This week’s new product reviews cuts across three red-hot categories — adult non-alcoholic (represented by Saint Viviana), everyday hydration (as seen through Hy.Q) and next-gen functional drinks (Blaze ‘n Chill). To submit your beverage product to BevNET for review, click here. And to browse past reviews, check the archive here.
Saint Viviana De-Alcoholized Sparkling Chardonnay
Saint Viviana is a de-alcoholized sparkling Chardonnay crafted by The Zero Proof Holdings using grapes sourced from Hopland Vineyard in Mendocino County, California. Offered in a 250 ml (8.4 oz) can, this product delivers one of the best recreations of a traditional sparkling white wine experience among non-alcoholic offerings. With slightly elevated sweetness and effervescence, Saint Viviana benefits from being served in a glass, where it closely mimics the mouthfeel and flavor profile of full-strength Chardonnay.
Things that stand out:
- Pleasantly sweet and balanced flavor that stands out among non-alcoholic wines. Sparkling is a format that has worked well for other NA wines and this is no exception. It definitely enhances the overall drinking experience and authenticity.
- The can design is upscale and visually appealing, fitting well with modern wine branding cues. It also has a leg up on its non-sparkling 750ml counterparts, which have a more traditional and established look.
Things to consider:
- Currently only available in an 8.4 oz can—offering a standard 750 ml format could help it integrate more seamlessly into typical wine drinking occasions.
- Expanded varietal options for their sparkling offerings would help build out the brand’s presence in the NA wine space.
Rating: 
HY.Q is a new hydration-focused beverage line that comes in sleek packaging and is sweetened using organic blue agave and monk fruit. The products are packaged in 12 ounce cans and contain 30 calories and 385 mg of electrolytes. The lineup features two flavors – Berry Blend and Cool Citrus – with a taste profile reminiscent of traditional sports drinks.
Things that stand out:
- Flavor execution is solid, with both Berry Blend and Cool Citrus offering a nostalgic and refreshing sports drink-like taste. And the flavor hasn’t been impacted by the use of zero calorie sweeteners.
- Eye-catching, tech-inspired packaging stands out on the shelf and clearly communicates a performance-driven aesthetic.
- Clever and on-trend use of clear liquid and flavor-differentiated can colors is effective given that the product contains no added coloring.
- Versatile positioning should allow HY.Q to function effectively as both a sports drink and a general hydration beverage. We really like this approach – it’s definitely something that sets the brand apart.
Things to consider:
- The non-resealable can format may limit convenience and usability, especially for consumers looking to sip throughout the day.
Rating:
Originally released in six SKUs last year, functional shot maker Blaze N Chill has reformulated and trimmed its lineup down to two zero-sugar varieties: mushroom-infused, non-intoxicating Golden Boom and Jefe, which contains 10mg THC and 200mg Lion’s Mane. The former comes in Lemon Ginger and contains Lion’s Mane (400mg), cordyceps (400mg), L-theanine (100mg), CO-Q10 (40mg), ginseng (20mg) and B-12 (3mg). Jefe, meanwhile, is available in Fruit Punch.
Things we liked
- An appealing combination of branding and function; the nomenclature, bright colors and tag lines (“Boss Vibes” for Jefe) bring some welcome personality to a format (shots) that can be cold and medicinal at times.
- These aren’t a chore to drink. Despite the small serving size, these both pack some solid flavor and no unpleasant aftertaste.
- We feel shots are a strong category for both THC and functional mushrooms, and help build their respective stories as functional ingredients with broad appeal. Offers a lot of versatility and convenience compared to full-size beverages.
Things to consider
- Though the nomenclature helps distinguish the brand, it may be a bit confusing or jarring for some consumers to understand what a product called “Golden Boom” does or how Jefe reflects “Boss Vibes.”
- Along those lines, some emphasis on the function itself and how this product will help consumers could be useful, if a delicate thread to needle.
Rating: