Namken Nutrition opened a second location of their Decatur meal-prep business at The Pines yesterday. The new Urbana business sells prepped re-heatable meals and housemade protein bars in addition to made-to-order smoothies on their everyday cafe menu.
The interior was a bit sparse and undecorated, but it’s brand new. Also it seems the store is more about get in, grab your meal, and go than somewhere to linger with coffee.
This afternoon, I ordered the chunky monkey smoothie ($9) with protein, minus the banana. (Apologies if you super love bananas, but I was just not feeling it.) I was skeptical about a protein smoothie, but this nutritious peanut butter chocolate smoothie was tasty. Namken uses yogurt that they make themselves, and though I was expecting a chalky texture, the chocolate protein powder was smooth, and the flavors were good. The drink itself was thinner and icier than I expected, and I will say that the peanut butter flavor was a little off, but overall, it was a good protein smoothie.
Inside the store’s cooler, there were ready-to-heat meals and yogurt cups for spontaneous shopping, and the top shelf had several bags of pre-orders. Each meal was clearly labeled with ingredients and listed calories, protein, fat, and carbs.
I bought a Philly cheesesteak casserole ($12), which was gluten-free with ground beef, rice, veggies, cheese, and simple seasonings. I can’t say how it tastes because I haven’t yet tried it.
Check out the menu online, and follow the cafe and meal prep store on Facebook.
Namken Nutrition
2740 S Philo Rd
Urbana
M+Tu 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
W 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Th 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
F 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Su 9 a.m. to noon
