Reviews

LANILAI is a new non-carbonated, lightly sweetened relaxation drink. As with other relaxation drinks that don’t contain ingredients that are commonly used in sleep aids, we can’t tell you if this one works, but avoiding potentially controversial ingredients seems like a smart move in the long run. And while we applaud Lanilai for a flavor profile that is both soothing and relaxing, the brand could use an upgrade in its branding and packaging.

Granny Squibb's has launched unsweetened varieties of its iced teas, which are made with black tea and real fruit juice. The new unsweetened line contains no added sugar and has 10 calories per 16 oz. bottle. While we have mixed opinions about the two flavors that we sampled, there are few visual differences between the unsweetened and sweetened products, and it might be difficult for consumers to discern between the two lines.

Taste Nirvana Coco Motion is blend of coconut water, coconut nectar, lime juice, sea salt and lime flavor. While we enjoyed the taste of the product, simplifying the look of its 16.2 oz. can - and making it more clear that the beverage is lime-flavored - would definitely help its presence on the shelf.

Hoist has re-branded and repackaged its "rapid rehydration" formulation that the company once touted for hangover recovery, and is now positioning itself as an isotonic sports drink. The brand recently moved from an aluminum can to a 12 oz. plastic bottle that is more in line with the sports drink category. Still, there’s something about this product that feels ambiguous, particularly as a small package size and “Hoist” name that feels out of line with the overall sports segment.

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.

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.