That is a big win for the South Lakeland food scene! The Fresh Monkee, a popular Connecticut-based healthy protein shake and smoothie franchise, is officially expanding into Polk County.
The brand focuses on meal-replacement style protein shakes made with clean, transparent ingredients like whole fruits, veggies, natural nut butters, and high-quality protein blends without a ton of added sugar.
Here are the quick details on the upcoming spot:
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Location: 5257 US Highway 98 S, Lakeland, FL 33812 (in the south Lakeland area near Highland City).
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Current Status: Listed as “Coming Soon” on their official map, with local announcements launching this week.
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What to Expect: A massive menu spanning clean “Fresh & Fruity” blends, coffee-infused protein shakes (like the fan-favorite Caramel Coffee Buzz), and heavier mass-gainer options. Everything is blended completely in the open right in front of you.
It is a great alternative if you are looking for an actual, filling grab-and-go meal option that does not feel like a chalky health food chore.
The Fresh Monkee stands out because they break their extensive menu down by “vibe”—ranging from ultra-clean greens to shakes that taste like outright dessert but are still packed with high-quality protein.
A breakdown of the most popular, fan-favorite menu items and protein shake flavors includes:
1. The Signature “Monkee” Blends (Go Nuts & Crave-worthy)
These are the heavy hitters that taste like treats but serve as full meal replacements.
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Chunkee Monkee: A massive crowd favorite. It blends milk, your choice of chocolate or vanilla protein, banana, and natural peanut butter (finished with a sugar-free chocolate drizzle if you go the chocolate route).
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Dirty Monkee / Filthy Monkee: For ultimate indulgence. These incorporate a chopped-up brownie protein bar right into the blender, along with chocolate protein and Nutella (Dirty) or natural peanut butter (Filthy).
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PB Jelly Time: A nostalgic classic made with vanilla protein, natural peanut butter, low-fat graham crackers, and mixed berries.
2. Coffee-Infused Favorites
Perfect for a breakfast replacement or a midday pick-me-up, these use real coffee ice cubes so the drink never gets watered down.
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Caramel Coffee Buzz: The top seller in this category. It features milk, vanilla protein, coffee ice cubes, vanilla extract, stevia, and a rich, sugar-free caramel drizzle.
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Protein Iced Coffee: A simpler, clean blend of iced coffee and your choice of chocolate or vanilla protein poured over coffee ice cubes.
3. Fresh, Fruity & Light
If you want something bright and refreshing without heavy nut butters:
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Antioxidant Berry: Highly popular for a clean breakfast. It uses water, a splash of pomegranate and orange juices, vanilla protein, fresh spinach, and mixed berries.
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Blueberry Pie: Vanilla protein blended with graham crackers, blueberries, vanilla extract, and warm baking spices, topped with graham cracker crumbs.
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Strawberry Lemonade / Watermelon Strawberry Limeade: Tart, hydrating, and perfect for hot Florida afternoons.
4. The Green Machines
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Ultimate Green: A nutrient-dense blend of water, a splash of pomegranate juice, chia seeds, flax seeds, cucumber, a whole green apple, banana, pineapple, ginger, and spinach.
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Lime Green Mango: A tropical green blend featuring spinach, green apple, chia, flax, lime, and mango with a splash of apple juice.
5. Popular Snacks & Add-ons
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Monkee Ballz: Apart from the shakes, these are their incredibly popular grab-and-go energy bites. They are house-made with natural peanut butter, oat flour, chocolate whey protein, and maple syrup, rolled in semi-sweet chocolate chips and coconut oil.
A quick tip on ordering: When they open, you’ll notice they offer sizes by your goals: Bite (smallest, snack size), Snack (medium), and Meal (large, full meal replacement). You can also completely customize the protein base, swapping standard whey for plant-based alternatives.