Hailing from Montauk, N.Y., a coastal town that belongs to the uber summertime haunt known as The Hamptons, Sweet'tauk Lemonades are sold in farmers' markets and specialty stores in the region. Packaged in clear 14.5 oz. plastic bottles, one might think that the drinks are high pressure processed, but in fact they are not. Nevertheless, we enjoyed the Sweet'tauk's unique formulations, if not its labels and branding.
Amid rising consumption of almond milk, beverage companies are increasingly using the liquid as a dairy-alternative ingredient, and earlier this year, Bhakti Chai added two almond milk-infused products to its line of micro-brewed chai teas. Aside from the formulations (one of which we had some issues with), the company's bottle is lacking when it comes to visual appeal, and from our perspective, an overhaul is needed.
Study Aid is a non-carbonated dietary supplement marketed to students as a way to help promote mental awareness. Given its narrow focus, it’s hard to imagine there being a big consumer base that’s going to give up whatever they're currently consuming (i.e. energy drinks, coffee) for this product.
Sugarcane Island Juice Company has launched a line of “raw sugarcane juices,” with the beverages' primary ingredient being -- you guessed it -- sugarcane juice. Coming in four cold-pressed, HPP varieties, the line promotes sugarcane as an "ancient food, cultivated for over 3000 years and used by many local cultures worldwide as medicine." How that messaging works in a society being told to consume less sugar, well, we just don't know...
Arty Artichoke Water is a unique beverage that is made with artichokes, pandanus leaf, spearmint, blue agave, and monk fruit. The obvious question about this product is whether or not it tastes like artichokes... so does it?
REBBL recently unveiled a new line of "herbal elixirs" that it calls REBBL Super Herbs. Infused with a variety of exotic ingredients and herbs, the line, which is promoted as "adaptogen powered," comes in three varieties: Maca Mocha, Reishi Chocolate and Ashwagandha Chai. Unfortunately, there are some significant issues with the formulation of the drinks, and the company's execution of the labels will make it difficult for consumers to understand what the brand is selling.
The “LMN” variety of WTRMLN WTR is a blend of cold-pressed lemonade and the company's base of watermelon flesh and rind. Having only three ingredients makes for some very clean flavor, with what ultimately amounts to a watermelon lemonade flavor.
Earlier this month, Suja launched a line of cold-brewed, organic and "cold-pressured" (aka HPP) teas. The teas are also certified biodynamic. It’s hard to really determine how much this product benefits from being HPP versus pasteurized, but we definitely like the concept of a cold brew tea as part of the Suja line.
Red Bull’s “The Summer Edition” is the fourth entry to the company's Editions line of flavored energy drinks. This one has a very sweet (it’s made with sucrose) and pleasant tasting tropical fruit flavor that should certainly taste familiar to anyone who has sampled their share of energy drink products.
Earlier this month, 'tude added six new juice flavors to its line of cold-pressed, HPP apple juice blends. The new products are polished and appealing looking, but we think there’s still a challenge when it comes to the positioning of the product. How do you sell apple juice, which is largely perceived as a product for children, to a broader audience?
Slingshot has created an innovative and enjoyable approach to drinkable yogurt. The products come packaged in 11 oz. plastic bottles with a packet wrapped around the neck. Inside this packet is a shot of toasted oats, chia seeds and almond bits that the consumer can add to the product at the time of consumption. Overall, we really like the concept.
Black Medicine Iced Coffee is made with coffee that is hot-brewed under nitrogen pressure to create a smoother and more intense brew. According to the manufacturer, the resulting product not only has 50 percent more caffeine than standard coffee, but it is indeed very smooth.
Described as a "hibiscus flower tea," Pure Hibi comes in four varieties, with the flagship formulated organic hibiscus, sugar, ginger, and water. Packaging is a tall 16 oz. glass bottle with a paper label, which is clearly a first effort (and probably hand labeled). That’s a good thing as the label definitely needs some work -- if not a complete redesign.
Formulated with cold brew coffee and cream sweetened with a blend of stevia and cane sugar, High Brew made its depy at the 2014 Expo West show. The drinks are packaged in 8 oz. slim cans, shelf-stable and come in four varieties — Double Espresso, Mexican Vanilla, Salted Caramel and Dark Chocolate Mocha High Brew Coffee. From both a flavor and packaging standpoint, the review team enjoyed the coffee, though some refinement could be helpful.
