Recently, students at Benilde-St. Margaret has been buzzing over a new drink shop called SLP Nutrition. You can spot these drinks in clear cups with the “SLP Nutrition” logo labelled on them. The drinks range from fruity teas, protein-packed shakes, and healthy immunity boosters. This recent trend has sparked within the last couple of weeks and is continuing to grow. SLP Nutrition is close to BSM, making it convenient for students to stop by before class. It is said to be similar to another popular drink shop, EP Power, yet the convenience of SLP Nutrition makes it more favorable. The question is, is it actually healthy, and is the hype truly worth it?
SLP Nutrition offers a variety of refreshing and healthy drinks, yet when asking around the halls of BSM, the main type of drink people choose is the “Power Tea.” These teas come in two different sizes and also contain caffeine, which is appealing to students, especially for early school mornings. The teas are created to give an energy and metabolism boost. Although the majority of students have not yet tried their shakes, they claim to be a full meal replacement containing 21 vitamins and minerals, along with plant protein. Sophomore Paige Helmer and freshman Sadie Ehrmantraut go to SLP Nutrition almost every day, and Helmer shares her favorite drink and opinion on it, “I get Malibu sunset, and I used to get pink sunrise. I think it’s good for you because it includes herbs and stuff like that,” Helmer said.
The drink options are overall healthier compared to other places, such as Starbucks or Caribou, due to their positive effects. Although it doesn’t list what is in these drinks that affects their overall healthiness, it does state that they are made with Stevia instead of regular sugar, which is said to be a healthier alternative. Sophomore Anna Larson states her opinion on SLP Nutrition: “The flavors aren’t as strong. It has a grainy taste after you drink [it]. And I don’t know if it’s actually good for you, but I’m pretty sure there are good things, but it’s pretty artificial with all the coloring,” Larson said.
The new craze over SLP Nutrition is unavoidable throughout the hallways of Benilde-St. Margaret’s. This convenient location is ideal for students seeking a healthy, energizing drink before starting their day at school. The drinks are a healthier alternative to those at other places, and BSM students can be seen holding these colorful teas. I personally think SLP is worth the hype, and it makes me feel better drinking something that has health benefits. I would highly recommend trying Love Potion #9 or Malibu Sunset. Some explain that they dislike the taste compared to other drink shops and question whether the drinks are truly good for you. If you enjoy sweet and refreshing drinks with positive effects, then I think SLP Nutrition is definitely worth trying.