Inko's Tea

Product Type:Tea: Sweetened; Container: 15.5 oz can
BevNET Review: Blending green tea and lemonade makes for a beverage that has almost universal appeal -- and that seems to be exactly what Inko’s is going for with this variety. The flavor is extremely enjoyable and refreshing, with just the right amount of green tea, lemon, and sweetness. We like that they’ve used green tea rather than black tea (the traditional base for this type of product), which gives it a subtle earthy note at the finish. At 100 calories and 26g of sugar (fructose crystals) per can, the product is something that makes for a nice middle ground between the high calorie and sugar products from the big brands and the unsweetened products that can be found in the natural channel. Visually, the 16 oz. white can has a clean and easy-to-read design that has a premium vibe. However, the gold accent color makes the white text behind it somewhat difficult to read, depending on the lighting. Still, it’s obvious what this drink is and the polished look definitely sets the tone for the extremely enjoyable liquid inside. Overall, a very nice job from Inko’s. Reviewed on: 8/28/2012

Product Type:Tea: Sweetened; Container: 15.5 oz can
BevNET Review: The Citrus Black Currant Oolong Tea variety of Inko’s canned teas appears to be their take on the classic raspberry iced tea flavor that is so popular with ready-to-drink tea companies. The formulation is a good one, starting with the base of brewed oolong tea that is flavorful and smooth to the finish. From there, the black currant gives the product a tart berrylike note before a splash of citrus flavor helps round out and connect the fruit flavor with that of the tea. And of course, there’s sweetness to the drink (fructose crystals), which we’d describe as moderately sweet (26g per can). All in all, it’s a very pleasant tasting product. Visually, we like the use of a tall 16 oz. can, which is definitely a very timely and marketable package format. With a white background and purple accent color along with clean text and fruit illustrations, they’ve done a nice job of creating something that’s appealing to the eye and the senses. If there’s anything on the package that we’d tweak (and admittedly it’s small), it’s the coloring of the flavor name, which puts all of the visual emphasis on black currant. Overall, Citrus Black Currant Oolong is our favorite flavor of the line. Reviewed on: 8/28/2012

Product Type:Tea: Sweetened; Container: 15.5 oz Can
BevNET Review: Using rooibos tea, which is a caffeine-free plant often referred to as “red tea,” this variety has a pleasant tropical flavor thanks to its use of passionfruit and rooibos. The combination of these flavors makes for something that tastes less sweet, despite it having the same sugar content (from crystalline fructose) as the other varieties, and the product is very balanced. The design of the 16 oz can, which features a white background and red secondary color, is clean and appealing. However, we’d still like the coloring and font treatment on the flavor name to be a little easier to read. Overall, a very enjoyable product. Reviewed on: 8/28/2012