Coba Aguas Frescas

Product Type:Juice: Juice Drink; Container: 16 oz Glass
BevNET Review: Coba’s Tamarindo flavor is extremely well balanced, with a four-ingredient formulation (water, tamarind, agave nectar, natural flavor) that offers tamarind flavor without overwhelming the palate. The use of agave nectar adds a subtle note of earthy flavor, plus it sweetens the drink to just the right level while maintaining a glycemic index that’s much lower than a sugar sweetened beverage. Ultimately, this is the type of product that has an exotic side to it, but not at the expense of everyday drinkability. Gone in the rebranding effort is the info on the back of the label, which pointed out the benefits of tamarind seeds which may be missed. That being said, we think the overall rebranding of Bonadea to Coba is a strong and insightful move. Similar to the original branding, Coba retains its ethnic authenticity but still feels mainstream and hip, which should continue to catch the eye of a wider audience more than a "native" product. Overall, a superb product which remains one of the best tamarind drinks that we’ve ever tasted. Reviewed on: 6/1/2011

Product Type:Juice: Juice Drink; Container: 16 oz Glass
BevNET Review: Even after the rebranding effort, we still feel that Coba's Mango variety is the one that will have the most mainstream appeal. Like the other flavors in the brand, this product features minimal ingredients (water, mango puree, agave nectar, natural flavor), resulting in something that has a much more natural tasting fruit flavor than your typical juice drink. The flavor of the mango is well executed and enjoyable, with just the right touch of agave sweetness to satisfy the palate. This is still one of the best tasting mango drinks that we’ve had in recent times. However it is a slight indulgence, clocking in at 240 calories per 16 oz. bottle. Overall, this a great example of less being more, allowing the natural flavor of the fruit to shine without too much aid from added flavorings. We still believe this product is a very marketable effort from Coba that can definitely hold its own against anything in the juice category today.Reviewed on: 6/1/2011

Product Type:Juice: Juice Drink; Container: 16 oz Glass
BevNET Review: Coba’s take on the classic hibiscus based drink is a well-executed one, both in flavor and presentation. Inside the bottle, this product’s hibiscus flavor is natural and enjoyable, while the restrained use of agave as a sweetener makes the product feel lighter in the mouth than some of its much sweeter competition. And with only three ingredients, the product has a very “raw,” natural feeling to it. With 140 calories per 16 oz. bottle, it wouldn’t qualify as a “light” product, but it’s still lighter than many products in the juice category. In any event, this is a solid choice if you are in the mood for a Jamaica as it’s one of the best bottled interpretations that we’ve seen. On the outside, things have changed drastically since we first took a look at this product, starting with the rebranding from Bonadea to Coba. Gone is the minimalist look and in is something that is trying to portray a more authentic appearance. That includes both the name and the colorful artwork, which pull from very traditional and grounded Mexican roots. Plus, they’ve given the product a custom bottle, another nice touch to help personalize the brand. Overall, still one of the best RTD aguas frescas we have ever sampled - now with a distinct branding effort to tie it all together.Reviewed on: 6/1/2011

Product Type:Juice: Juice Drink; Container: 16 oz Glass
BevNET Review: Pronounced “gwhy-ya-buh," this beverage is made with purified water, guava puree, agave nectar, and natural flavor. The flavor is, despite being one of the higher calorie and carb heavy flavors of the line, quite mellow. The guava flavor is extremely enjoyable and, thanks to the heavy dose of guava puree, natural (it even has that slight grit that guavas have). Since the rebranding, Coba has really tied their aguas frescas line together with their hip yet traditional Mexican themed packaging. The colorful paper label, custom cap and unique proprietary bottle make this product, and brand, stand out on its own. The bottle is a take on a traditional aguas frescas jar which is unique however gives off a “chunky” vibe which may subconsciously allow some consumers to think this is a sugar heavy beverage. The product name still seems like their toughest sell, with the name “Guayaba” (guava in Spanish) making the product sound more complex than it really is. If they called it simply “Guava”, the product would still have a slightly exotic feeling without losing much if anything in terms of authenticity. Otherwise, we wouldn’t change a thing about this product.Reviewed on: 6/1/2011