Oatmeal review: Starbucks vs. Jamba Juice

January 17th, 2009, 5:26 am · 42 Comments · posted by Nancy Luna, Staff Writer

With Jamba Juice launching oatmeal in 600 stores this week, I decided to compare the smoothie chain’s oatmeal to the hot grub served at Starbucks.

The setup: Starbucks serves instant oatmeal, while Jamba Juice delivers a slow-cooked oatmeal made from organic steel-cut oats. Each chain offers different toppings. Jamba advertises “fresh” fruit toppings, while Starbucks gives customers three packets of nuts, dried fruit and brown sugar.

Given the above information, you’d think Jamba Juice might score more points with oatmeal fans, right? I did too. But, you’ll be surprised at what I discovered.

Not very full, huh? (click on any image to enlarge)

First up - Starbucks: I went to Starbucks first simply out of necessity because I wanted a cup of coffee. Instant advantage — Starbucks. If you want coffee with your oatmeal, Starbucks is the clear favorite because Jamba Juice doesn’t sell coffee. Also, if you’re counting pennies these days, Starbucks’ oatmeal is 50 cents less than Jamba Juice’s oatmeal, which costs $2.95.

Presentation: As noted earlier, Starbucks oatmeal is instant. So, it took only a few minutes to serve. When I opened the lid, I noticed the container was a little more than half-way full of oatmeal. It definitely measured to at least a cup. But, from a marketing and financial perspective, this didn’t look good. I felt gypped. Plus, its wasteful. Why not use a smaller container?

I expected the Starbucks oatmeal to look like this promo shot.

Taste: Since Jamba Juice and Starbucks offer completely different toppings, I decided to eat each oatmeal without toppings for my first few bites. Some of the Starbucks oatmeal didn’t seem fully cooked as I noticed a few dry flakes clinging to the side of the container. I took a few bites and it tasted OK. Let’s face it — plain oatmeal is not very exciting. The oatmeal came alive after I drizzled it with dried fruit (a variety pack of raisins) and brown sugar. (Starbucks also offers nuts, but I opted to stick with the sweet toppings.)

Jamba Juice oatmeal (promo shot)

Next up, Jamba Juice

Presentation: Jamba Juice claims that its oatmeal comes with a choice of “three real fruit toppings” — blueberry-blackberry, apple cinnamon or fresh bananas. I ordered mine with the blueberry-blackberry. Big mistake. I thought I would be getting oatmeal drizzled with fresh fruit. Instead, I got a big blob of jelly with a brown sugar crumble on top of the oatmeal. It was awful. It was like eating blueberry pie without the crust. I had to dig through a one-inch layer of fruit filling to get to the oatmeal.

After excavating through the jelly blog, I found some real good oatmeal

After excavating through the jelly blob, I found some real good oatmeal.

Taste: When I finally reached the plain oats, they looked beautiful. You could tell right away it was a higher quality oatmeal — slow-cooked to perfection. On its own, it tasted good. But, I still needed a sugar boost, so I tried it with the jelly. I didn’t like it. The jam overpowered the cereal. All I wanted was brown sugar. (Note: You can order the oatmeal with the brown-sugar crumble only, so next time I might do that.)

Conclusion: Honestly. I entered this taste test thinking I’d like Jamba Juice’s oatmeal better. But, overall, I preferred Starbucks. Even though I think I got less oatmeal at Starbucks, I would recommend it for three reasons: the toppings and price are better and Starbucks is more convenient for anyone wanting a cup of Joe with their oatmeal.

Tell us: Have you tasted any the oatmeals served at these chains? What do you think? Am I crazy for not liking the jelly topping? Write in and let us know.

(More than a week after this post ran, the folks at Serious Eats posted the results of their own Oatmeal Challenge. More fast-food chains are included. It’s worth a look.)

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John Virata says:

January 17, 2009 at 8:19 am

I don’t think you are crazy for not liking the jelly topping, but I do think you are crazy for expecting the Starbucks oatmeal to look like the promo shot.

