Although this is not the case everywhere, December is certainly not prime smoothie-drinking weather here in Maryland. This time of year we tend to go for hot drinks and foods over frozen concoctions. 


However, upon hearing that Towson’s latest gluten-free friendly restaurant was Pure Raw Juice, a 100% organic and raw juice and smoothie bar, I did not let the season- nor freezing temperatures- deter me from checking out the newcomer to the neighborhood.


Pure Raw Juice is an export of the Federal Hill neighborhood in Baltimore. Their expansion to Towson brings another welcome option for juices, smoothies, and other health-conscious fare to the area. 


The menu consists of bowls, juices, smoothies, and cold brewed coffee, all of which is dairy-free. Gluten is found in the regular granola used, but they do have gluten-free granola if you ask for it. All blended items are made with 100% of the ingredients listed and no added ice to ensure your beverage or bowl is made of tons of good stuff, not filler. They do this to maximize the nutritional value of their offerings.

In the juice refrigerators, you can find cold brew coffee, juices, and homemade nut mylks (milk). The staff were knowledgable about the blends and each bottle and I observed them directing customers to recommended brews to meet their needs or goals.

Although it took me a while to decide what to order, I decided to try the acai protein blast bowl. The bowl comes with acai, banana, almond butter, and cashew mylk and is topped with banana, almonds, hemp seeds, and granola (which is on the bottom). Bowls come in two sizes: 20oz and 32oz; I chose the 20oz portion which was a generous portion.

The bowl itself is beautifully constructed with care. They definitely made my job easy when it comes to photographing food.


I liked the textural contrast of the top layer, which features the creaminess of the bananas and crunchiness of the almonds and hemp seeds. The smoothie blend itself strikes the perfect balance among the sweet tartness of berries, the creaminess of banana, and the nuttiness of the almond butter. It’s not as sweet as “main stream” smoothie chains are, but that’s because it’s not pumped with added sweeteners. This is the real deal, and lets natural good-for-you flavors shine.

The granola was sweet and chunky, and added a nice textural contrast at the bottom of the bowl. It’s paleo and grain-free, which definitely adds to the protein power of the bowl, and adds a nice crunchy finale to consuming the bowl.

Although I was shivering as I ate, it was definitely worth it to check out Pure Raw Juice. As the weather gets warmer (well, in the 30s and 40s) I will definitely be a regular patron, as  Pure Raw makes it easy to eat healthy while on the go, a major challenge as I balance school, work, and internship. Not only is the food good, but the portions are generous and the staff are welcoming and helpful.


Update 12/22/16: On a return visit, I tried the bee pollen acai bowl, which I liked even better. The smoothie was was sweet and fruity and topped with banana, bee pollen, and honey. I love how Pure Raw Juice’s concoctions are flavor-full even with limited ingredients.

Disclaimer: This review is based upon the information I have at the time of the review and does not reflect changes in ingredients or availability of items. Please contact the restaurant directly for up-to-date information and feel free to contact me with any questions or comments. I was not compensated for this review and it is a reflection of my personal opinion.