Mission Root

Product Type:Tea: Sweetened; Container: 12oz Glass Bottle
BevNET Review: Mission Root’s Amla is a beverage that is based on a traditional Ayurvedic fruit known that is also known as an Indian Gooseberry. While the liquid has a color similar to that of green tea, the flavors aren’t at all the same. Instead, we’d describe the flavor as being slightly herbal, with a note of citrus and a modest amount of sweetness. Perhaps the only thing that’s disappointing about this formulation is the lack of ginger, which gets a callout on the front of the bottle. Overall, the flavor of the drink is very approachable and enjoyable. As far as the packaging is concerned, the 12 oz. glass bottle is, thanks to some nicely executed label design, aesthetically pleasing. However, given the somewhat exotic name of the flavor and a lack of anything overly descriptive about it, we think that some consumers will ask “What is this stuff?” Adding some messaging that helps describe it as an “herbal tea” would be the easiest thing to do. Otherwise, we really like what they’ve created. It feels authentic, high quality, and like something that is probably going to taste good (which it fortunately does). Overall, a great first effort from Mission Root. Reviewed on: 9/25/2012

Product Type:Tea: Sweetened; Container: 12oz Glass Bottle
BevNET Review: Of Mission Root’s initial flavor lineup, this is most certainly going to be the most recognizable right out of the gate. Hibiscus, which is a classic herbal tea flavor, is something that seems like a great fit for a brand launching in the natural channel. From a flavor perspective, it’s pretty much what we expected, with a heavy dose of floral hibiscus flavor and a somewhat restrained level of sweetness (from blue agave). There’s added ginger, but we don’t taste it, which is somewhat of a letdown. Otherwise, this is definitely a very solid effort from a taste perspective. Visually, the dark reddish liquid creates some very nice contrast against the white label, while the added graphics definitely hammer home that this is a hibiscus beverage. Unlike the other flavors, which aren’t as familiar or frequently used in the American marketplace, it’s pretty easy to understand what this product is. Overall, a strong effort from Mission Root. Reviewed on: 9/25/2012

Product Type:Tea: Sweetened; Container: 12oz Glass Bottle
BevNET Review: Mission Root’s Tulsi is, like their other flavors, an herbal tea that is sweetened with blue agave and enhanced with fresh pressed organic ginger. From a flavor perspective, this product isn’t that far off from their Hibiscus formulation. The “tea” flavor isn’t that far off from real tea, but there’s a slight floral note to it. Given the emphasis that they’ve placed on ginger on the label, we were honestly somewhat surprised to find that the drink isn’t spicy or ginger flavored. On the sweetness front, the blue agave makes it sweet enough that it could definitely appeal to the masses. Visually, they’ve created something that looks very strong out of the gate, with a clean and attractive label design. The branding, paired with the shape of the 12 oz. bottle and the color of the liquid, make it pretty easy to identify this as a tea (although the word “tea” might help it along more). We’re not really sold on the phrase “ayurvedic refreshment,” which makes it sound more like a functional beverage. Emphasizing its lack of caffeine might be a more marketable piece of information to move to the front of the label. Overall, Mission Root Tulsi is a very enjoyable product. It’s even more impressive that this is their first effort. Reviewed on: 9/25/2012