Thinq

Product Type:Functional: Energy Drink: Regular; Container: 12 oz can
BevNET Review: The Mixed Berry variety of THINQ is a pleasant tasting product that’s being marketed with the tagline of “Mind. Body. Energy” and “An invigorating whole body experience.” In terms of taste, it tastes like an energy drink combined with a diet CSD. There’s a decent amount of berry flavor in the mix, but the added functional ingredients and stevia sweetener (crystalline fructose is also used) give the product some bite and a bit of aftertaste. Still, the product is quite drinkable in comparison to some sugar-free products, especially since the drink does have a natural level of sweetness and only 60 calories per bottle. Functionally, we think they might be trying to do too much, with natural caffeine from guarana, B vitamins, and a host of other ingredients (ginseng, acai extract, ginkgo biloba, coenzyme Q10, GABA, B vitamins, and SAMe, Alpha GPC, vinpocetine, and suma) to support the “mind” and “body” aspect of the drink. However, we think that consumers will likely see the word “energy” and lose focus on the rest, so a bit more of a caffeine punch might help this drink. On the outside, the packaging execution is extremely good, with a hip looking design that pops nicely on the black painted aluminum bottle. It’s definitely a package that will catch the eye when the consumer is panning the cooler or beverage aisle. Overall, a very nice-looking product, but we’re more partial to the Citricity flavor. Reviewed on: 6/16/2010

Product Type:Functional: Energy Drink: Regular; Container: 12 oz premium bottle
BevNET Review: THINQ’s “Citricity” variety is a pleasant-tasting carbonated energy drink that’s sweetened with a blend of crystalline fructose and stevia. The fruit flavor tastes like tropical citrus with a touch of peach, which, despite the mild sweetener aftertaste, is enjoyable to consumer. Functionally, the product blends guarana, ginseng, acai extract, ginkgo biloba, coenzyme Q10, GABA, B vitamins, and SAMe, Alpha GPC, vinpocetine, and suma to create its mind, body, and energy formulation. While it has natural caffeine from the added guarana, it doesn’t seem to have much in the way of a caffeine kick, which, depending on the consumer, could have either a negative or positive impact. It’s otherwise hard to "feel" this product’s function. Packaging is definitely the product’s biggest asset, with a beautifully designed 12 oz. aluminum bottle. The black backdrop gives the product a chic and sophisticated look, with a minimalist looking design that’s definitely pleasing to the eye. Ultimately, THINQ Citrcity’s enjoyable flavor and very attractive packaging will likely help it get some traction out of the gate, but we wonder if the product’s functional positioning has what it takes. Definitely worth a try.Reviewed on: 6/16/2010