By Lena Moreno and Mia Gutierrez, November 18, 2025
Nearing the end of the semester, you might need extra willpower to withstand a rigorous day of classes.
Whether in the mood for a smoothie or an iced coffee, Cal Poly Pomona has countless drink options for students to choose from and enjoy as a pick-me-up.
With recommendations made by CPP Enterprises, here are five must-try drinks around campus:
- Mango Mania and Tastes like PB&J smoothies – BRIC Break
The Mango Mania and Tastes like PB&J smoothies from BRIC Break are a refreshing way to end a workout.
Mango Mania is a refreshing mango smoothie loaded with vitamin C. The smoothie ingredients include juice from fresh grown oranges, mango and honey. The fruity perfect drink will leave you feeling refreshed on a hot day or it can just be enjoyed during your next class.
Tastes like PB&J is one of BRIC Break’s signature smoothies, which offers an optional scoop of protein for any smoothie of choice. It is made with strawberries, bananas, acai base, peanut butter and honey to create a PB&J in blended form.
Animal science student Angelina Hernandez agreed the smoothie was filling and gave her the boost of energy she needed to get through the day after trying it for the first time.
“If I had that drink after a workout, it would definitely give me energy,” Hernandez said. “It was good.”
- Tropical Vibesand Brain Boost smoothies – Pony Express and Poly Fresh Market
This semester’s newest and most technologically advanced addition to this market is a self-serve vending machine that only takes a couple of minutes to make the smoothie of your choice.
The machine contains different smoothie ingredients in a cup, each with a different flavor combination. Tropical Vibes and Brain Boost were listed as the most popular choices, according to Enterprises’ social media coordinator Alexa Landino. Some other flavors available include Green Energizer, Magical Mocha, and Peanut Protein.
The Tropical Vibes smoothie contains mango, pineapple, orange, coconut and is made with real fruits and is high in vitamin C. Brain Boost includes raspberry, strawberry, blackberry and banana, made with 100% real fruit and no added sugar.
Navigating the machine might seem intimidating at first, but the process is quick and simple. Below are the steps on how to use the machine (directions can also be found directly on the machine):
- Open the mini fridge containing a variety of different smoothie options, and take your selection out of the fridge.
- Remove the peelable sticker on top of the smoothie cup.
- On the side of the cup, you will find a barcode that you will face against the machine’s scanner. This will open a tube where you will place your smoothie in.
- The touch screen will give you options of different blend types to select from, including blended or extra blended. Select your blended preference, and then the tube will close automatically and blend your smoothie.
- Once the blending is complete, the tube will re-open offering your now-prepared smoothie.
On the left side of the machine is where the straws and different add-on syrups are located. Once you finish adjusting the flavor to your liking, don’t forget to pay at the register and enjoy.
The machines can be found in the Campus Center Marketplace in Building 97 at the Pony Express or the Bronco Student Centers’ Poly Fresh Market. Both notorious campus stores are convenient for grabbing a quick snack, drink or last-minute school supplies.
- Iced Coffee and Mango Madness slushy – Element Coffee and Food
If coffee isn’t your thing, Element also offers the “Mango Madness” slush. This frozen drink tastes of rich mangos and is a refreshing and tropical choice to opt for as a sweet and icy treat.
A top choice of drink from Element is its iced hazelnut coffee with Italian sweet cream on top. The flavors complement each other to create the ideal amount of sweetness and flavor. The drink is a perfect pick-me-up for students and can easily be altered to preference with other flavors, milk, options, and cold foam options.
For business students, a close and convenient place to get a quick drink such as an iced coffee or meal is “Element Coffee and Food.”
There is something for everyone at Element including smoothies, acai bowls, coffee, lunch and breakfast foods for on the go. Quality and efficient service is what keeps students coming back, according to Landino.
- Caramel Latte–Saddles Cafe
Finding a coffee you enjoy can be difficult. Saddles and its variety of coffee bean favorites have been a go-to choice for students when craving an iced or hot latte.
Located on the first floor of the Bronco Student Center, the caramel latte has been described as a top choice according to CPP Enterprises, for caffeine to keep students going. This coffee is more on the milky and creamy side but still contains a prominent coffee flavor.
You can also add extra shots of espresso for $1.25 each, or substitute with a variety of milk options such as almond or oat milk.
- Banana Matcha–Lollicup Fresh
As strawberry matcha remains a popular choice among students according to Lollicup barista Jackie Castillo, matcha beverages can complement unique flavor profiles such as bananas.
Located right next to Centerpointe, Lollicup offers a variety of iced coffees, teas and boba options, now including its newest addition banana matcha.
If you are fan of banana flavor itself or would like to try something outside your typical order, this is the perfect beverage. Mixed with banana foam made from real fruit, it complements the taste of the sweet matcha. The banana flavor shines in this drink without tasting artificial whatsoever.
Castillo shared despite not being a matcha fan herself, venturing into banana flavored drinks is always worth trying.
“We do make a latte version, and the banana latte is like one of my favorite drinks here,” Castillo said. “I do think it’s a hidden gem for sure. I feel like people should be ordering it more.”
