There’s a good reason why classics never go out of style, as proven again in this week’s reviews, highlighted by updated takes on familiar favorite flavors from Poppi, Recess and Lapo’s. To submit your beverage product to BevNET for review, click here. And to browse past reviews, check the archive here.
Prebiotic soda producer Poppi has released a new Alpine Blast flavor (think: a better-for-you version of Mountain Dew) amid explosive growth in the modern soda set.
Things that stand out:
- Crafted with 3% juice and just 5 grams of sugar per 12 oz. can, the flavor was spot-on and did, indeed, taste like a cleaned-up version of a nostalgic soda.
- No artificial dyes for color, just vegetable juice and turmeric.
- The moderate dose of caffeine (55mg) opens the product up to multiple use occasions, including an afternoon pick-me-up.
Things to consider:
- While the not-so-subtle nods to Mountain Dew – like the mountain illustration on the front of the can and the name “Alpine Blast” – help consumers anticipate the flavor profile, we would’ve liked to see some more unique marketing.
Rating: 
Relaxation brand Recess has unveiled the ninth flavor in its magnesium-infused Mood line, Orange Vanilla.
Things that stand out:
- The unique tea-based flavor combination is well executed. It is subtle and restrained, leaving no artificial aftertaste and no acidic bitterness from the citrus.
- Sticking with Mood’s recognizable packaging design, the yellow-orange palette speaks to sunsets and a relaxing end-of-day drink.
Things to consider:
- Vanilla can be a polarizing flavor, with some consumers
- A printed can design may help elevate the visual presentation.
Rating: 
Lapo’s Non-Alcoholic Citrus Spritz
A complimentary addition to its NA Negroni, Lapo’s non-alcoholic Citrus Spritz is an 8 oz. canned mocktail containing extract from bitter orange, gentian root, clove, juniper, hibiscus and rhubarb root, along with fruit and vegetable juice. Sweetened with organic cane sugar, the product is currently sold through online adult non-alcoholic beverage retailer The Zero Proof.
Things that stand out:
- The flavor profile is delightfully complex with strong orange and cocktail bitter flavors (think Angostura) standing out the most.
- The bitterness makes this a slow sipper, aiding the upscale and social cocktail party occasion the brand aims to replicate.
- The label design is clean with a classic aesthetic that invokes the vibe of a vintage European spirit.
Things to consider:
- The high level of bitterness will not be to everybody’s taste and we expect this will likely have the most appeal with a niche set of consumers.
Rating: