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McDonald's cancels free Smoothie promotion

July 18, 2010

Those hoping to experience McDonald's Corp.'s new fruit smoothies for free will have to pay for the frozen treats after all.

McDonald's announced it was canceling a July 22-24 free promotion of the beverages at some U.S. restaurants out of fears that supplies will run out.

"Due to the overwhelming popularity and to ensure continued supply to meet our customers' needs, we will not be executing the national in-restaurant sampling event of the McCafe Real Fruit Smoothies," the company said in a written statement.

A rescheduled date has been discussed, but not yet solidified.

The nationwide launch of the new McCafe Real Fruit Smoothie Line was July 13.

The frozen drinks (which include real fruit blends, fruit juice, ice and low-fat yogurt) are available in strawberry-banana and wild berry flavors. The latter is a combination of strawberries, blueberries and blackberries. The smoothies can also be customized with or without low-fat yogurt.

They are available in small (12 ounces), medium (16 ounces) and large (22 ounces), and the suggested retail price of a small smoothie is $2.29.