Rainforest Cola

Product Type:Carbonated Soft Drink: Diet; Container: 12 oz Can
BevNET Review: Rainforest Cola was designed to be a cola flavored CSD with an emphasis on being all natural and acai infused. Inside the can, the formulation uses a mixture of sugar and stevia to sweeten the product and help cut the calories and sugar content. Added acai, ginseng, natural caffeine (from green tea), green tea extract, and kola nut enhance the formula, although the package only calls out antioxidant content and caffeine as the benefits of these ingredients. From a flavor perspective, this product drinks very much like a diet CSD, with the stevia flavor hitting your tongue almost instantly. That being said, we'd bet that this product would be better suited as a zero calorie product (erythritol probably wouldn't impact the flavor that much if done right). The cola flavor is mild and could be stronger, while the bitter finish is something that will take some getting used to. On the outside, they've created something that's cleanly executed and feels like a premium product. However, the emphasis on the use of acai might create some confusion in terms of whether or not this is an acai flavored cola (it's not). In addition, we believe that it's going to be an uphill battle to sell a cola brand that's going for a healthy and socially conscious given the bad rap that cola currently has in the marketplace. Still, we think that there is something here, especially if Rainforest Cola can really nail the flavor and further position this product as a great tasting, premium brand. But right now, the product seems like it's in its infancy and is need of refinement in both areas. Reviewed on: 11/1/2010