ESSPO is a recently launched line of espresso sodas that aims to offer a lighter, more contemporary take on coffee with bold espresso flavor and moderate sweetness. Available in Classic Vanilla, Zesty Lemon, and Wild Cherry, the line pairs 120 mg of caffeine with just 45 calories and 7 grams of added sugar, creating a profile that feels more modern than many past attempts in the space. While monk fruit is a noticeable part of the finish in some flavors, the overall execution is thoughtful and the concept feels commercially viable.
Things that stand out:
- The liquid delivers a bold espresso base with smooth carbonation and a restrained sweetness. It feels more balanced and current than many earlier espresso sodas, which often leaned too heavily on sugar.
- Zesty Lemon is the most natural extension of the concept. The espresso-and-citrus pairing feels familiar and refreshing, making it the most compelling flavor in the lineup.
- Classic Vanilla and Wild Cherry successfully push the product closer to traditional soda flavor profiles. Vanilla evokes cream soda, while Wild Cherry brings to mind a black cherry soda with a coffee edge.
- The packaging is clean, bold, and easy to understand. The oversized vertical ESPO logo and clear “espresso soda” descriptor make the product intuitive, while the sleek 12 oz. can adds to its modern appeal.
Things to consider:
- Monk fruit is noticeable in the finish, and in some flavors it lingers enough to feel slightly distracting. That could be a hurdle for consumers who are sensitive to alternative sweeteners.
- The abstract swirled backgrounds are visually fun, but they do not add much coffee context. As a result, the cans lean more lifestyle-forward than category-defining.
- While Classic Vanilla and Wild Cherry are well executed, they feel a bit more novelty-driven than Zesty Lemon. That may make them slightly less distinctive within coffee.
Rating: 
Nguyen Coffee Supply – Cinnamon Coconut Latte
Vietnamese coffee specialist Nguyen Coffee Supply has tweaked its existing coconut milk cold brew latte, adding cinnamon to create a new drinking experience. With 70-mg of of caffeine per 7.5 oz., this comes in at 90 calories and has 10 grams of sugar.
Things that stand out:
- It’s subtle and smooth in the right ways. A kiss of cinnamon spice is just enough to lightly soften the bright and sweet coconut milk. The 10 grams of sugar is just indulgent enough without straying too far into dessert mode.
- Engaging and attractive label with clear callouts to the essential info on the front, but still with room to include some romance copy and the brand mascot.
- Nguyen continues to advocate and champion robusta beans, creating a strong identity and differentiation in the cold brew set.
Things to consider:
- Maybe adding “cold brew” would help distinguish from traditional Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk, in terms of communication.
- May not be the coffee-forward experience some have come to expect, as compared to Nguyen’s original cold brew.
Score:
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