CLIF Quench

Product Type:Sports Drinks: Sports Drink; Container: 16 fl oz
BevNET Review: The Fruit Punch flavor of Clif Quench is an enjoyable version of one of the mainstays of the sports drink category. This colorless variety feels light in the mouth and has a touch of salt to the finish, while a pleasant fruit punch flavor helps please your palate. It more or less tastes exactly like the “market leader,” but with a cleaner body and no color. That being said, we’re not sure if Clif has done enough to differentiate. On the outside, the product has a full wrapped bottle with a surfing theme and prime placement of the Clif logo. The logo alone is sure to catch some eyes, while the full wrap (which has been very cleanly applied, we might add) gives it a unique shelf presence. Overall, it’s a nice tasting drink that will probably turn some heads when it lands in stores, but Clif has a long road ahead of it if it wants to be a player in this space. At least they have a strong starting point.Reviewed on: 3/19/2009

Product Type:Sports Drinks: Sports Drink; Container: 16 fl oz
BevNET Review: Clif Quench “Lime-Ade” is their take on the classic “lemon lime” sports drink. They’ve made it a very drinkable one, delivering a delicate lemon lime flavor that’s sweetened with organic evaporated cane juice (raw sugar) and has just a touch of saltiness to the finish. It’s clear in color and nicely balanced in flavor, resulting in something that is very drinkable and quenching. Packaging is a fully wrapped 16 oz. bottle. Using the Clif logo will undoubtedly catch some eyes, but wrapping the bottle goes against beverage convention of letting consumers see what’s inside the bottle (at least with PET). In addition, like other companies that have attempted to upscale Gatorade, Clif Quench’s packaging is smaller – and we think it could be too small for “sweat” use. Overall, this is a big brand name to go into the sports/organic beverage category and they’ve done it with a very drinkable anchor flavor. Reviewed on: 3/19/2009

Product Type:Sports Drinks: Sports Drink; Container: 16 fl oz
BevNET Review: Compared against the Lime-Ade and Fruit Punch varieties, this one tastes like an original flavor as opposed to something that’s emulating Gatorade. In this case, they’ve used an orange flavoring that tastes more like fruit than candy, which bolsters this product’s premium vibe. Using 88 percent organic ingredients is a nice marketing approach, while a colorful surfer theme fits well with Clif’s first entry into the beverage space. It’s an attractive looking design and the label is cleanly applied, although it would be nice to be able to see inside the bottle. Being able to see the clear liquid would likely help reiterate the product’s natural approach. Overall, a decent first effort – and our favorite of the initial run.Reviewed on: 3/19/2009

Product Type:Sports Drinks: Sports Drink; Container: 16 fl oz
BevNET Review: Of the initial Clif Quench flavors, this one is a bit more creative, but only because it’s not truly a traditional sports drink flavor. Strawberry Citrus, which is more or less on par with strawberry kiwi flavoring, is a good flavor, although it lacks authenticity. In any event, the mix of sweet and salt (from the electrolytes) works pretty well as does the drink’s light mouth feel. As a thirst quencher, the product seems on par with competing drinks. Packaging relies heavily on the Clif logo, which is ultimately what will make this product stand out. The big question is whether or not this brand, which has huge power with outdoorsy consumers of nutrition bars, will transfer over to the beverage cooler. Our bet is that it will at least get some buzz – and Clif has a good shot if they are willing to put the effort in.Reviewed on: 3/19/2009