Mickies: Fruit Punch

Mickies’ take on the classic “Fruit Punch” flavor is an enjoyable one that’s both organic and 100 percent juice. However, the 100 percent juice comes exclusively from apple juice, despite there being photo images of grapes and strawberries on the container. Otherwise, this product’s flavor is straightforward and pleasant as far as fruit punch goes. Like the rest of the Mickies line, it’s really the packaging that makes this product stand out from the competition. The “slice” package, which we’ve only ever seen used on a frozen confectionery product, is easy to hold and feels good in the hand -- at least when it’s standing upright. However, the product must be tilted to the side in order to get the straw in. This did, in our tests, require some instruction when giving it to children (most of whom are accustomed to pouches that must be kept upright at all times). Beyond that, the visual design of the product is appealing (although it misrepresents what’s inside), but the execution of the front panel is a bit crowded. Really, we’d love the formulation to include the fruits pictured rather than this approach to be changed. Overall, a novel approach to the juice box category, but it could certainly stand to be improved.