Post Reply

Irene says:

January 17, 2009 at 10:35 am

From a health point of view and one who is trying to lower their cholesterol, the steel cut oats are much better for you. I would say Jamba would be better for you and you did say they were good once you got to them. It is the topping that needs the work.

mandamom says:

January 17, 2009 at 10:58 am

I began eating the Starbucks oatmeal a year ago, instead of fast food breakfast sandwiches, four times a week.

The dried fruit is a combo of cherries, blueberries, cranberries, black and golden raisins. I get one fruit packet and two brown sugars (yes, they will even let you have jelly, peanut butter, or butter, if you ask for it). I add a drizzle of milk from the sugar and milk bar, a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg (it’s right there!) and in a few seconds, I have a fiber PACKED, iron rich, calcium healthy breakfast. I’ve lost 17 pounds and lowered my blood cholesterol dramatically!

I used to spend $6-7 getting a fast food breakfast combo. Now I get a coffee or tea and oatmeal, fix it a bit, and I’m out the door healthier, for just $4.55!! I’m full, healthier and feel great.

Starbucks wins this one, hands down!

Deborah says:

January 20, 2010 at 4:43 pm

Mandamom
You did not mention trying the Jamba Juice oatmeal, have you?
But congratulation on eating healthier and losing the weight. Keep up the good work!

Post Reply

jamba lover says:

January 17, 2009 at 11:10 am

Okay the problem is that it wasn’t served to you correctly I think. I have tried all three flavors and have never had jelly on it. It is a berry compote not jelly. The one the author tried just probably wasn’t warm enough. The banana is my fav. It is way better than starbucks instant glob of oats.

Amanda says:

January 19, 2009 at 9:32 am

I think you may not have been served properly. I have had all three toppings at Jamba Juice and I love them. My berry topped one was not like jelly and was great when I mixed it in.

My problem with the Starbucks one is that I can buy an entire box of instant oatmeal at the grocery store for close to the same price as one and it only takes 1 minute in the microwave.

I don’t have the 40 minutes of time to make the steal cut at home so I feel I am getting a higher quality and healthier product with real fruit for a better value.

Danica says:

January 19, 2009 at 9:38 am

Thanks for this great review. I have been wanting to try Jamba Juices but just haven’t gotten around to it.

JusticeIsBlind says:

January 19, 2009 at 6:33 pm

The oatmeal at Starbucks was like eating wet cement. It was horrible!

mim says:

January 20, 2009 at 8:59 am

The thing about Jamba Juice is that they are franchises, and not all have the same offerings. One will have fresh fruit, and another the canned stuff. We have our favorite jamba Juice, and we avoid the others after getting burned a few times.

Michelle says:

January 22, 2009 at 12:37 am

I have only tried Jamba Juices and it is really really good. You can tell the difference between instant and slow cooked for sure. I was given a free sample last week when I went in and I tried it with warm apple topping and brown sugar. Very delicious. I got hooked and next tried it with fresh banana’s that they slice in front of me. I alway ask for the sugar on the side so I can add it as I go. Most importantly it keeps me full until lunch. I guess if one likes coffee you just need to find a Jamba Juice next to a Starbucks, that is not hard to find in the OC. Like the one in front of the Main Place Mall. They are next to each other.

Deborah says:

January 20, 2010 at 4:46 pm

Guess I’m just lucky. The Jamba Juice by me is right behind a Starbucks.

Post Reply

Rosie says:

January 22, 2009 at 9:59 am

Jamba Juice’s oatmeal is super yummy! They send out coupons to try them for a buck! The Banana one is so yummy. Instant oatmeal at starbucks is just gross!

Connie says:

January 23, 2009 at 1:03 am

I tried all three Jamba varieties and fell in love. My favorite was the apple cinnamon, followed closely by the fresh banana. The blueberry was not overpowering in my experience, although I agree that it definitely wasn’t “fresh”. Considering the oatmeal at Jamba is of higher quality and actually filled to the brim of the container instead of halfway, I’d take Jamba Juice oatmeal over Starbucks any day.

Rocky says:

January 24, 2009 at 12:22 pm

I tried the Jamba Oatmeal in Orange next to the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and had the same experience with the Berry jam on top. Once I got down to the Steel cut Oatmeal it was good. However, when I ordered, I expected real fresh berries. Instead I got a glob of berry compote serving that was so thick the topping was almost more than the Oatmeal. My friend got the Banana topping and enjoyed that more than I enjoyed mine. Starbucks has better toppings. But Jamba did better witht he Oatmeal.

