An Italian Spritz that is definitely NOT an Italian apero. A dry cider minus the booze. Hydration that’s… Crunchy? Yea, we’ve got it all this week, including a rare perfect five-star score. To submit your beverage product to BevNET for review, click here. And to browse past reviews, check the archive here.
Pineapple Coconut is the latest flavor from Crunchy Hydration, a brand of sparkling wellness and hydration waters packaged in sleek 12 oz cans that are decorated with a playful, oversized logo. The product markets itself as offering stress relief, clean hydration and mood support. Made with sparkling water, organic flavors, chamomile, lemon balm and L-theanine (200mg), it delivers a functional twist on flavored sparkling water while maintaining zero calories and zero sugar.
Things that stand out:
- Playful and memorable branding, highlighted by the tagline “Silly name, Serious Hydration.” There’s no explanation of what “Crunchy” means, but it’s fun and unique.
- The pineapple coconut flavor profile is refreshing and well-executed, especially for a zero-calorie beverage. It’s a nice complement to their original six flavors.
- Fun and accessible branding that could resonate with younger consumers looking for a wellness-oriented sparkling option.
Things to consider:
- The “clean hydration” functional claim feels somewhat redundant since all water hydrates, which may take the focus away from the functional ingredients.
- The vertical, hand-drawn font of the logo is a bit difficult to read at a glance and may be more intuitive if oriented top-to-bottom rather than bottom-to-top.
- With many players in the functional sparkling water space, clearer differentiation on the functional benefits beyond hydration could help set it apart.
Rating: 
Undone RTD Alcohol-Free Cocktails
German non-alcoholic brand Undone, which has recently launched in the US market, has introduced a line of ready-to-drink non-alcoholic cocktails that put a playful spin on classic mixed drinks. The range features Piña Colada, Smoky Paloma, and Italian Spritz, all formulated with less than 0.3% alcohol.
Things that stand out:
- Strong visual identity with bold black lettering and diagonal striping reminiscent of cocktail straws. Individual accent colors for each flavor (yellow, pink, orange) make for easy flavor differentiation and strong shelf presence.
- Flavor execution is enjoyable across the board, with Smoky Paloma and Italian Spritz coming closest to replicating the taste of their traditional alcoholic counterparts. They could be a little sweet for some consumers, but they’ve clearly tried to make the best tasting drinks possible without compromising.
- We aren’t generally into “have not” style marketing, but the “THIS IS NOT” callouts (e.g. “This is not rum cocktail”) are fun and eye-catching.
Things to consider:
- Sugar and calorie content may be on the higher side for consumers looking for lighter, more health-conscious options.
- There are a lot of brands trying to create similar concepts and it’s not totally clear what sets this brand apart. But it can definitely hold its own.
Rating: 
Proxies, best known for their wine-inspired non-alcoholic offerings, has extended into new territory with Dry Cider. Packaged in a 12-ounce can, this non-alcoholic cider leans on cues of crisp apple, white flowers, and French oak. The result is a beverage that not only mimics the experience of a traditional dry cider but also stands on its own as a sophisticated and refreshing option.
Things that stand out:
- Flavor execution is excellent, with an authentic dry apple taste and layered French oak finish. It truly captures the essence of a traditional dry cider without alcohol and it’s one of the most convincing alcohol free products that we’ve sampled to date.
- Packaging is bold, colorful, and eye-catching, with a playful apple motif that clearly communicates the product and category. Plus, the use of a can adds approachability and convenience for casual occasions.
Things to consider:
- Currently available only as a single SKU, which limits consumer choice and variety
- Expanding into additional cider-inspired flavors (and perhaps communicating this one as an Oaked variety) could help build a stronger line and broaden appeal
Rating: 