Pitaya Plus

Product Type:Juice: Coconut Water and Juice; Container: 10.5 oz PET
BevNET Review: Of the two new Pitaya flavors, this variety, which has the words “COCONUT WATER” on the front label (which, at least for now, grabs eyes in the natural channel where this product is sold), seemed like the place to start. The product, which pours with a bright purplish pink color that is completely opaque, looked like it would be sweet and heavy. Instead, it’s actually quite light and thin, with the pitaya having an almost vegetable-like flavor that is reminiscent of beet juice (albeit in very diluted form). With no added sugar, there’s minimal sweetness, and what there is seems to come from the added pineapple juice and coconut water. That said, the product also has notes of pineapple, coconut, and lemon, but the pitaya definitely takes center stage. Ultimately, the lack of sweetness leads to a dry flavor and finish, which makes this product drink like something that’s part of a juice cleanse rather than a refreshment beverage. We don’t mean this in a bad way, but, as the copy on the bottle suggests (“Don’t drink this juice if you’re looking for that sugar tooth feeling”), this product is not for everyone. Functionally, the product is loaded with fiber, antioxidants, electrolytes, and vitamins. Visually, it looks like a “good for you” product, but, for the uninitiated, it looks a bit too much like the acai products (which are much sweeter) that use the same bottle. Overall, this product has an innovative approach to its flavor and formulation that, for the right buyer, makes for something that’s enjoyable and refreshing. Reviewed on: 11/23/2011

Product Type:Juice: Fruit Juice; Container: 10.5 oz PET
BevNET Review: Compared with the other variety, this product tastes very similar in some ways, but also feels like an improvement to the extent that the flavor combination is simpler and more enjoyable. This product, which has largely the same ingredients as the other flavor (excluding coconut water and adding in mango puree), is more straightforward, with the mango and pitaya providing pretty much the only flavors in the drink. In addition, it tastes more balanced, with the mango puree providing notes of tart and sweet (although sweetness is still very limited) -- two things that were missing in the other flavor. The same can be said for the visual appearance of the product, which, with its orange cap and accent color, feels more complete and has more more pop than the purple cap and beige accent color of the other flavor. Overall, this was our favorite of the two new Pitaya+ flavors. Reviewed on: 11/23/2011

Product Type:Juice: Juice Drink; Container: 10.5 oz PET
BevNET Review: Pitaya + is a new juice drink that utilizes the antioxidant power of pitaya fruit, which is more commonly known as dragon fruit. The juice is mild on the nose but the presence of lemon juice packs an immediately tart punch upon first sip. In addition to pitaya puree and lemon juice concentrate, the drink has a coconut water base, which, unfortunately, is virtually indistinguishably due to the tartness of the other ingredients. The product is sweetened naturally with evaporated cane juice and clocks in at 91 calories per bottle (or 70 per 8 oz serving). The product is packaged in a 10.5 oz bottle covered in a full wrap label. The matte finish is appealing and mimics the appearance of the juice itself, while also giving the product an attractive and exotic feeling. The bottle is topped off with a bright green cap which ties in nicely with the image of the pitaya fruit on the front label. Overall, Pitaya + is a great addition to the natural, antioxidant-rich beverage space. Our only recommendation is to consider bumping up the coconut water level to help balance out the tartness and to create some market separation from other “superfruit” drinks already on the shelves. Reviewed on: 1/26/2011