Danae says:

January 26, 2009 at 11:06 am

Jamba’s oatmeal is not only super good, but better for you than starbucks…dont get me wrong i love startbucks coffee, but they should discontinue the oatmeal because its gross. Sure your owering your choloresterol, and getting “packed” with fiber…BUT Jamba’s steel cut oats have twice the fiber, and fights choloesterol better…hands down JAMBA wins this one…even starbucks employees prefere jambas oatmeal over thier own…

Brightly says:

February 6, 2010 at 7:46 pm

I’m a Starbucks employee and I disagree.

I tried the Jamba oatmeal one Wednesday after being told it was only $1 to add on. Sure! I take it with only brown sugar, like I would at Starbucks, and go on my merry way.

It looked REALLY good, and seemed to have great promise compared to the Buck’s Oats… but… then I tasted them…and the texture killed it for me. It was like chewing steel…there was something off.

Now, I have had crummy Starbucks Oatmeal because of inexperienced Baristas overfilling the water, or the instant hot water tap not being hot enough. Also, with Starbucks, you have to let it wait a bit so the oats can expand. But, my preference is to Starbucks because it is cheaper, more convenient and tastes better.

It’s also less calories then that of Jamba’s.

Post Reply

Kathryn says:

January 27, 2009 at 4:16 pm

I love the oatmeal at Starbucks…tastes great with the 3 toppings, and I was previously not an oatmeal fan…..it has gotten me eating oatmeal at home on the days I don’t go out in the morning. The raisins etc. are juicy, the brown sugar gives the sweet and the nuts add crunch! I know it is much better for me than a danish or bagel in the morning.

Jeff says:

January 27, 2009 at 4:25 pm

You were given the oatmeal in the wrong way. The topping should be thin and there are real blueberries in there, its meant to be mixed in along with the brown sugar. Try again and you will see the difference. The apple is very popular but my fav is the berry.

Nancy Luna, Staff Writer says:

January 27, 2009 at 6:05 pm

Jeff: I definitely feel like the employee served me WAY too much “compote”…..which ruined the experience. Anyway, Jamba Juice serves a great plain oatmeal…much superior than Starbucks….operators just need to make sure employees serve it the right way…

Rich says:

January 28, 2009 at 12:23 pm

I never heard of steel-cut oatmeal before seeing a promo sign at Jamba Juice last week. It was not only good but cooked in soy milk. My first experience was with the berry topping. It was great but the banana or apple is even better. Much more importantly, if I stop at Jamba on my way to work, I am not thinking about lunch at 11 am. The Google told me steel-cut oats have been around for over a hundred years but they are hard to cook. Jamba delivers the healthiest breakfast ever, at a decent price. And, it is good.

LovesJamba says:

January 28, 2009 at 6:55 pm

Funny I should come across this article today, cause today of all days was my first time eating the delicious oatmeal at Jamba juice. I loved it. First thing I saw when i walked in was 3 others eating it, so I asked one lady ” How was it?” She said great, though her apple topping wasn’t as soft as she would have liked. So I opted for fresh bananas on mine. Once I stirred it all together with the brown sugar too, it was delicious and I ate the whole huge tub full, and I was full too.
By the way the Jamba Juice in Orange is right next to a Coffee Bean, and I had my coffee with it too =)
p.s I tried Starbucks watered down, instant oatmeal I can get in a box from my cupboard and it was gross!!!
Jamba I will be back!!!!

Joe R says:

January 29, 2009 at 5:46 am

I have now eaten here for the past week after getting a promo coupon for a $1.00 cup of oatmeal.

I haven’t tried the berries, but my favorite is apple/cinnamon. If you get bananas, they cut them fresh in front of you.

