Keeper Energy Drink is an Austrian-produced energy drink that comes in an 8.4 oz. can. Heard this one before? Yes, it is yet another energy drink to deliver “classic” (aka Red Bull-like) energy drink flavor, but there’s really nothing else to be said for what’s inside the can. And on the outside, things don’t get any better.
Samu Thai Coconut Water is a not-from-concentrate coconut water that comes packaged in a 12 oz. aluminum can. With a tagline of “thirst intelligence” and the phrase “naturally the best tasting” on the front of the can, we were somewhat surprised to see that this product contains added sugar. We’re really not sure what factored into their decision to go down the added sugar path, but it has definitely hurt this drink...
Tea of a Kind is a new line of teas equipped with a patented cap-activated closure called “Gizmo." When twisted, the pressurized bottle cap forces ingredients - brewed tea, natural flavors, and antioxidants - into a bottle of water, which makes shaking generally unnecessary. While we like the innovative technology, we did experience some significant problems with the cap. Moreover, the branding and packaging of the product definitely needs some work.
Orgain recently launched a new formulation and packaging for its line of organic meal replacement shakes. Now filled in 11 oz. Tetra Paks with a resealable “Dreamcap” top, Orgain is placing more emphasis on its high protein content, which along with an updated blend of vitamins, vegetables, fruit, DHA, soy and dairy, and mix of sweeteners, make for an overall upgrade and step in the right direction for the brand.
Billed as an “electrolyte enhanced water with minerals,” Alkazone is one of a growing number of high pH/alkaline waters on the market. While we can’t test the product or tell…
As tart cherries continue to gain attention as a "super fruit" on the rise, Red Jacket Orchards has launched “Tart Cherry Stomp,” a 100 percent juice blend of tart cherry juice, apple juice, and vitamin C. While we were hoping for a bolder, more tart cherry flavor - as the name might imply - the new beverage is nicely packaged, and, with a few tweaks to its formulation, has the potential to be an stand-out in the juice category.
So Real is a new line of all-natural functional drinks formulated with vitamins, electrolytes, antioxidants, calcium and dietary fiber and designed to provide energy, hydration, recovery and wellness to consumers. While the functional benefits are nice, So Real's name and branding are somewhat confusing in the sense that it’s not really clear what this product’s primary purpose is.
Hawaiian Ola is a new energy shot that is made with 75 percent juice - derived from a range of fruits including noni, mango, pear, apple, acai, goji, and lilikoi juice - as well as green tea and yerba mate, which give the product 140 mg of natural caffeine. For a category that really has only one player, the product has some meaningful points of differentiation, and it certainly seems like something that will be right at home in the natural channel.
NY Razor is a new energy drink designed with New York City-themed packaging and branding. While the can might catch some eyes in beverage coolers in the New York metro area, considering that it is difficult for any product to own "New York," it seems like something that the product is going to have a tough time establishing its own identity.
For coconut water brands that use cans as their package, a flavor with pulp is typically part of the lineup. C2O, however, didn't have one, which is perhaps at least part of the reason why the company expanded in this direction rather than adding flavored offerings like some of the Tetra Pak carton based brands. And while we were admittedly thinking "if you’ve had one coconut water with pulp, you’ve had them all," once we sipped the product, it was clear C2O did something slightly different.
AquaCon (pronounced “agua cone”) is a recently introduced line of zero calorie flavored waters. While the look of the product is familiar, the use of stevia to create a small…
There are a growing number of high PH waters coming to market and AquaHydrate, which is one of the older brands at this point, has given itself a fresh look. …
Suja Juice is an upstart brand of raw and organic cold pressed juices that are high pressure processed (HPP). Like some of the other HPP juices that we’ve covered, Suja…
Tumeric Alive, whose flagship line features raw turmeric based formulations, recently introduced a new “shot” product at the 2012 Natural Product Expo East Show. It’s called “Pure Prana Shot” and…
