Give Energy Drink

Product Type:Functional: Energy Drink: Diet; Container: 16 oz Can
BevNET Review: Clocking in at 20 calories per 16 oz. can, Give Energy Lite uses a blend of agave and stevia for its sweetener blend. The resulting flavor has an initial note that’s slightly harsh, but as you drink it, it gets more enjoyable. And regardless of that slight off note, this product is worlds apart from the countless artificially sweetened energy drinks that are out there. Plus, the citrus flavors are well done, with identifiable notes of tangerine and melon. Functionally, this product features natural caffeine, gotu kola, yerba mate, guarana, ginkgo biloba, and rhodiola rosea. From our initial test, it seems to be on par with the mainstream energy drinks, which means that you’ll likely feel the buzz from it but it’s not too strong. Packaging features the same wind turbine theme as Give Energy’s full calorie varieties. They’ve added the word “Lite” as well as a badge that calls attention to the product’s use of natural sweeteners. Visually, this design is appealing to the eye, but there are a few small concerns that we have about the layout. First, there’s the text “16” which is placed in a bold looking circle directly below the text on the front panel. The extra emphasis on this seems out of place (it’s obviously a 16 oz. can) and might lead one to believe that this is a callout for the calories. Second, the callout for the sweeteners is easy to miss, both because it’s off to the side and because it’s printed on a silver backdrop, which makes it hard to read. Integrating this more tightly into the front panel would help call the appropriate attention to it. Overall, this is an innovative entry from Give that, despite a few minor tweaks, is very well executed.Reviewed on: 3/31/2010

Product Type:Functional: Energy Drink: Diet; Container: 16 oz Can
BevNET Review: Of the two Give Energy Lite flavors, Pear Apple Cherry is the superior flavor, thanks to a stronger, more tart fruit flavor that masks almost all of the sweetener and functional tastes. The fruit flavor is quite good, although we probably wouldn’t identify it as “pear apple cherry” (it’s more like a mild fruit punch). There’s also a somewhat earthy undertone, which again could be the sweeteners and functional ingredients. While it’s good, just a bit more sweetener (agave, hopefully), would make this a better tasting product. And on the functional side of things, the drink’s functional cocktail features natural caffeine, gotu kola, yerba mate, guarana, ginkgo biloba, and rhodiola rosea. There’s some noticeable kick from the product, although they’ve wisely kept it on par with other drinks that you’ll find in the mainstream segment. On the design and packaging fronts, Give is sticking with what’s worked for their sugar sweetened flavors. The same wind turbine, clouds, and lightning landscape has been used on this variety, but they’ve also added a badge to call out the sweeteners and the word “LITE.” This approach gives visual continuity, but it makes doesn’t make it immediately obvious that this is a low calorie product, especially with “LITE” appearing in thin lettering that wraps around the side of the can. Improving that, as well as the readability of the circle that calls out the sweeteners, would make this product visually complete. Overall, the product could definitely be refined further, but we really like what they’ve done so far with this product. Reviewed on: 4/5/2010