Review: Pink Grapefruit

Skinnygirl Sparkler’s Pink Grapefruit variety is definitely one of the better executed products of those similarly positioned to Sparkling ICE. While this product certainly bares many similarities to Sparkling ICE, it’s also somewhat different. This starts with the formulation, which is 5 calories per serving (10 per 17 oz. bottle) instead of zero. The product uses 5 percent juice as well as honey and sugar (there’s also Ace-K and sucralose), which certainly helps it achieve a very natural tasting fruit flavor. Then again, this approach makes it feel less like a “sparkling water” and more like a sparkling juice or a soda. Regardless, it’s a pleasant tasting product, and one that we could definitely see having some appeal. Packaging is a slim 17 oz. PET bottle, much the same kind that Sparkling ICE uses. AriZona Beverages, which produces the line in a partnership with Skinnygirl, uses a frosted bottle rather than a clear one, which ties it back to the bottle that was used for Skinnygirl Margarita, which the brand is best known for. From there, the company created a front panel that feels minimalist and clean. We think Skinnygirl has made good use of the brand equity that Skinnygirl has, although it’s certainly hard to say how it will translate to a ready-to-drink non-alcoholic product. Overall, it’s not zero-calorie like the rest of the category, but it’s certainly a nice attempt at creating something innovative.