Protein is great, but how is that supposed to keep us awake in the afternoon? Luckily this past week has seen plenty of innovation in the caffeine world, with buzzy releases from coffee stalwarts Happy, La Colombe and Dunkin’, along with energy-boosted launches from Sparkling Ice and Liquid I.V. Don’t forget the bubbles, either, with new drops from Culture Pop, Polar and more.
Sparkling Ice
Soda fountain favorites are still as popular as ever, as seen with Sparkling Ice Caffeine’s expanded Soda Shoppe collection. Orange Cream, Root Beer and Cherry Cola now join the lineup, each with 70mg of caffeine per 16 oz can. Get more details at sparklingice.com.
Stoli
After 10 years on the market, Stoli is giving its 250 mL canned Ginger Beer an upgrade with new packaging and branding, plus a revamped formulation featuring a boost of caffeine. Learn more at stoli.com.
Culture Pop
The modern soda brand is reaching for a nostalgic summer classic with its latest new flavor release: Sparkling Raspberry Lemonade. For more information, visit drinkculturepop.com.
Polar
Family-owned, Massachusetts-based Polar has always proudly touted its roots and century-plus legacy on its packaging, and that isn’t changing now. But the cans are getting a subtle design makeover this spring to spruce things up, as seen at Expo West last week. To learn more about Polar, visit polarseltzer.com.
Liquid IV
With more products looking to blend hydration with energy, Liquid IV is eager to claim leadership of the space in powder sticks with its Energy Multiplier line, launched last summer. This month, the brand is launching a new flavor, Fruit Punch, with the same 2:1 ratio of L-theanine (200mg) and natural caffeine (100mg), plus 3x the electrolytes of the leading sports drink. Fruit Punch is available now in 14-count bags for $24.99. For more information, visit liquid-iv.com.
Q Mixers
Alcohol consumption and wellness trends may be running in opposite directions, but they don’t have to be. That’s the idea behind Q Rerfreshers, a new mixer line that features elelctrolytes and vitamins and just 40 calories per 7.5 oz can. Available in Pineapple Passion, Raspberry Lemon, Watermelon Lime and Peach Nectarine flavors, the line is available on Amazon now and will move into wide retail in April. Get more details at qmixers.com.
Happy Panda
Cognizin Citicoline has become an increasing popular ingredient in next-gen energy drinks, such as newly launched Happy Panda. Founded by Dr. Noor A. and Cameron James, Happy Panda features 150 mg of natural caffeine and L-theanine, plus B vitamins, electrolytes and zero sugar. You can learn more about Happy Panda at drinkhappypanda.com.
Happy Coffee
The Dubai chocolate craze may have already peaked, but, to be fair, it hasn’t hit coffee yet. That changes this month with the latest release from Happy, available on Amazon and TikTok Shop in both RTD and ground coffee formats. For more details, head to happyproducts.com.
Cove
Canadian kombucha and soda maker Cove is hoping to get big exposure from going small, as in 7.5 oz mini cans. The new format includes flavors like Rainbow Sherbet and Ice Pop, and can now be found at Target. Learn more at covesoda.com.
Dunkin’ Double
Seeking a higher-caffeine option to go up against the likes of Java Monster, Dunkin’ is introducing Dunkin’ Double, featuring the equivalent of two shots of espresso per 15 oz. can, or around 140 mg caffeine. Each can contains 180 calories and 30 grams of sugar, as well as dairy milk. Available in Original, Cafe Mocha and Salted Caramel, it’s priced at $3.26 at retailers including Walmart, Kroger, Publix, QT and Amazon. Get more details at dunkindonuts.com.
Hawaiian Soda Co.
Honolulu-based soft drink maker Hawaiian Soda Co. is bringing four more island flavors to the mainland. Formerly only available on the islands, Lilikoi Orange, Luau Punch, O.M.G. (Orange Mango Guava) and Strawberry Guava will now be available in the brand’s West Coast retail partners. All four are available in 12 oz. slim cans and use real fruits juices with no added-sugar. Learn more at hawaiiansodaco.com.
La Colombe
La Colombe is celebrating America250 with a limited edition line of 1776 coffee blends, available in 48 oz. multiserve RTD bottles and in dry coffee tins this year. The company also refreshed its draft latte line, with updated branding and reformulated liquid. For more information go to lacolombe.com.
LaCroix
National Beverage Corp. is betting you like piña coladas. The latest LaCroix flavor innovation sampled at Expo West was Pineapple Coconut, a flavored sparkling water launching in 12 oz. cans in singles and multipacks. For more information go to lacroixwater.com.