f'real Unveils Protein Smoothies, Brand Packaging Evolution and Next-Generation Blender at 2026 NACS Show

New Peanut Butter Banana with Reese's Peanut Butter and Tropical Mango Protein Smoothies with 20 grams of protein mark f'real's expansion into functional frozen beverages, launching nationally in early 2027

A bold packaging refresh and first look at the next-generation B8 Blender highlight the brand's largest innovation rollout in years

BUFFALO, N.Y., Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- f'real, the makers of on-the-go, blend-it-yourself (BIY) milkshakes and smoothies, today announced its most significant wave of innovation to date: a new Protein Smoothie line, its boldest packaging evolution yet, and a first look at next-generation blending technology within its Blend n' Sip platform. The announcement marks a new chapter for the brand as it expands its line of frozen beverages with new functional, better-for-you offerings and kicks off a broader brand refresh rolling out in 2027. All three new innovations will be showcased at the 2026 NACS Show from Oct. 7-9 in Las Vegas.

f'real introduces new Reese's Peanut Butter Banana and Tropical Mango Protein Smoothies with 20 grams of protein, a bold packaging redesign and innovative new next-generation blender.

we're elevating every part of the f'real experience

A New Way to Enjoy f'real with the Introduction of Protein Smoothies

In early 2027, f'real will reimagine its smoothie line with the introduction of new Protein Smoothies which combine the indulgent taste consumers love with the functional benefits they're increasingly seeking. Available in two new flavors: Tropical Mango and Peanut Butter Banana with Reese's Peanut Butter. Each Protein Smoothie is made with real fruit, delivers 20 grams of protein from real milk protein isolate and contains fewer than 250 calories, with no artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners.

Designed to fit naturally into consumers' daily routines, the new Protein Smoothies offer a convenient option for everything from breakfast on the go to post-workout recovery and afternoon refreshment. Powered by f'real's signature blend-it-yourself technology, the smoothies deliver a smooth, creamy texture that helps set them apart from traditional protein beverages, offering nutrition without sacrificing taste. The two new flavors will debut in stores nationwide in early 2027 alongside f'real's Strawberry Banana Smoothie which remains a consumer-favorite plant-based option, blending sweet strawberries and creamy bananas into a classic smoothie experience that is an excellent source of vitamin C.

A Fresh, Bold New Look for the Next Era of f'real

To reflect evolving consumer preferences and shopping habits, f'real is introducing its most significant packaging redesign to date. Rolling out across the full portfolio beginning in January 2027, the refreshed look features a bolder, vibrant color palette, modernized aura-like gradient take on its signature swirl, a more premium full-cup design and clearer distinction between Milkshake and Smoothie offerings.

The packaging evolution intends to make f'real products easier to shop and easier to recognize at a glance, with larger logo and flavor treatments, more intuitive product cues and new icon-based callouts that highlight key product attributes such as made with real milk, real fruit and protein content. The new packaging gives consumers a quicker path to finding the flavor and experience they're looking for, while delivering stronger visibility and differentiation in the freezer.

The packaging update is part of a broader brand refresh that will extend across freal.com, blender screen content, social channels, in-store materials and other consumer touchpoints starting in early 2027.

Introducing the B8: f'real's Next Generation of Self-Serve Blending Technology

The f'real B8 Blender is the next evolution of f'real's iconic Blend n' Sip self-serve blending platform, which allows consumers to enjoy a freshly blended milkshake or smoothie at the push of a button in about a minute. Designed to help operators maximize uptime, simplify operations and create a more engaging frozen beverage destination for consumers, the B8 Blender builds on the simplicity and ease of operation that have made previous generations successful while introducing enhancements designed to improve reliability and elevate the overall consumer experience.

The Blend n' Sip B8 Blender features a larger HD touchscreen that showcases promotions, videos and interactive content to capture consumers' attention and encourage interaction throughout the blending experience. The blender also recognizes each cup to deliver a more precise, consistent blend every time. By transforming self-serve blending into a more engaging destination, the B8 Blender helps create a more dynamic frozen beverage experience in-store for customers. Designed with operators in mind, the B8 represents an evolution of f'real's blending technology. The system has been reengineered with a more accessible interior that simplifies service and maintenance, while an expanded blend temperature range delivers more consistent blending performance. Together, these improvements help increase operational confidence, reduce downtime and create additional sales opportunities for operators.

The Blend n' Sip B8 Blender will be available for order to convenience store and foodservice partners in 2027, with attendees at the 2026 NACS Show receiving an exclusive first look and additional rollout details to follow.

"Consumers are increasingly looking for products that deliver both indulgence and function, and our new Protein Smoothies are designed to do exactly that," said Megan Grinstead, Vice President of Customer and Consumer Marketing at Rich Products Corporation. "Together with our bold new packaging and next-generation B8 Blender within our Blend n' Sip platform, we're elevating every part of the f'real experience. These innovations help us deliver more engaging consumer experiences, greater operational confidence for our customers and a strong foundation for future innovation across the brand."

Attendees at the 2026 NACS Show can experience all three innovations firsthand, the new Protein Smoothies, refreshed packaging and a preview of the B8 Blender, at the Rich Products booth (C5225) from Oct. 7-9 in Las Vegas.

To learn more about f'real, its lineup of blend-it-yourself shakes and smoothies, and find a f'real blender near you, visit freal.com or follow @therealfreal on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

About f'real

f'real is a leading brand in the frozen beverage category that designs, sells and markets blend-it-yourself milkshakes and smoothies, all made from honest ingredients, in more than 17,000 locations across the U.S. and Canada including convenience stores, colleges and universities, theaters and military bases. The patented in-store blending system creates delicious, authentic frozen beverages at the touch of a button in about a minute. As a leading frozen beverage destination for convenience store consumers, f'real's success can be attributed to continued innovation in the category and the quality of its products. f'real foods is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rich Products Corporation. For more information, please visit freal.com or follow on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook.

About Rich's

Rich Products Corporation ("Rich's") is a family-owned food company dedicated to inspiring possibilities. Rich's portfolio spans cakes, icings, pizza, appetizers, specialty toppings and more, serving customers across foodservice, retail, in-store bakery, deli and prepared foods. Operating in over 100 locations globally with annual sales exceeding $5.8 billion, Rich's is a global leader committed to delivering innovative solutions that help customers compete and grow. Learn more at richsusa.com.

REESE'S is a trademark of The Hershey Company and is used under license.

SOURCE f'real