It’s sweet, tangy, delicious and healthy. Welcome to Nékter Juice Bar, a new establishment that takes a modern twist to healthy eating. Nékter offers an assortment of freshly squeezed juices, blended smoothies and unique Açai Bowls that satisfy the sweet tooth without the guilt. Nékter is one of the very few places that can back up its claims to be genuinely healthy. Although the drinks are more expensive, the quality is hard to beat.

As soon as you walk into the juice bar, vibrant faux fruits line the walls while juicers take your order. Nékter is located on the corner of San Antonio road and El Camino, on the outskirts of the recently renovated San Antonio Shopping Center. Although indoor seating is sparse, Nékter’s outside patio is spacious and comfortable. There are couches, lounge chairs, umbrellas and tables, making it a perfect place to enjoy a refreshing snack on a sunny day.

Nékter offers an extensive variety of juices, smoothies and Açai Bowls to satisfy the athlete to the foodie. All drinks are made with a range of fresh fruits and vegetables, from apples and oranges to kale, parsley, ginger, carrots and celery. The most well received drinks like “The Cure,” “The Buzz” and “The Sublime” tend to veer on the sweeter side because they are primarily composed of fruits rather than greens. There are also many flavors with mostly vegetables such as “The Greenie” and “The Toxin Flush” which are consistent with the current “green smoothie” trend.

If you don’t feel like having a juice or a smoothie, Nékter carries a more filling treat known as the Açai Bowl. With four unique flavors consisting of fresh fruit, granola and most notably cashew nut milk (a healthy alternative to cow’s milk), the first bite will have you hooked. Although these bowls are $6.95, ingredients like granola and nuts add an extra crunch for a more interesting option at Nékter.

Although the Nékter’s products are tasty, the pricing is higher than that of Jamba Juice. The smallest drink is 16 ounces, and at $4.95, it’s a considerable expense. On top of the steep prices, the wait time at Nékter is longer than expected. The staff have effervescent attitudes, but the amount of time they take to fulfill the order is a definite drawback. Most students hoping to stop by during their lunch break just don’t have the time. Typically, it takes 15 to 20 minutes for the juicers to make your order. And, because there is only one register, waiting in line during busy hours could take up most of lunch. While this is a handicap, Nékter’s drinks are still worth the wait.