When it comes to eating raw and healthy UNH students are set. Did you know that we have 3 raw eateries in the area? A lot of you are probably wondering what the heck an acai bowl is, and where you can get your hands on one of these Instagram-able treats, ASAP. This is my review and ranking of Fresh Press, Juicy Roots, and The Juicery to help you learn more about how you can get delicious and healthy eats locally.
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Fresh Press – Fleet St. Portsmouth, NH
Fresh Press is a trendy little eatery located right in the heart of downtown Portsmouth. Fresh Press is a 100% organic business that values fresh ingredients in their foods to promote wellness. They sell cold pressed juices, smoothies, acai bowls, salads, wraps, hot drinks, quinoa bowls, and homemade soup. They’re known for their friendly staff and most of the time, the owner is even working too. They offer a juice detox cleanse at certain times of the year, specifying on their Facebook page when to sign up for it, and when the juices will be ready for pick up. There is also plenty of room to sit down, hang out, and enjoy your food in a great atmosphere.
Photo by Val Diaz
I tried the Mexicali Quinoa bowl (quinoa, roasted vegetables, pico de gallo, spinach, creamy cilantro dressing, hot sauce) and it was DELICIOUS. All of the ingredients were so flavorful and pretty. It was also very filling. I was told that this is their most popular food and I definitely recommend it. The “Coconut” acai bowl was also very good, it’s blended with coconut milk and topped with shredded coconut, banana, and gluten-free granola.
Photo By Val Diaz
My friend tried the Skinny Scout smoothie (spinach, peppermint oil, mint, banana, dates, cacao nibs, and maca powder, blended with vanilla almond milk) and said she’ll definitely order it again. The peppermint oil made the smoothie super refreshing and the cacao nibs gave it a nice crunch. I tried the seasonal Pumpkin Chai smoothie (almond milk, banana, pumpkin, chai spices, vanilla, flax seed, almond butter). It tasted just like pumpkin bread in drink form, but it was light and refreshing. It was smooth and had waves of cinnamon and chai. Two other must tries are the Detoxifier Juice, and the Green Monster smoothie.
Photo By Val Diaz
Fresh Press has the most options for both food and drinks out of the three. They feature smoothies and juices, as well as different health shots, and hot drinks, like teas and hot chocolates, which the other two don’t offer. They also have more of a variety of foods to cater to anything you might be craving be it sweet, savory, spicy, etc. It has a great atmosphere and plenty of seating if you want a chill place to get some good eats and get some work done or to just hang out with friends.
Photo By Allie Coneys
Juicy Roots – Third St. Dover, NH
Juicy Roots is an adorable little eatery right in central downtown Dover. They’re second on my list of places to get some healthy eats. They make fresh juices, Kombucha, smoothies, oat bowls, soups, wraps, and salads, using the best local produce. All of their food is raw and vegetarian, and the majority of it is vegan as well. When you walk in you automatically feel healthier…I swear to god, it smells so fresh. They make all of their hummus, salad dressings, and soups from scratch. They also make homemade almond, soy, coconut, and rice milks for their drinks. At Juicy Roots you are also able to customize your very own fresh juice detox cleanse, if you’re looking to bring your body back to a clean state. Their business motto is even “Eat Raw, Feel Whole.” Uh, yes please.
Photo by Allie Coneys
I had the Odacova Wrap (avocado, brown rice, mild salsa, red onions, black beans, sriracha-yogurt dressing) and am obsessed and can completely understand why this is their most popular wrap. The sriracha dressing is absolutely incredible and gave an awesome heat to the wrap without it being too spicy to eat because the avocado gave a nice refresher. It’s such a well-balanced wrap and I will definitely get it again.
Photo by Allie Coneys
I tried the “Chocolate Almond Cherry” (cocoa, cherries, almond milk, dates, almond butter, banana) and the “Apple CinnaBun” (oats, apples date, banana, protein powder, cinnamon) smoothies and they were both to die for. The Chocolate Almond Cherry was fruity and indulgent all at the same time, what more could you want? Half of the time I can’t make up my mind on whether I want a healthy smoothie or a more dessert-like one, and this was the perfect mix of the two that I’ve always needed in my life. It’s definitely my new go-to smoothie. The Apple CinnaBun is your perfect non-pumpkin fall drink. It’s basically drinkable apple crisp that isn’t ridiculously filling or rich, definitely a must try for any cinnamon lovers out there. Two must tries are the Hangover Helper Juice and the Romeo Smoothie.
Photo by Allie Coneys
Juicy Roots the closest of the three to school and the 15 minute drive is definitely worth it. They have awesome breakfast options and their drinks are really unique and tasty. They do have shorter hours than the other two, but this hidden gem isn’t very well known so you can make it your trendy little hot spot to impress your friends with. They do have a bit of seating inside, featuring an awesome swing hanging right in front of their big, street-view window. If you’re looking for something different and delicious in the morning or early afternoon, Juicy Roots is the place for you.
Photo by Allie Coneys
The Juicery – Hanover St. Portsmouth, NH
The Juicery is a cute little eatery in downtown Portsmouth that sells all natural smoothes, juices, vegan wraps, salads, wheatgrass shots, and whole food supplements. They come in third in my healthy eating line up. They make all of their salad dressings from scratch and they use as much local and organic produce as possible. They pride themselves on not putting any processed sugars, artificial flavors, or fruit syrups in their foods. They have a 3 day cleanse for you to purchase, however it is only available during select times of the year. The Juicery is very environmentally friendly and all of their to-go containers are eco-friendly and fully compostable. Go green, homies.
Photo By Allie Coneys
I ordered the Russian Wrap (avocado, tomato, cucumber, red onion, brown rice, ginger miso dressing, in a whole wheat tortilla) and it was very good. It was definitely filling and the ginger miso was awesome, I could eat that stuff by the spoonful. Another popular must try from here is the Mexican Wrap.
Photo By Val Diaz
Val ordered the Espresso Yourself smoothie (ice, banana, almond butter, espresso powder) and said that it was really good and it actually gave her an energy boost. She described it as being on the sweeter side and is perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth looking for a midday pick-me-up. I had the Life Blood juice (carrot, apple, beet, lemon, ginger), their most popular juice, and absolutely loved it. It tasted very clean and made me feel really refreshed. It was a little heavy on the ginger, which I personally loved, but might be off-setting to others. Another must try is the Peanut Butter Bliss smoothie.
Photo By Val Diaz
The Juicery has yummy drinks and food, but it’s often busy and the few seats available are usually taken. If you’re nearby it’s a good option if you’re looking for something healthy on the go.
Photo By Val Diaz
So, next time you’re feeling a health kick and want to treat yo self to a raw, healthy meal, you definitely will not be disappointed with any of these three yummy options.