Spartan Beverages

Product Type:Functional: Protein Drinks and Supplements; Container: 16 oz PET
BevNET Review: Spartan "Elite" was the first flavor of the line that we sampled. Relying on a blackberry flavor that's sugar sweetened, this product packs in plenty of protein (7.5g), calcium, vitamins, and magnesium into each serving. The flavor has noticeable protein flavor to it, but the use of sugar makes this more tolerable than other drinks that use artificial sweeteners. So, if you can stomach 160 calories per bottle, this is certainly a decent tasting choice for a protein drink. On the outside, they've used a stock bottle that's got a relatively clean look to its front panel. On the other hand, the massive "E" and the word "Elite" seem to be unnecessary and confusing modifiers for a drink that already has flavor differentiation. Otherwise, the product has taken a non sporty approach to its look, which could either be a point of differentiation or something that gets in the way of the brand's success. Reviewed on: 12/19/2008

Product Type:Functional: Protein Drinks and Supplements; Container: 16 oz PET
BevNET Review: Like the other varieties of Spartan, this flavor has both a name ("Godess") and a flavor ("radiant raspberry"). This is also labeled as a sugar free variety and stevia is the choice of sweetener. Flavor wise, this product has some discernable raspberry flavor, but it's a bit too bitter for our liking. Plus, there's flavor from the protein (5g per bottle) and stevia, which leave an aftertaste behind. However, it's still the superior flavor of the two sugar free varieties of the lineup. Packaging wise, we still don't like the use of two names on the rather tight front panel. Removing one of them and adding a graphic or something that helps reinforce the brand name. Overall, it's not bad, but still needs work. Reviewed on: 12/19/2008

Product Type:Functional: Protein Drinks and Supplements; Container: 16 oz PET
BevNET Review: Hero is sub-labeled as the "guava guardian" flavor of the brand. This variety is a stevia sweetened flavor, which unfortunately results in something that's less than pleasant in both aroma and flavor. Really, there are too many harsh flavors that clash on your tongue, including the stevia and protein (9g per bottle), while the lack of natural sweetness makes the added fruit flavor taste bitter. On the outside, the names "Hero" and "guava guardian" are conflicting rather than reinforcing, and the dark purple metallic ink used for the text "sugar free" is extremely easy to miss. Overall, this one needs a lot of work in both flavor and design.Reviewed on: 12/19/2008