Choice

Superfood Bar & Juicery

by Dina Scaglione

For some of us foodies, the pandemic provided an opportunity to hit the reset button and pay closer attention to wellness and nutrition. From cold-pressed juices to superfood smoothies and other delectable bites, San Clemente’s newest eatery believes a nutritious meal should be delicious, life giving, and attainable.

Far from another juice bar or acai bowl joint, Choice Superfood Bar & Juicery serves up plant-based, gluten free, sustainably grown and downright tasty meals. Owner and founder Nastasha McKeon began Choice in San Diego in 2014, which has since evolved into a staple for locals and tourists alike, delivering a unique take on flavorful, colorful, and responsibly sourced plant-based food.

With six booming locations in Solana Beach, Encinitas, and Carlsbad, Nastasha began searching for a seventh in South OC to share her mission and vision for lifestyle nutrition. An avid surfer, Nastasha has always held a soft spot for San Clemente’s blissful waves and laid-back coastal vibe, so naturally she saw the potential to bring this positive energy to the downtown area. Selecting a location on the corner of Avenida Del Mar and El Camino Real, the go-to-market strategy has been simple: no big grand openings or elaborate marketing plans. Nastasha prefers a grass roots approach, bringing value to the community, building relationships, and supporting other businesses through co-marketing activities.

Wondering what makes Choice different from other healthy menu restaurants? First, employees are appropriately trained to educate diners on the “plant food is medicine” philosophy. Their role is to help customers understand the value of organic food and ensure each location is approachable, friendly and inviting. Another key difference is in the integrity of the products. Choice serves only fresh, certified organic fruits and vegetables, preparing everything in-house, including baked goods and even the almond milk. The fresh fruit and veggie juices include the earthy beet juice with grapefruit, apple, ginger, lemon, chia and mint. All are made from pure ingredients, with no added water or any kind of pasteurization which can change the molecular structure. Made-to-order smoothies boast plant-based protein, lots of fiber and rich omegas.

If you’re feeling run down, grab the Dawn Patrol cold-pressed juice featuring carrot, orange, ginger and turmeric to help bolster your immunity. Nastasha recommends the Ginger Bae with apple, lemon and ginger to aid digestion. Her favorite creation is the metabolism boosting Skinny Green with cucumber, apple, spinach, kale, jalapeno and lime — a little heat and a ton of flavor.

Choice’s acai bowl is of the highest quality. They also offer flavorful smoothies for wellness on the run. The Avatar smoothie is made with blue majik, a bright aqua powder derived from spirulina extract, which is both filling and delicious. The Spicy Amore smoothie is made with plant-based milk, dates, eco-protein powder, banana, maca, cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne, sprouted almonds and cacao. Naturally sweetened with whole fruit, any smoothie can also be made into a bowl. They are blended extra thick and enjoyed with house made granola and fresh fruit toppings.

Choice also offers grab and go meals like the Mediterranean power bowl made with quinoa, spinach, kalamata olives, cherry tomato, and cucumber. The avocado toast features homemade super loaf bread layered with roasted garlic hummus, avocado, sprinkled Brazil nut parmesan “cheese,” and served with a spring mix side salad. Delicious snacks like the protein brownies are made with sprouted almond flour, almond butter, dates, applesauce, coconut oil, vanilla, protein powder, coconut flour, cacao powder, and sweetened with coconut sugar. They deliver all of the delicious taste, without the sugar crash.

Healthy food can truly taste amazing, provide satisfying nutrition, and arm you with the proper brain fuel to power you through the day. Whatever preconceptions you may have about eating well, Choice Superfood Bar & Juicery will have you rethinking the way you eat and feel. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the winter months and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in spring through fall. Stop by and get a taste of good health.

Choice Superfood Bar & Juicery
104 No. El Camino Real, San Clemente
949.538.6735