The 814: The Juice Jar

The 814: The Juice Jar

Nadine Fox, Staff writer

Looking for a great place in town to grab a juice, smoothie or healthy lunch? Check out the Juice Jar, located at 2620 West 8th Street. They have a variety of healthy foods and drinks with many dietary restrictive options. Heidi Lutz, owner of the Juice Jar, opened her store to restore her health due to her Crohn’s disease. She had been off medication for four years thanks to juice and healthy foods, so her main goal is to educate people and help them fuel their body with many plant-based products.

They have many vegan and gluten-free, nutrient-dense choices to suit everyone’s individual dietary needs. One of their most well-known items is their smoothies. Some popular flavors include their newest flavor: the chocolate covered strawberry smoothie. The ingredients listed are strawberries, banana, cocoa powder, maple syrup and almond milk topped with whipped cream if you like (both dairy & non-dairy available).

Another fan-favorite is called the “Commodore Berry”. Apple, blueberries, strawberries and raspberries pile into this smoothie, delivering a load of antioxidants, fiber and Vitamin C. A perfect pick-me-up for coffee lovers is “Morning Mocha,” which has banana, coffee, chocolate protein (vegan or gluten-free), cocoa powder, coconut sugar and coconut milk. “Polar Bear,” which is made up of almond milk, bananas, organic peanut butter, vanilla protein and blueberries, is one of the simpler options. Regardless, it’s just as delicious as the others and perfect for picky eaters.

There is also an option for the addition of alternate ingredients, like chia seeds, honey, kale, oats, spinach, cinnamon, flaxseed, protein powders and peanut butter. It does come at a slight upcharge, but it is worth it. One popular juice is called the “Immunity Booster”, which helps reduce inflammation associated with seasonal changes due to the high amount of vitamin C and phytocompounds that strengthen the immune system and reduce allergies. It is vegan, dairy, gluten and nut free. If the Erie weather has been as brutal for you as it has for me, this drink is perfect.

Some of their popular breakfast items are avocado toast, gluten free oatmeal with organic oats, vegan breakfast sandwiches and whipped feta toast. A few of their lunch items include vegan burgers, jackfruit tacos, sweet potato fries and vegan and gluten-free soup. While the Juice Jar is mostly known for its drinks, its food definitely has its own merits. Many of their options are difficult to find anywhere else in the area; there are plenty of options if you are looking for a change in pallet or a friendly cafe atmosphere.

The Juice Jar is open for breakfast Monday through Friday. They are also open for lunch Monday through Saturday. You can pick up or have your order delivered to you which is super convenient for busy college students on the go! While the Juice Jar certainly has choices geared towards health-conscious patrons, they’re just as delicious as options anywhere else. Their wide assortment of options and fantastic execution of them makes the Juice Jar a place definitely worth visiting.