I think that some of the people complaining about the “jelly” is that the topping was not prepared properly. My store has the apple and berry toppings sitting in a water bath which keeps them warm and liquid. It sounds like some people are getting the topping right out of a can that’s been sitting in the refrigerator….cold and gelatinous

You (not the store) are also supposed to thoroughly mix in your topping to distribute it throughout the oatmeal. I couldn’t see how it could be good to eat the topping seperate from the oatmeal. By the time you get halfway down, you would be eating plain, unsweetenend oatmeal….healthy, but not real flavorful….

January 29, 2009 at 9:48 am

Went back again this morning with the kids and used the $1.00 coupons i printed online. Awesome coupon! Got 3 oatmeals for $3 bucks, oh and my kids loved them too =)
We had one banana topping, one apple and one with just the brown sugar. Delicious!!
Still got my coffee next door at Coffee Bean, lol
I told the gals that work at the Orange Store about your article and comparison, and they were shocked their oatmeal didnt win over Starbucks Nancy. I think you should try it again!!
Use the coupon!

Kathy says:

February 7, 2009 at 8:43 am

I’ve been eating the Jamba oatmeal for about 2 weeks in a row. I prefer the apple. The oats are really hardy and stick with you through lunch. Great texture since they are slow cooked and steel-cut, which is more nutritious than Starbuck’s microwaved powdered instant oats. I can make those at home, and at $2 for a box of 8 packets, don’t know why I would go to Starbucks to pay $2.50 for one bowl, especially since they cook in one minute. I can get a bag of nuts and cranberries from Trader Joe’s for $3 that will last me well through 2 weeks.

I sometimes make my oatmeal at home too, starting it at night, and waking up to a fresh bowl in the morning, but it’s a drag having to clean out the little crock pot, and it’s time consuming when I’m on my way to work. Stopping off at Jamba is actually more convenient for me, and starting my day with oatmeal makes me feel like I’m starting out my day right and normally keeps me on track the rest of the day.

Ron says:

February 12, 2009 at 4:47 pm

Despite the review, Jamba Juice is MUCH better! It’s not even close. Steel cut oatmeal is far superior to the instant oatmeal that is offered at Starbucks. No contest……

February 12, 2009 at 5:22 pm

Once again..I never said Starbucks’ oatmeal was better. I said: “You could tell right away it was a higher quality oatmeal — slow-cooked to perfection.” I recommended Starbucks because I took into consideration : cost/convenience/taste. Jamba clearly has a better oatmeal, but I got a messed up version that ruined the experience. Plus, it’s really expensive and I can’t get coffee at Jamba.

michael says:

February 13, 2009 at 10:49 am

Jamba is above and beyond superior. I was skeptical until I read some blog post that rated it the highest among national fast food chains serving oatmeal. I tried mine with bananas and it was amazing! To boot, I ordered it at 4pm… the menu board says it is only available until 11am. It was still really good, so good that it made me crave oatmeal for the next few days.

Terry says:

February 14, 2009 at 3:32 pm

Without a doubt, steel cut oats are much healthier and the taste and texture are superior to instant oatmeal. I had it for the first time today and wasn’t too crazy about the berry topping. I think fresh bananas would have been the better choice. The berry topping was way too sweet for me but I think it would appeal to the masses. 25gm of sugar in a cup of oatmeal seems like quite a lot.

Scott says:

February 19, 2009 at 5:17 pm

I am shocked that you chose Starbucks over Jamba. The only think I can see why is the price. For 50 cents less at Starbucks you get a ibstant unhealthier product with dry fruit! I hope another reporter will redo this article and try the carmel apple topping oatmeal at Jamba Juice!

February 19, 2009 at 5:31 pm

Scott, please read my previous comments where I explain my recommendation. By the way, what’s wrong with vitamin-packed dried fruit? Do you think it superior to sugar-packed apple and blueberry filling?

February 19, 2009 at 8:43 pm

Nancy, not a coffee fan here. I think it is a better health decision to go to Jamba Juice and enjoy the organic oatmeal with the real fruit topping which I believe is under 300 calories then the instant oatmeal with fake vitamin fruit. The cost and convenience to me does not out way my health and the taste but to each their own. Also, Jamba’s oatmeal is only $1 until March 1st as stated on Fox and KCAL news this morning.

k4lakers says:

February 24, 2009 at 8:58 am

I’ve tried both and by far, Jamba’s is the best. Better for you and better tasting. I prefer the apple/cinnamon over the blueberry which is a little too sweet. Steel cut oats vs. instant nutritionally isn’t even a fair contest.

