In today’s health-conscious climate, many people carefully scrutinize ingredient labels. But making a smart choice can be difficult, given the wide array of products that claim to be “low-carb,” “fat-free,” “sugar-free” and “light.”
Beverages are just one of the many categories where the confusion can lead to frustration, according to health and fitness author, TV host and professional triathlete Eric Harr, a consultant for SoBe Beverages.
“Some beverages contain vitamins and herbs, others feature real juice and others are simply sugared water with lots of empty calories. In the end, the onus is on the consumer to make the best decision. We tend unconsciously to pick up the most slickly-marketed product, rather than what’s best for our, and our family’s, health. Spend a moment to read, and understand, food labels. What you put into your body plays a big role in what you get out of life. Choose wisely.”
Recently, however, beverage companies have taken a turn towards healthy. CT-based SoBe Beverages, which has been a pioneer in the “healthy refreshment” category, paired with the Blimpie sandwich chain to offer a sugar-free, low- calorie line of diet beverages called SoBe Lean as part of its “carb counter” menu.
Last year, the company also introduced a new 50% juice line called “SoBe Synergy” which contains calcium and vitamin C, and will be sold in school vending machines. Other SoBe flavors contain vitamins and herbs to give them a better-for-you boost, and the company says it has more “functional” beverages in the pipeline.
“In recent years, the entire beverage industry has been challenged to develop healthier beverage options,” said SoBe VP/GM Scott Moffitt. “Consumers are more concerned with what they’re drinking, and nowadays, taste isn’t the only factor considered when they pick a bottle from the cooler. SoBe products offer additional benefits, so while consumers are getting a great-tasting beverage, they’re also getting vitamins or minerals or herbs in the mix.” Moffitt says that more better-for-you beverages are on the way from the beverage maker in the coming year.
In the meantime, Harr suggests reading the labels. “If you love a certain beverage, by all means, drink it. Just be aware of what you’re drinking by reading the labels. Extra calories can sneak up on you, but even sugar isn’t bad for you if you’re active.” He continued, “And, when you get the chance, drink something that has added-value as well. We all love a tasty treat once in a while, and if it has vitamins or minerals in it, you can feel more relaxed about enjoying every sip!”
CONTACT: Kristine Hinck, South Beach Beverage Company, +1-203-899-7163, Fax: +1-203-899-7177, khinck@lizmail.com