment for a niche market in Memphis. It successfully delivered on creating tasty, aesthetically pleasing beverages within a friendly environment. For customers who enjoyed the specific style of loaded teas and supplement-based shakes, it was likely a valued local spot.

However, the context of its business model is an unavoidable part of its story. It operated not as a traditional juice bar focused on fresh-pressed juices or whole-fruit smoothies, but as a nutrition club primarily using powdered supplements. The lack of substantial public feedback makes a definitive judgment on its overall quality and impact impossible. While it has since closed, its former presence on Austin Peay Highway serves as an example of the growing trend of nutrition clubs, highlighting the importance for consumers to understand the products they are buying and the business structures they are supporting.