Smoothie King Responds

March 28 -- Last week, ABCNEWS reported on unhealthy fare found in mall food courts, pointing out that many are high in fat and calories. Included in that report was a reference to Smoothie King's Strawberry Hulk smoothie, which was said to contain a surprising number of calories.

While a 20-oz. Strawberry Hulk smoothie does in fact contain almost 1,000 calories and 29 grams of fat, the smoothie is listed as a "High Calorie Smoothie" and marketed "for people who are trying to gain weight." In a letter to ABCNEWS, Smoothie King President and CEO Kevin Donovan points out that this particular item is expressly described on Smoothie King's menu as a "High Calorie Smoothie."

"There are no secrets that we keep from our guests," wrote Donovan, saying that the Hulk smoothie was "originally and specifically designed as a weight gain smoothie for cancer patients going through chemotherapy, for they were unable to keep traditional foods in their system. This smoothie was also designed and requested by professional athletes and individuals that need to gain weight."

Moreover, Donovan wrote, "our typical Smoothie King smoothies do not contain any sherbet, ice cream, yogurt, sorbet, and furthermore none of our smoothies contain artificial ingredients or sweeteners.

In fact, the majority of Smoothie King's products are low in fat, but it is the case that there are higher calorie smoothies for those who want or need them. Donovan concludes: "Each of our smoothies is individually created to satisfy and fit a very specific need."