Rating: 9/10
With spring approaching, few things feel better than a walk on a 60-degree day with a protein shake in hand.
Located at 202 E. Green St. Suite 4, Elite is the ideal distance on Green for a post-class pick-me-up.
This wellness cafe is Champaign’s new go-to spot for healthy snacks. It offers energizing refreshers, healthy shakes, bowls and more.
Get The Daily Illini in your inbox!
From the moment you walk in, Elite’s friendly staff makes you feel right at home. The minimalist storefront creates a welcoming atmosphere. With a few tables and an eye-catching ivy-covered wall near the entrance, it’s the perfect spot to relax or grab a quick, guilt-free treat.
Elite’s 19-year-old owner, Vidhi Chavda, hosted its grand opening on Saturday after its soft opening on Wednesday.
This café isn’t just about taste; it promotes health, too. Its menu offers drinks that aid digestion, boost energy and enhance mental focus. According to the menu, the shakes pack 21 essential nutrients.
With various choices of protein shakes, refreshers, açaí bowls and power oats, Elite has something for everyone. After what felt like 30 minutes of deliberating, I chose the PB CHOCOBANANA Healthy Shake and the Açaí Bowl.
The total for the two items came to around $21 — a bit steep but expected for premium protein-based treats.
The healthy shakes cost $8.50 for a regular, which includes 24 grams of protein and 200 calories. The large shakes cost $10 and have 36 grams of protein and 300 calories. The açaí bowl is $12.50, containing about 10-15 grams of protein and 250-300 calories.
I didn’t try a refresher this time, but with 10 flavors and health benefits like improved brain function, they were tempting. Each refresher is priced at $9.50.
The Açaí Bowl was a perfect blend of freshness and sweetness, topped with strawberries, blueberries, almonds, granola, coconut and honey. The delicious treat had a fresh quality. Each ingredient complemented the others beautifully, and the honey drizzle added just the right touch of indulgence.
The PB CHOCOBANANA Healthy Shake left me speechless. The rich flavors and velvety texture created the perfect balance between sweetness and nuttiness. Not to mention, it was aesthetically pleasing.
Elite offers a perfect blend of health and flavor, making it a great stop for a refreshing treat. With its inviting atmosphere and diverse menu, it’s a spot worth visiting.
