Code Blue

Product Type:Functional: Recovery and Hangover; Container: 12 fl oz PET
BevNET Review: Reformulated and repackaged, Code Blue recovery drink is a much improved product that delivers a unique blend of flavor and function. With 60 calories per 12 oz. can (thanks to the use of a sugar, agave, and stevia blend), Code Blue’s non-carbonated formulation has a light level of sweetness and a mellow fruit flavor. There seem to be traces of the prickly pear and agave, while the rest of the flavor we’d loosely describe as “citrus grape.” There’s some slight functional influence to the flavor, but nothing that we’d say is unpleasant. And on the functional front, the product packs it in as well, with electrolytes, Sustamine (an ingredient that assists with hydration and electrolyte replacement), D-ribose (for energy), vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The blend of electrolytes and energy ingredients seem to kick in fast, working especially well with the drink’s pleasant flavor. Plus, the blue color of the liquid looks more natural than the original, to the point where we actually don’t mind it. Ultimately, it’s product that’s positioned nicely between a sports drink, hangover relief product, and a drink. On the packaging front, they’ve ditched the proprietary bottle in favor of a painted slim 12 oz. can. From an aesthetics point of view, it’s a huge upgrade for the brand, with a much more polished-looking design that relies upon cleanly placed text elements. It’s a clutter free look that manages to quickly convey the key points of the drink, while the back of the can provides a more in depth explanation. Overall, we liked the first edition, but love the new version, with the blend of mainstream flavor and everyday function something that we could see people reaching for on a regular basis.Reviewed on: 11/6/2009