The concept behind Live Soda seems like a good one -- at least in theory: take classic soda flavors, cut the calories, and add in some live kombucha culture. While the resulting formulation does taste pretty good, it's hard to comprehend just how many people out there will want to combine something that is a health drink (kombucha) with something that is an indulgence product (soda).
Solixir has unveiled new branding and a new citrus flavor to its line of sparkling botanical beverages. We like what Solixir has done with the redesign and simplification of its packaging which now connects nicely with the botanical ingredients in the drinks.
Zevia has come a long way since its inception, with no meaningful difference in flavor between its products and those of mainstream competitors, most of which are, by comparison, not all-natural. The brand's new Lime Cola - a stevia- and erythritol-sweetened zero calorie soda - is a great example of that.
Celestial Seasonings recently launched “Enerji,” a line of green tea-based energy shots. Despite a solid base of energy ingredients and a rather enjoyable trio of flavors, we do have to wonder how consumers will react to the rather classic and reserved brand that is Celestial Seasonings being mixed with something that’s trying to be modern and edgy in the “Enerji” brand.
Nawgan has added two new flavors to its line of brain-boosting drinks: Lemonade and Strawberry Kiwi. Both new products are a big step forward for the brand, both in terms of flavor and packaging, which now sports the a tagline: “Alertness Beverage”.
Along with a new line of energy waters, Rockstar unveiled its new “Super Sours” line at the recently held 2012 NACS show. The line features two candy-inspired flavors, Bubbleberry and…
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.
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.