Eating a cup of Jamba’s oatmeal in between key strokes….YUMMM!

Edd says:

March 3, 2009 at 10:26 am

I confess I’m an oatmealaholic, which means if I were to indulge my 2 to 3 bowl-a-day habit at either of these places I’d go broke. On weekends I’ll slow cook steel cut oats I buy in bulk from Mother’s Market. During the week at the office I nuke up bowls (and bowls and bowls!) of Coach’s Oats, oatmeal that is almost identical to steel cut in flavor and texture and cook’s up in 4 minutes (plus a minute to “set”). Mix in cinnamon, walnuts, dried cranberries and top with yogurt… there’s no way Starbuck’s or Jamba can compete with that, especially when bulk steel cut is a dollar a pound and Coach’s comes in a four and a half pound bag for about seven bucks from Costco. Btw, I’ve tried Starbuck’s oatmeal — I’ll stick with the coffee.

Kris says:

March 14, 2009 at 7:10 pm

Edd,

Sounds like you are an expert on oatmeal. I love to learn more about your different receipes
Kris

Ed says:

March 23, 2009 at 3:46 pm

Hi All,
After reading these posts and being an Instant oatmeal eater at home and a person who eats the Jamba Juice Oatmeal on the outside, I am determined to buy my own Steel Cut Oatmeal and make it myself.
I know I will save money to say the least. But for the convenience and the health of it all, Jamba Juice does sell the best over the counter Oatmeal but I have a feeling it won’t be around forever, Starbucks will and then it’s home cooked steel oatmeal for me…

March 23, 2009 at 3:50 pm

Armed with my $1 coupon,I finally went back to Jamba Juice to give its oatmeal another shot. This time, I avoided the goopy compote jelly mess. Instead, I got the sliced bananas drizzled with brown sugar. I was in heaven. So, much better. Also, noticed that Jamba had scrapped selling sandwiches at my “test” store in Orange..An employee there told me they didn’t sell well.

Stella says:

June 14, 2009 at 9:59 am

Jamba juice oatmeal wins hands down, you can order with what ever topping they gave and ask them to opt out what you dont want or how much of it you want. I always order mind woth a dash of apple, and it taste great! I love jamba juice!

Roxanne says:

January 13, 2010 at 3:44 pm

tried jamba juice’s oatmeal with my mom today and i LOVED it. it was soo hot and steamy i was glad i bought a smoothie with it too. i tried the apple cinnamin and my mom tried the cherry pecan and even admitted it was amazing. after reading the comments i was glad i opted to not buy the blueberry blackberry. i will try the banana next time and i luv how i they have $1 wednesdays. i havent tried starbucks oatmeal yet but i dont think i will in the near future. i honestly cannot wait until next wednesday

Deborah says:

January 20, 2010 at 4:40 pm

I heard 3 radio commercial in a very short time period this morning on my way to the gym. After I left the gym, I drove to Jamba Juice and bought some of there oatmeal $1.00 Wednesday so I didn’t have much to lose even if I hated it.
LOVED IT!
I had the Berry Cherry Pecan and it was delicious. I would definately try that again.
BTW, I had never been in a Jamba Juice before and I will probably go back for sure.
I have never tried the Starbucks oatmeal and probably won’t. Oatmeal is so simple to make, but for $1.00, I will definately go back to Jamba Juice.

January 20, 2010 at 9:41 pm

you are so right

loves jamba oatmeal says:

January 26, 2010 at 7:27 am

Hi all!

I have tried both oatmeals & decided to stick with the one from Jamba! It’s made w/ soy milk, where as the one from Starbucks is made with water. The Banana and brown sugar one is the best! =)

Marian says:

February 2, 2010 at 5:40 pm

The oatmeal at Starbucks was no different than store bought little packages that come 6/2.99. My vote is hands down for Jamba Juice’s version.

Orange County Register

Oatmeal review: Starbucks vs. Jamba Juice

January 17th, 2009, 5:26 am · 42 Comments · posted by Nancy Luna, Staff Writer

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