Finally tried the Monarch after hearing great things from everyone I work with and it did not disappoint! The staff was super friendly and helped answer any questions I had about what to try first. I got the blueberry muffin shake and let me say it tastes exactly like one! Delicious! I’ll definitely be back to try more of the menu :)
The Truth
I visited Monarch in Haverhill, MA, expecting a real smoothie shop with fresh, nutritious ingredients. The interior looked trendy, with bright décor, motivational quotes on the walls, and a menu that made it seem like they offered healthy, protein-packed drinks. But as soon as I placed my order, I realized this place is nothing but a scam wrapped in pretty packaging.
Let’s start with the taste—absolutely awful. I ordered a shake, expecting something rich and flavorful. Instead, I got a thin, chalky, artificial mess that tasted like watered-down protein powder mixed with chemicals. It was disgustingly sweet, clearly overloaded with artificial sweeteners, and had a weird, bitter aftertaste that lingered for way too long. It didn’t taste fresh at all—just processed, synthetic, and downright unpleasant. The so-called “tea” was just as bad, an artificial-tasting, sugar-loaded energy drink that felt like it was doing more harm than good.
But the real problem isn’t just the terrible taste—it’s the outright dishonesty. I specifically asked the staff what was in the shake, and instead of giving me a clear answer, they fed me vague, misleading phrases like “natural proteins and vitamins.” When I pressed for more details, they continued dodging the question, acting like the ingredients were some kind of secret. After digging, I realized why—they were deliberately hiding the fact that everything in their drinks comes from Herbalife, a controversial multi-level marketing (MLM) company that’s been criticized for misleading business practices and questionable product safety.
They don’t tell you upfront that you’re not actually in a real café—you’re in an MLM recruitment center disguised as a smoothie shop. These places aren’t about health or nutrition; they exist to sell overpriced, low-quality Herbalife powders while tricking people into thinking they’re buying fresh, nutritious drinks. Even worse, there were no clear ingredient lists or prices anywhere in the café. Who hides their prices? A shady business, that’s who.
And let’s talk about the health concerns. These Herbalife products are not FDA-regulated, meaning there’s no oversight on what’s actually in them. Independent research has linked some Herbalife products to liver damage and contamination with harmful substances (Manso et al., 2011). Without proper regulation, you have no way of knowing if what you’re drinking is safe—or if it’s packed with hidden additives, synthetic fillers, or even harmful contaminants.
At the end of the day, this place is nothing more than a well-marketed scam. The drinks taste awful, the staff lies about what’s in them, and the entire business model is built on deception. If you care about your health, your wallet, or basic honesty, avoid this place at all costs. You’re better off making a smoothie at home—with real ingredients, not overpriced powders from a shady MLM scheme.
References: • Manso, G., López-Rivas, L., Salgueiro, M. E., Duque, J. M., & Barrera, J. C. (2011). Hepatotoxicity associated with the consumption of Herbalife products: A review of cases from Spain and other countries. Revista Española de Enfermedades Digestivas, 103(9), 552–559.
SoYes
This place makes my day!! Love the mega teas and protein coffees'.
Melodie O'Leary
Always love it here. Yummy as always😁
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Butterfly Wings Piñan, Green Apple BCAA, Acai Hydration
Dan P
HERBALIFE SCAM! Just a bunch of chemicals in powder!
The biggest issue?!!? The FDA doesn’t regulate supplements and thus you have NO idea what are in these drinks. You could be paying for metal, bacteria, drugs, you literally have NO idea. It’s too risky of a business for me to even TRY one of these because what’s the point?! It’s not regulated and it’s not real food, I’m all set.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Emmy Stanley
Monark has truly become my daily go-to for a boost of energy! Their loaded teas are not just delicious, but they also help me power through even the busiest days. I can't imagine my routine without them! Ps My four-year-old granddaughter loves there shakes.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jennie Spangenberg
I went in to get an iced tea but it’s all concentrates and flavors. The lemon flavor contains bioengineered ingredients. (They probably all do that’s just the bottle I read) It was all HerbalLife? Hadn’t heard of it but everything was not “fresh”.
The people were very pleasant and the atmosphere was inviting.
Kelly Haynes
Wow, the blueberry power drink was awesome, this is the Highway Rehab group that was paving main st today and would like to thank the Young lady for hooking us up on a hot day! Power shakes were amazing. Thank You!!
