Core Power

Product Type:Functional: Protein Drinks and Supplements; Container: 11.5 oz PET
BevNET Review: Every line of protein beverages has a chocolate flavor and Core Power is no exception. Their formulation, which, unlike some of the other protein drinks on the market today, is milk based (although it is lactose-free thanks to the addition of lactase enzyme), is a very smooth blend that delivers rich chocolate flavor. In fact, the product almost tastes like melted chocolate ice cream. There’s no functional flavor in the drink at all, which is definitely a big positive. Functionally, the drink has 26g of protein per bottle as well as potassium, sodium, 2g of dietary fiber, 28g of carbs, vitamins A & D, calcium, and 3.5g of fat. It certainly stands up to other protein drinks out there -- and has a nutrition panel rather than a supplement panel (which gives it broader potential in the retail space). Visually, the Core Power brand feels very technical, with a look that seems like something that’s geared towards the musclehead rather than mainstream. If that’s what they are going for, the brand will likely work well, but if it’s the mainstream they are after, making it slightly more approachable would be helpful. In addition, and if we’re picking nits, giving the milk content (and Fair Oaks Farm where it comes from) slightly more billing would add another point of differentiation from the other products in this space. Overall, a very strong entry into the protein drink space.Reviewed on: 5/3/2012

Product Type:Functional: Protein Drinks and Supplements; Container: 11.5 oz PET
BevNET Review: Of the four flavors of Core Power that we sampled, Honey is definitely the most original in terms of the formulation. Honey is not just a marketing ploy or flavoring, but the only sweetener in the drink. This gives the product a very approachable and enjoyable flavor that we haven’t seen in any other brand of protein drink that we’ve sampled. Core Power Honey, which uses a lactose-free milk base (thanks to the addition of lactase), has a very familiar milk-like flavor and a very mellow honey flavor that is honestly not that different than the Vanilla variety (which also uses honey). It’s very simple and enjoyable from start to finish. From a functional perspective, Honey contains real milk for protein, calcium, vitamins, fiber, sodium, and potassium. Visually, the gold accent color and unique flavor catch the eye, as does the call-out for the product’s 26g of protein. Otherwise, the brand feels skewed towards the technical end, which is certainly not a bad approach for breaking into the category. In the case of this particular flavor, the honeycomb image gives the product a slightly wholesome and approachable feeling that isn’t found in all of their other flavors. Overall, Core Power Honey is our favorite flavor of the line.Reviewed on: 5/3/2012

Product Type:Functional: Protein Drinks and Supplements; Container: 11.5 oz PET
BevNET Review: The only “Light” flavor that we sampled was this variety, Strawberry Banana. Using a blend of erythritol, stevia, and honey, the product has a slightly thinner body and less sweet flavor. It doesn’t taste overly sweet or like a diet product -- just a lighter strength version of the full calorie flavors. Otherwise, the product tastes very much like strawberry flavored milk (minus the pink coloring -- thank you), with just the slightest touch of banana at the finish. Nutritionally, this product has 150 calories (vs 240 for the other flavors), 20g of protein (vs 26g for the others), and an otherwise relatively similar makeup to the other flavors. Visually, we like the use of fruit images to help offset the technical look of the branding, but the “Light” callout made us feel as though what’s inside the bottle wasn’t going to taste very good. The Core Power brand definitely feels like something that is obviously a protein drink, but, on the other hand, it very closely could resemble a store brand or private label product. Adding something to help establish the brand would definitely help. Still, given the quality of what’s inside the bottle, we think it’s definitely possible for Core Power to build a loyal following. Reviewed on: 5/3/2012