Meet Our Founder
HI! I'M CLAUDIA!
Born and raised in Lima, Peru, where smoothies and juices are part of daily life. There, we only use fresh fruits, some water or milk, and maybe a natural sweetener like honey or agave. That's it! Simple, Delicious, and Nourishing.
One of my favorites? Papaya and mango!
FRUTA'S ORIGIN STORY
I moved from Peru to Arizona in 2013, fell in love, and got married. One day, craving a taste of home, I asked James (my husband) to take me out for a smoothie.
James brought me to a big-name smoothie place (you probably know the one). Any smoothies with papaya? No. Okay, I ordered the one with mango.
I took one sip and immediately knew something wasn't right!
"What is in this mango smoothie?" I asked.
"Juice concentrate, sherbet, and some mango," the gal behind the counter replied.
I smiled and nodded, but inside I was screaming, "Wait, what?! Sherbet doesn't belong in a smoothie!"
I guess smoothies here weren't what I grew up with. Am I only one looking for real, fresh, natural options?
THE LOVE OF A MOTHER
In 2015, I became a mom, and that desire for clean, nourishing food for myself, my husband, and our daughter only grew stronger.
One day at the zoo, I ran out of snacks and searched everywhere for a fresh fruit bowl or smoothie made with natural ingredients. No luck. I don't need concentrated sugar!
That was my next "aha" moment.
SIMPLE, DELICIOUS, NOURISHING
I grabbed a notebook and started sketching my dream: a little, local shop that would serve smoothies the way I remembered them: straight from nature, simple yet delicious, and good for every belly -- big or small.
That dream is now Fruta! We opened this family-run spot in 2018, honoring my Peruvian roots, fueled by a passion for clean eating, and created for anyone who's ever wished their food would add value to their lives.
Simple. Delicious. Nourishing.
Just like food should be.
Meet the Fruta Team
Over the years, Fruta has been more than a juice and smoothie shop. It's been a place for growth, creativity, and community. We've welcomed amazing people though our doors, offering jobs to local youth and creating a supportive space where everyone can thrive.
With the support of our manager, Neyda, who helps keep our operations running smoothly, I've able to focus on what I love most: creating new flavors, dreaming up fresh ideas, and connecting with our customers.
Fruta is proudly:
family-owned and woman-run.
I believe in leading with respect, lifting others up, and helping the next generation find their passion and dreams, one smoothie at a time.
Though faces may come and go, each person who has been part of the Fruta family has left their mark.
Together we've built a community, both behind the counter and in front of it. We can't wait to see you soon.
Check Out Our Shop
Fruta Healthy Eating is more than just a juice bar, we are a space rooted in wellness, community, and craftmanship.
OUR VALUES
• Clean eating
• Handcrafted nourishment
• Intention
IN-HOUSE
Our kitchen is full of hand-crafted, made from scratch items that you won't find in a typical smoothie shop, including:
• granola bars gf & v
• protein balls
• vegan and gluten free spinach wraps
• nut butters, nut milks, and seed milks
We make as much as we can in-house to reduce our carbon footprint, cut down on plastic usage, and ensure that every bite supports your wellness journey.
Our shop is also a place to relax and connect. Enjoy our cozy lounge area, bring your little ones to play in our kid's corner, and feel at home while nourishing your body.
We proudly feature products from local vendors and artisans, because supporting our community is at the heart of what we do.
Come experience Fruta, where every product is made with care, and every visit is a step toward better health and stronger community.
We Love Our Community!
Over the years, we have created a space that brings people together, not just around food but around shared values of wellness, creativity, and connection.
Every year we host a local vendors farmer market, where we highlight local markers, crafters, and wellness vendor.
We proudly invite Peruvian handcrafters to share their artistry and culture with our customers. Uplifting the Peruvian community and showcasing authentic handmade goods is a meaningful part of who we are.
We are a shop that celebrates people through music, culture, and the food we share.
Join us!