Makayla dion
Herbalife is NOT HEALTHY FOR YOU. (This is what they use in their mega tea’s) it can cause liver damage. Paying almost 13$ to get liver damage.. I happened to just be getting blood work for another thing, all of a sudden they notice my liver levels was up to 211!! My mom told the doctor every possible thing I have done differently……. She told the doctor I started drinking those teas and the doctor called her back right away and told her to tell me to stop because they know all about it. It’s all online about how Herbalife is a scam. I’m perfectly healthy too. For my liver levels to jump from 39 to 211 is ridiculous. The people are very nice there but do not get ripped off or taken advantage of by the teas. Don’t let them fool ya! ??
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 2
Josh
To be honest love this place, that being said i was there today 11-5-2023 and the staf was making fun of a guy outside, they had no personality, and i still tipped them and not one said thank you. My drink had lots of clumps, over all get these two out 10/10 will kill your business.
They’re super nice. I ordered a fruity pebble drink and it was delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fruity Pebbles, Butterfly Wings Pi
Eliana Mallett
Wow is the only word needed to describe monarch. As you walk in your eyes will be greeted with a calm, yet vivacious experience as the blue butterflies embrace your senses and make you feel at home.Next, your feelings of joy and happiness will explode out of you as you take your first sip of their vibrant and delicious mega teas or deceivingly normal looking shakes! Don't be fooled, this tea is no run of the mill tea. Its actually kool-aid and Magic mixed together to make it as healthy as it is delicious!I will forever be a customer of monarch!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jaimi Cody
My boyfriend and I come here once a week after the gym. I get a protein shake and he gets a tea. The girls that work here are so nice. The owner is there some days as well and she is great. She knows what drinks have which ingredients and gives recommendations. I have to eat gluten free and there are a few options in shakes and a ton in teas. I recommend the Chocolate Chip Banana Bread shake!
Parking: Easy available parking
Kellie Sevigny
I finally tried a tea today and it didn't disappoint. It's absolutely delicious a d the staff was so friendly.
mitch cohen
This place is fantastic. Eating healthy is difficult while on the go but Monarch is an automatic stop for me whenever I am in Haverhill. I recommend the Cinnamon Toast Crunch protein shake !!
Finally tried the Monarch after hearing great things from everyone I work with and it did not disappoint! The staff was super friendly and helped answer any questions I had about what to try first. I got the blueberry muffin shake and let me say it tastes exactly like one! Delicious! I’ll definitely be back to try more of the menu :)
I visited Monarch in Haverhill, MA, expecting a real smoothie shop with fresh, nutritious ingredients. The interior looked trendy, with bright décor, motivational quotes on the walls, and a menu that made it seem like they offered healthy, protein-packed drinks. But as soon as I placed my order, I realized this place is nothing but a scam wrapped in pretty packaging.
Let’s start with the taste—absolutely awful. I ordered a shake, expecting something rich and flavorful. Instead, I got a thin, chalky, artificial mess that tasted like watered-down protein powder mixed with chemicals. It was disgustingly sweet, clearly overloaded with artificial sweeteners, and had a weird, bitter aftertaste that lingered for way too long. It didn’t taste fresh at all—just processed, synthetic, and downright unpleasant. The so-called “tea” was just as bad, an artificial-tasting, sugar-loaded energy drink that felt like it was doing more harm than good.
But the real problem isn’t just the terrible taste—it’s the outright dishonesty. I specifically asked the staff what was in the shake, and instead of giving me a clear answer, they fed me vague, misleading phrases like “natural proteins and vitamins.” When I pressed for more details, they continued dodging the question, acting like the ingredients were some kind of secret. After digging, I realized why—they were deliberately hiding the fact that everything in their drinks comes from Herbalife, a controversial multi-level marketing (MLM) company that’s been criticized for misleading business practices and questionable product safety.
They don’t tell you upfront that you’re not actually in a real café—you’re in an MLM recruitment center disguised as a smoothie shop. These places aren’t about health or nutrition; they exist to sell overpriced, low-quality Herbalife powders while tricking people into thinking they’re buying fresh, nutritious drinks. Even worse, there were no clear ingredient lists or prices anywhere in the café. Who hides their prices? A shady business, that’s who.
