Calif. Judge Dismisses Hain Celestial Suit

The lawsuit’s dismissal was based on the fact that scientific arguments in favor of the effects of high-pressure processing (HPP) as a way of deterring bacterial growth were cited in the very same documents that the plaintiffs were using to prove HPP’s lack of effectiveness.

Review: Slingshot Yogurt Protein Drink

Slingshot has created an innovative and enjoyable approach to drinkable yogurt. The products come packaged in 11 oz. plastic bottles with a packet wrapped around the neck. Inside this packet is a shot of toasted oats, chia seeds and almond bits that the consumer can add to the product at the time of consumption. Overall, we really like the concept.

The New Rules at School

The USDA has implemented a new set of standards for school nutrition. While foodservice directors struggle to assemble their menus, beverage companies see new opportunities.

Review: Black Medicine Iced Coffee

Black Medicine Iced Coffee is made with coffee that is hot-brewed under nitrogen pressure to create a smoother and more intense brew. According to the manufacturer, the resulting product not only has 50 percent more caffeine than standard coffee, but it is indeed very smooth.

KeHE Acquires Nature’s Best

The acquisition will broaden KeHE’s already expansive distribution footprint and will combine two like-minded wholesalers.

Review: Pure Hibi

Described as a "hibiscus flower tea," Pure Hibi comes in four varieties, with the flagship formulated organic hibiscus, sugar, ginger, and water. Packaging is a tall 16 oz. glass bottle with a paper label, which is clearly a first effort (and probably hand labeled). That’s a good thing as the label definitely needs some work -- if not a complete redesign.

Review: High Brew Coffee

Formulated with cold brew coffee and cream sweetened with a blend of stevia and cane sugar, High Brew made its depy at the 2014 Expo West show. The drinks are packaged in 8 oz. slim cans, shelf-stable and come in four varieties — Double Espresso, Mexican Vanilla, Salted Caramel and Dark Chocolate Mocha High Brew Coffee. From both a flavor and packaging standpoint, the review team enjoyed the coffee, though some refinement could be helpful.

When Yin and Yang Disagree

Probably like me, you’ve been too busy tending to your own beverage affairs to invest much time following that entangled soap opera involving the feuding co-founders of AriZona Iced Tea.

Press Clips: Nestle Waters Catching Heat in the Desert

A news publication and several environmentally conscious Californians are questioning Nestle Waters North America Inc.’s actions in Cabazon, Calif., the location of a company-owned facility that produces Arrowhead Mountain Spring Water.

Review: FLUROwater

Infused with 14 nutrients and 6g of fiber, FLUROwater is promoted as "Water + Nutrition." The formulation of the beverages contains no sugar, preservatives, or dyes. While this is all well and good, it’s not clear how this product is better than other products that are fortified with nutrients.