Verve x REI
There’s all kinds of fancy coffee-making gear for campers on the market these days, but what’s actually going in the cup? After partnering with the outdoor retailer to sell its Instant Craft Coffee packets, specialty roaster Verve is expanding its relationship with REI with a new blend, Lupine, sold exclusively in stores in 6 oz bags ($10). The release continues Verve’s collaborative streak, having linked with the Grateful Dead for a limited-edition blend this summer. For more information, visit vervecoffee.com.
Pop & Bottle
Plant-based latte specialists Pop & Bottle are bringing back their seasonal flavors this fall with Pumpkin Spice Almond Milk Latte (11 oz and 32 oz) and Snickerdoodle Oat Milk Latte (8 oz). Get more details at popandbottle.com.
Hanks for Our Troops
In case you didn’t already know, this is Hollywood icon Tom Hanks’ coffee brand, but now slightly revamped. While its previous design (as “Hanx For Our Troops”) downplayed the actor’s involvement, the brand’s new packaging features the Saving Private Ryan star more prominently while emphasizing its mission to support American military service members and their families by directing all profits to veteran groups and organizations. The coffee is now available from the brand’s website and at Walmart.com. For more information, go to givehanks.com.
Strive
As soda carves out new subcategories like protein and prebiotics, is there a place for hydration, too? That’s the bet here with Strive, a two-SKU line of hydration sodas that contain electrolytes. The San Diego-based brand just introduced the drink in 12 oz slim cans on its website. Find more information at strivesoda.com.
Rockaway Soda
How about a soda that’s… just a soda? New York-based Rockaway Soda is keeping things simple with its fifth flavor, Lime Mint, offering crisp summer refreshment in a street art-inspired 12 oz. can with seven grams of organic cane sugar. Find this one in 12-packs (SRP $35.99) online or as individual cans at retail for $2.29. More info is at drinkrockaway.com.
Nurri
Even against the backdrop of a bitter legal dispute, protein-boosted ultra-filtered milk brand Nurri, a division of Horseshoe Beverage Co., continues to innovate. The product has updated its label design, with the brand name shifting from landscape to portrait. You can see more at drinknurri.com.
HOPWTR
It’s not new, but we’re glad it’s back: HOPWTR has revived Ginger Limeade for another run, now available in 12-packs (SRP $36.99) on the brand’s website at HOPWTR.com.
JOLT Cola
Considering the recent wave of CSD nostalgia, it’s not surprising to see JOLT Cola’s resurgence, now under the auspices of energy platform REDCON1. This week the brand released its newest zero-sugar energy cola, Root Beer, boasting 200 mg caffeine and an extra boost of nootropics and functional ingredients. Get more information at redcon1.com.
Feastables
As seen with the bleak reception for Lunchly, YouTube star Mr. Beast is still working to find a path into CPG that balances better-for-you with give-em-what-they-want. Is Chocolate Protein Milk (13 grams per 8 oz carton) the answer? Judge for yourself: it’s now available for order in 6-packs at Walmart.com,
Naked
Arriving just in time for the U.S. Open, Naked Smoothies is dropping its special collaboration with tennis star Coco Gauff: Protein Pineapple Orange Smoothie, with 20 grams of protein per bottle, six grams of fiber and no added sugar. Get more information at nakedsmoothie.com.
Lifeway
The kefir brand has been particularly active in rolling out new innovation this year, making Pumpkin Spice actually one of the more straightforward releases. The seasonal flavor is returning for a limited time; for more details, visit lifewaykefir.com.
MoonBrew
Need a cappuccino to help you sleep? Functional drink mix brand MoonBrew is offering just that with its latest flavor, Sleepy Coffee Cappuccino, a powdered blend that replaces caffeine with magnesium, reishi, L-Theanine and ashwagandha to promote relaxation and sleep, while keeping the creamy coffee flavor. For more information visit https://moonbrew.co.
Cure Hydration
Powdered beverage maker Cure Hydration has added Acai Berry Energy to its functional Energy line, featuring 100 mg of caffeine and L-theanine, electrolytes from coconut water and pink Himalayan salt, and zero added sugar or artificial sweeteners. The mixes are available in 14-packs of single-serve sticks DTC and on Amazon. For more information visit https://curehydration.com.