And let’s talk about the health concerns. These Herbalife products are not FDA-regulated, meaning there’s no oversight on what’s actually in them. Independent research has linked some Herbalife products to liver damage and contamination with harmful substances (Manso et al., 2011). Without proper regulation, you have no way of knowing if what you’re drinking is safe—or if it’s packed with hidden additives, synthetic fillers, or even harmful contaminants.
At the end of the day, this place is nothing more than a well-marketed scam. The drinks taste awful, the staff lies about what’s in them, and the entire business model is built on deception. If you care about your health, your wallet, or basic honesty, avoid this place at all costs. You’re better off making a smoothie at home—with real ingredients, not overpriced powders from a shady MLM scheme.
References:
• Manso, G., López-Rivas, L., Salgueiro, M. E., Duque, J. M., & Barrera, J. C. (2011). Hepatotoxicity associated with the consumption of Herbalife products: A review of cases from Spain and other countries. Revista Española de Enfermedades Digestivas, 103(9), 552–559.
This place makes my day!! Love the mega teas and protein coffees'.
Always love it here. Yummy as always😁
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Butterfly Wings Piñan, Green Apple BCAA, Acai Hydration
HERBALIFE SCAM! Just a bunch of chemicals in powder!
The biggest issue?!!? The FDA doesn’t regulate supplements and thus you have NO idea what are in these drinks. You could be paying for metal, bacteria, drugs, you literally have NO idea. It’s too risky of a business for me to even TRY one of these because what’s the point?! It’s not regulated and it’s not real food, I’m all set.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Monark has truly become my daily go-to for a boost of energy! Their loaded teas are not just delicious, but they also help me power through even the busiest days. I can't imagine my routine without them! Ps My four-year-old granddaughter loves there shakes.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I went in to get an iced tea but it’s all concentrates and flavors. The lemon flavor contains bioengineered ingredients. (They probably all do that’s just the bottle I read)
It was all HerbalLife? Hadn’t heard of it but everything was not “fresh”.
The people were very pleasant and the atmosphere was inviting.
Wow, the blueberry power drink was awesome, this is the Highway Rehab group that was paving main st today and would like to thank the Young lady for hooking us up on a hot day! Power shakes were amazing. Thank You!!
Herbalife is NOT HEALTHY FOR YOU. (This is what they use in their mega tea’s) it can cause liver damage. Paying almost 13$ to get liver damage.. I happened to just be getting blood work for another thing, all of a sudden they notice my liver levels was up to 211!! My mom told the doctor every possible thing I have done differently……. She told the doctor I started drinking those teas and the doctor called her back right away and told her to tell me to stop because they know all about it. It’s all online about how Herbalife is a scam. I’m perfectly healthy too. For my liver levels to jump from 39 to 211 is ridiculous. The people are very nice there but do not get ripped off or taken advantage of by the teas. Don’t let them fool ya! ??
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 2
To be honest love this place, that being said i was there today 11-5-2023 and the staf was making fun of a guy outside, they had no personality, and i still tipped them and not one said thank you. My drink had lots of clumps, over all get these two out 10/10 will kill your business.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 2
Restaurantji Recommends
They’re super nice. I ordered a fruity pebble drink and it was delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fruity Pebbles, Butterfly Wings Pi
Wow is the only word needed to describe monarch. As you walk in your eyes will be greeted with a calm, yet vivacious experience as the blue butterflies embrace your senses and make you feel at home.Next, your feelings of joy and happiness will explode out of you as you take your first sip of their vibrant and delicious mega teas or deceivingly normal looking shakes! Don't be fooled, this tea is no run of the mill tea. Its actually kool-aid and Magic mixed together to make it as healthy as it is delicious!I will forever be a customer of monarch!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My boyfriend and I come here once a week after the gym. I get a protein shake and he gets a tea. The girls that work here are so nice. The owner is there some days as well and she is great. She knows what drinks have which ingredients and gives recommendations. I have to eat gluten free and there are a few options in shakes and a ton in teas. I recommend the Chocolate Chip Banana Bread shake!
Parking: Easy available parking
I finally tried a tea today and it didn't disappoint. It's absolutely delicious a d the staff was so friendly.
This place is fantastic. Eating healthy is difficult while on the go but Monarch is an automatic stop for me whenever I am in Haverhill. I recommend the Cinnamon Toast Crunch protein shake !!
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