In June of 2022, the iconic Hailey Bieber announced her drink collab with the bougie grocery store in LA—Erewhon. Of course, Hailey Bieber chose this iconic (notoriously expensive) spot to have her Strawberry Glaze smoothie that claims to have many skin benefits. Along with these benefits come many obscure ingredients including Erewhon-specific sea moss and Neocell Hylaronic acid.

Like many, I want to have beautiful glowing skin like Hailey Bieber, so this past weekend Charlotte Jordan ‘23 and I decided to put the magic that is Hailey Bieber’s Strawberry Glaze to the test. 

We fully prepped for this experience by ensuring we dressed in cute outfits so the rich, judgy LA residents wouldn’t look down upon us for our dirty Converses. After taking a seven-minute walk to what I assumed would be the same experience as Heaven, the minute I laid my eyes on Erewhon’s building I knew Charlotte and I were going to have an experience. Good or bad? We weren’t sure yet.

Walking in, we both instantly felt overwhelmed by the tight aisles meant for LA models like Hailey Bieber herself. The prices left both of us with our jaws on the floor and with new insecurities for the lack of cash in our wallets. And of course, they even had their own products in fancy glass jars with custom Erewhon labels.

Charlotte was astounded by the rich, model vibe in Erewhon: “The aisles were literally so skinny. It’s like they know the people that can afford their million-dollar groceries can also afford regular pilates classes. Everything had either super fancy, organic packaging or custom Erewhon labels; it felt more like an art installation than a market.” I did feel beyond intimidated there.

After browsing the store, it was time to meet our destiny. I suddenly became very worried that my card would be declined and my identity as a fake LA resident would be tragically revealed.

I had no idea how much the smoothie would even cost since they cleverly don’t list the prices on their menu, but I couldn’t help but not be surprised when my total came to about $17. Yes, $17 for one smoothie. Charlotte was even scared to pay with cash: “I had my measly $20 bill to pay for my smoothie, which I brought because I didn’t want my card to decline in front of the Erewhon cashiers or patrons. I was also honestly freaked that they wouldn’t accept peasant cash like mine, but it worked out okay.” I still have nightmares that my card will decline and everyone will know that I’m in fact not rich.

Charlotte and I took our smoothies outside and when we counted down and took the first sip of the expensive and supposedly magical smoothie, I’m not going to lie, we felt changed. Revived even. It tasted healthy, and the strawberry flavor wasn’t too intense, which I liked.

It tasted similar to the yogurt parfaits at Starbucks but with a less intense flavor. Charlotte gives her final thoughts on the expensive, surprisingly delicious smoothie: “I’m not sure if I gaslighted myself into thinking it was better so it wouldn’t feel like a waste of money, but I’m going to rate the smoothie a 9/10. It tasted really good and very healthy like it was healing every organ it came in contact with as it went through my body. It loses a point for its astronomical price.” I think I agree with her on her rating. Solid 9/10 from me too.

I will say after much thought Charlotte and I are even considering going back to try Bella Hadid’s creamsicle-inspired Kinsickle Smoothie. We’re just going to check each model off the list.