Fast-food chains turn to fruit baskets

With the heat of summer just starting, I've noticed some fast food chains are trying to draw customers in with the offer of helping them keep cool.

Taco Bell offers the new Frutista Freeze beverages in two flavors, Strawberry and Mango Strawberry. The chain's website says 'Refresh your senses with a smooth frozen strawberry drink - topped with real strawberries'

Real strawberries? Come on! I tried the Mango Strawberry and let me tell you the only thing real is the real strawberry and mango syrups and frozen pieces of strawberries (served over ice). That's it.

If you want to get a brainfreeze and sugar high, then by all means hit up Taco Bell, but it was just not refreshing for me to drink syrup.

Now Jack in the Box went to the smoothie side, sort of Jamba Juice-style, with their Real Fruit Smoothies. The beverages are made with fruit juice and nonfat frozen yogurt in three flavors: Strawberry Banana, Mango and Orange Sunrise. 

Again, real fruit is used loosely. Although it is made of real fruit juice and real frozen yogurt, there is no real fruit blended into these smoothies.

But I was refreshed. I tried the Orange Sunrise and it was like an orangesicle ice cream bar blended in a cup. Icy, yummy, not too sweet and refreshing.

The regular is just $2.99 so it's less than a regular or small drink at Jamba Juice but probably easier to find.