SAN FRANCISCO, Mar 14, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Jamba Juice, the category-defining leader in freshly blended-to-order fruit smoothies and juices, is taking the best-kept secrets in natural energy -- Matcha green tea and Acai -- and combining them with the goodness of fruit to create a new menu category of natural energy-enhancing drinks that are profoundly more healthful than coffee, soda and other drinks that consumers depend on for energy.

The exotically monikered Matcha is a finely ground powder made from green tea leaves grown in Japan. Acai (pronounced Ah-say-yee) is a berry harvested in the Brazilian Amazon and is mixed with Guarana (gwa-ra-naa), a seed native to Venezuela and northern Brazil, for an added kick of energy. While Matcha, Acai and Guarana are well known and used by indigenous cultures to promote stamina, they were virtually unheard of outside Japan, Brazil and Venezuela until recently. Researchers and the fitness- and health-conscious in the United States are only now catching on to their benefits in terms of natural energy, improved alertness and health enhancement.

ENERGY & HEALTH -- PURE & SIMPLE

Trend-spotters are already calling Matcha the "next coffee," but what nutritionists and health experts find even more fascinating about Matcha, Acai and Guarana is how they differ from java. Both Matcha and Acai contain naturally occurring antioxidants, while Acai has Omega 6 and Omega 9 fatty acids.

"This is where energy intersects with health," notes Rosa Compean, Director of Product Marketing for Jamba Juice. "People with busy lives constantly seek out energy, whether it's to get through the work day, carpooling the kids, a workout at the gym, or just to wake up in the morning. Right now, most people rely on coffee and caffeinated energy drinks for that quick charge. But, if there was a more refreshing, healthy way to improve your energy, wouldn't you want to try it?"

"Jamba is offering something unique in the Energy category," Compean explains, "something different from everything else out there at the coffee shop or on the soda shelf at the supermarket. The exciting news about Jamba's new range of Energy offerings is how we combine Matcha, Acai and Guarana with the sustainable nutrients of fruit to enhance both your energy levels and your health."

The difference is sustainable energy -- longer lasting benefits than those found in caffeine alone -- because of the vitamins, minerals and fiber found in fruit. The energy feels different from the spikes and plunges of coffee or processed sugars because fruit contains complex carbs -- one of the key sources to keep your body fueled. Fruit also contains fiber, which helps to slow the digestion process and regulate blood sugar, keeping you full longer.

"That's why Jamba is so excited about these new energy enhancers," adds Compean. "Acai. Guarana. Matcha. They match up perfectly with Jamba Juice's mission of making products that vitalize consumers' lives with all of the natural health and energy benefits of fruit."

MATCHA MORE THAN MORNING BREW

Matcha green tea is a natural caffeine, just like coffee, but the benefits and effects are notably different. The theophylline in the Matcha green tea leaves improves alertness and the antioxidants neutralize free radicals to maintain cell health and integrity. Free radicals can cause damage to cells, and some studies suggest that they may contribute to heart disease and cancer.

"The new, natural energy enhancers are all about better options," says Compean. "It's energy that makes you feel good because it's good for you. Coffee, soda and caffeinated energy drinks are so often just empty calories."

ACAI: RHYMES WITH ENERGY

For a little berry, Acai packs a big health punch. Rich-tasting, Acai contains antioxidants as well as Omega 6 and Omega 9 fatty acids. The primary type of antioxidant in Acai is anthocyanin, which is the predominant antioxidant found in red wine. The two Omega acids play a role in controlling blood pressure, blood clotting, and inflammatory and immune responses. To provide an added boost of energy, Jamba has created a proprietary Acai juice blend infused with Guarana. The naturally occurring theophylline in Guarana improves alertness and alleviates fatigue.

JAMBA JUICE'S NEW NATURAL ENERGY OFFERINGS

Each of Jamba Juice's new Energy products (the new menu launches March 17, 2005) is chock-full of sustainable, nutrient-rich energy and natural sources of caffeine. Jamba Juice Energy is a range of menu items with the new energy enhancers that work at any time of the day -- as a whole meal providing up to 4 servings of fruit(a), as a healthful snack, or a quick 4-ounce shot of energy that's good for you.

Three New Smoothies:

Matcha Green Tea Blast -- a creamy blend of Matcha green tea, soymilk, frozen yogurt and sorbet. Provides 75 mg of caffeine and an excellent source of vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus and a good source of vitamin C. (24 oz serving)

Acai Supercharger -- Jamba's exclusive Acai Juice Blend infused with Guarana -- mixed with soymilk, blueberries, strawberries, and raspberry sherbet. Provides three servings of fruit, 40 mg of caffeine and an excellent source of vitamin C, D, E, dietary fiber, calcium and iron and an impressive 680% daily value of vitamin C. (24 oz serving)

Turbo Tropic -- a tasty tropical whirl of pineapple juice, kiwi juice, peaches, strawberries, mangos, orange sherbet and pineapple sherbet plus the Jamba Juice Energy Boost, which contains Guarana. Provides four servings of fruit, 15 mg of caffeine from the Guarana in the Energy Boost, 880 mg of potassium, 200% of the recommended daily dose of vitamin C and is an excellent source of vitamin A, C, B1, B6, B12. (24 oz serving)

Two New 4-ounce Shots:

Matcha Green Tea Shot with Orange Juice -- provides 37 mg of caffeine, 280 mg of potassium and an excellent source of vitamins C and K.

Matcha Green Tea Shot with Soymilk -- provides 37 mg of caffeine and an excellent source of vitamins D and K, calcium and phosphorous.

ABOUT JAMBA JUICE

Founded in 1990 in California, today Jamba Juice has more than 475 company and franchised/licensed stores in 26 states nationwide. Jamba Juice can be found at select Whole Foods Markets, college campuses, airport locations, and popping up throughout Manhattan! For the nearest location call: 888-JAMBA12, or visit the website at www.jambajuice.com.

The USDA's 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends 5 to 9 servings of fruit and vegetables per day and the FDA recently offered an important dietary guidance message for consumers: "Diets rich in fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of some types of cancer and other chronic diseases." With Jamba Juice, people are well on their way to their daily dose of fruits and vegetables.

(a) Based on 24 oz. serving size