Better-for-you and better-for-the-planet products are rolling out in stores and online this week, including new seasonal flavors for the holidays, non-alcoholic drinks in time for Dry January, and functional upcycled drinks ready for drinking year round.
Lyre’s
Just in time for Dry January, non-alcoholic spirits maker and recent BevNET Award winner Lyre’s is introducing its agave-based tequila-alternative line with Agave Blanco and Agave Reserva drinks. According to Lyre’s, the launch is expected to give the brand a new edge in the U.S. market where tequila is one of the fastest growing spirits categories. Available for $35.99 per 700ml bottle, each expression is crafted as an “homage” to tequila and features flavor notes of citrus, peppers, pine, spices and oak.
New Wave Soda
New Wave Soda’s approach to low-sugar CSD has to date focused on fruity flavors that are less common in the mainstream soda set, like Tangerine, Blueberry and Mango. But the brand is now introducing its take on what is perhaps the classic soda flavor with Cola. The limited edition flavor is available for $18.99 per 12-pack on the brand’s website and contains 10 grams of sugar and 40 calories per 12 oz. can. It is additionally sweetened with stevia.
The Spare Food Co.
Mission-based brand The Spare Food Co., which aims to reduce food waste by creating upcycled innovations using byproducts of food production, has launched its first beverage: Spare Tonic, a new functional elixir made with whey sourced from yogurt, as well as fruit, spice and honey. The fermented beverage also contains electrolytes, calcium, magnesium, potassium and vitamins B6 and B12. Available in Lemon & Ginger, Cucumber & Lime, Blueberry & Ginger and Peach & Turmeric flavors, each 12 oz. can contains 100-120 calories and retails for $3.99.
Vive Organic
With immunity remaining one of the most in-demand functional beverage traits, Vive Organic is giving consumers an even stronger dose with its new Pure Boost Vitamin C juice shot. Made with camu camu berry, dragon fruit, passionfruit and cayenne pepper, each 2 oz. shot contains 500 mg of Vitamin C. The shots are available now online through the brand’s website, Amazon and Walmart.com, and in retail in Whole Foods Market stores. The product retails for $3.99 per individual shot or $46.99 per 12-pack.
Aura Bora
Aura Bora’s latest limited edition seasonal release arrives just in time for winter: Chai Cranberry is subtly sweet with notes of real chai spice, along with zero calories and zero sugar. 100% of net sales from the flavor go toward the California Wilderness Coalition, which funds environmental preservation projects in the state. Aura Bora Chai Cranberry is available at aurabora.com for $30 per 12-pack of 12 oz. cans.
Optimum Nutrition
Fitness product brand Optimum Nutrition has released Orange Blast as the newest addition to its sparkling hydration drink line AMIN.O. ENERGY + ELECTROLYTES, offering 100mg of natural caffeine and 5 grams of amino acids and electrolytes. Orange Blast is now available at QuikTrip, Speedway, Vitamin Shoppe and via Amazon.