Companies Respond to GMA Smoothie Segment

Aug. 1, 2008 — -- GNC, Dunkin' Donuts and Starbucks responded to "Good Morning America's" story with the following statements.

GNC Statement

Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We will look at the situation very closely and take corrective action, if needed.

While GNC has more than 4,800 stores in the U.S., Smoothies are actually sold in only 50 GNC stores, including franchisees.

Any store that sells Smoothies has a copy of a detailed recipe developed by GNC for each product that clearly outlines the use of specific ingredients in specific amounts. Store associates are instructed to follow the recipes.

The recipes have been evaluated by an independent nutritionist to ensure that they conform to the nutritional values listed on our GNC Smoothie Takeout Menu.

We are confident that any Smoothie made by a GNC store associate according to the recipe will deliver those nutritional values. Obviously, if a store associate doesn't follow the recipe, or if the customer asks for more or less of a given ingredient, it will not.

As recently as first quarter 2008, GNC sent an updated operations manual to every company-owned store that sells Smoothies, directing them to remind store associates to follow the recipes closely.

As a result of your call, we will communicate with the managers of the two stores from which your samples were purchased to ensure that the recipes are followed closely.

Dunkin' Donuts Statement

The Dunkin' Donuts' Research and Development team has reviewed the data provided by "Good Morning America" and it has determined that the discrepancies in the calorie counts presented are likely due to improper in-store production of these beverages. Dunkin' Donuts has system-wide processes that, when implemented properly, ensure that our Smoothies meet the specifications of our public nutritional information. As is the case with any of our non-prepackaged products, if the specifications are not correctly followed, it is possible the caloric content, as outlined in our public nutritional information, will not coincide.

Therefore, in the cases of the Strawberry Banana Smoothies tested, if too much yogurt or too much fruit base was mixed into the beverages, it would result in a higher caloric content than Smoothies produced according to our mandated specifications. Furthermore, our large Smoothie cups accommodate more than 32 fluid ounces, the size of a large Smoothie, which is designed to prevent spillage but can also occasionally lead to overfill. Any non-prepackaged product is subject to human error, this is why we have strict in-shop procedures in place. We consistently work with our franchisees to ensure that all of our products are prepared properly.

It should be noted that the Wildberry Smoothie has been discontinued, although some franchisees may still have a back supply of the product and are currently depleting their stock. We will, however, continue to offer our Reduced Calorie Berry Smoothie.

-- Stephen J. Caldeira, Chief Global Communications & Public Affairs Officer for Dunkin' Brands, Inc.

Starbucks Statement

Why might there be a slight inconsistency in calories from one beverage to the next?

As noted in our Nutrition by the Cup (brochure) and on Starbucks.com/nutrition, nutrition information for beverages is calculated based on Starbucks standard recipes. Due to the handcrafted nature of our beverages, nutrient values may vary from those published.

While we aim for consistency in banana sizes, we know that banana sizes may vary.

Juice and milk amounts are based on fill lines on the blender. It is possible that the barista slightly over- or under-poured.

Where do the calories come from?

Orange Mango Banana – all calories come from Banana, Milk, Naked Juice, and Protein & Fiber Powder (no hidden bases & no added sugar)

Banana Chocolate – all calories come from Banana, Milk, Bittersweet Cocoa Sauce, and Protein & Fiber Powder

Why might the calories differ in a lab analysis?

There is a considerable amount of fiber in the beverage (at least 5g).

Fiber is counted in "Total Carbohydrates." Generally, carbohydrates are 4 calories/gram, but fiber is less. For example, the inulin (soluble fiber, which counts towards total carbohydrates) we use in our Protein & Fiber Powder is about 1.5 calories/gram.

Some analysis account for this difference and some do not.

Our published nutrition info does account for the inulin at 1.5 cal/g.

What is our Nutrition Data Calculation Process?

Nutrition information is based on data from our suppliers. Values are calculated using ESHA R&D SQL® software. All data is rounded to meet current US FDA NLEA guidelines. Percentage data for vitamins and minerals refers to percentage of US Daily Values for a 2,000-calorie diet.