The world’s first smoothie vending machine, called Juva Juice, made its debut on Mississippi State University’s campus.
MSU alumnus Justin Mitchener began working six years ago on a machine that would offer a healthier drink alternative for students on-the-go. The first and only machine on the market was located in McCool Hall for the past 90 days collecting data, until its removal Monday. However, the life of this vending machine is far from over. Mitchener said he hopes to fight Mississippi’s growing obesity problem with his new invention.
The vending machine blends together a mixture of fruit and water, which is then flash frozen before it arrives in a 12 oz. cup for the consumer. Mitchener said the smoothies are still being worked on because the juice is not yet thickening up to the consistency of a regular smoothie. 
“We are adding thickening agents to make it more icy, like a real smoothie. Two weeks from now is when we expect to have a full-blown smoothie with a rich creamy texture,” Mitchener said.
Right now, the two available flavors are strawberry and strawberry-banana, but two more flavors are currently being developed.
Bryan Snow, junior communication major, said he liked the vending machine and the new drink when he tasted it for the first time.
“It’s really good, and it’ll be even better when it’s thicker,” he said.
James Lang, sophomore biochemistry major, had similar thoughts about Juva Juice.
“I like it. It tastes pretty good,” he said. “I can’t wait for the new flavors.”
In two months, Mitchener’s plan is to add energy drinks and vitamin water products to the machine to create a full-service health-oriented vending machine. Other features will be added to the machine, including enhancers such as protein and caffeine to the smoothie at the push of a button.
The target for his vending machines is grades K-12, but Mitchener said he hopes to have his product in, eventually. Inspiration for his product came from students he spent time working with at Henderson Ward Stewart Elementary in Starkville.
“It killed me to see how many [students] were made fun of because they couldn’t do a single push-up. I had to do something, something that I hope will bring this obesity epidemic back in check,” Mitchener said.
The Juva Juice machine is being moved to the food science lab on campus for further testing to thicken the drink.  After completion, the product will be relaunched elsewhere, either in Starkville or in elementary schools in Jackson. Chip Wittern, CEO of U-Select-It Vending in Iowa, invited Mitchener and his machine to join his company’s booth at the National Vending Show in Chicago in April, Mitchener said. U-Select-It Vending is the largest vending manufacturer in the world.  Mitchener and Wittern have worked together in the development of this machine, and this show is something Mitchener has anticipated since the project’s beginning.
“I think once vending machine operators see the machine, they’ll fall in love with it because the vending machine industry as a whole has had to meet the demands of a more health-conscious public,” Mitchener said.
Mitchener said he recommends aspiring entrepreneurs at MSU to pick something they are passionate about and be persistent. He said it was his passion for making Mississippi healthier that made him stick with this project for six years.
“If you are doing it for the money and don’t get it quick enough, you’ll burn out.  But if you are passionate, you’ll stick with it until it works,” Mitchener said. 
For more information about Juva Juice products, visit juvajuice.com.