Getting the skinny

Skinny Nutritional Corp. launched a new line of multi-functional Skinny Waters. The newest flavor is Acai Grape Blueberry. The Hi-Energy water was inspired by Pat Croce, a Philadelphia-area fitness trainer. Skinny Water’s three key ingredients are Super CitriMax, ChromeMate and EGCG. Hi-Energy also includes guarana, ginseng, vitamins B3, B6 and B12, and l-carnatine. The line also includes: Raspberry Pomegranate (Crave Control), Passionfruit Lemonade (Total-V), Goji Fruit Punch (Shape) and Peach Mango Mandarin (XXX-Detox). Each 8-ounce serving contains 99 mg. of potassium and 70 mg. of calcium. Skinny Water is available in 16.9-ounce plastic bottles for a retail price of $1.49.

 

Coca-Cola introduced Powerade Zero, a calorie-free sports drink that replaces Powerade Option. The beverage contains B vitamins and electrolytes. Powerade Zero is available in Strawberry, Grape and Mixed Berry flavors, and is packaged in 32-ounce bottles as well as 20-ounce eight-packs. Strawberry also is available in 12-ounce 10-packs. The suggested retail price for the 32-ounce bottle is $1.45 and for the 20-ounce eight-pack is $4.50.

 

Pepsi released new Sierra Mist Undercover Orange and Sierra Mist Free Undercover Orange Free. The drink is tied to Warner Bros.’ “Get Smart” movie featuring Steve Carell as an undercover agent, Anne Hathaway and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. The new Sierra Mist has a Mandarin Orange flavor, but in keeping with the movie theme, is disguised as a clear liquid with no orange coloring. The drinks are on shelves for a limited time, from May through July. The beverages were released in 20-ounce bottles and 12-ounce 12-packs.

 

Super juice
NBI Juiceworks introduced all-natural 100 percent Super Juices called Drenchers. Drenchers are available in five flavors and each identifies a consumer benefit. Each 8-ounce serving provides two servings of fruit and/or vegetables. The varieties of Drenchers Super Juice are Endurance (Grape Apple), Power (Orange Crème), Restore (Apple Kiwi Mango), Immunity (Berry) and Heart Healthy (Apple Kiwi Mango). Each of the varieties include at least 15 vitamins, as well as herbs, electrolytes and amino acids. Power also contains 20 grams of protein per 8-ounce serving. It is available in 12-ounce bottles for $1.99 and 64-ounce cartons for $4.99.

 

Sleek new look

The Coca-Cola Co. announced it has restaged its Nestea ready-to-drink iced tea line to feature new graphics with straight-wall bottles. The introduction also includes the addition of Green Tea Citrus and Diet Green Tea Citrus, with more than 50 percent more antioxidants than before. Other flavors are Iced Tea with Lemon and Diet Iced Tea with Lemon. The new Nestea look will be used on 20-ounce and half-liter bottles, as well as aluminum cans and 2-liter PET bottles. The bottles retail for $0.99 to $1.49.

 

Coastal lemonades

Tropicana Products Inc., a division of PepsiCo, launched a new line of 100 percent natural lemonade under the Coastal Groves brand name. The lemonades are offered in three flavors — Original Lemonade, Raspberry Lemonade and Peach Lemonade — and are available in 64-ounce cartons with a suggested retail price of $2.99. The Original Lemonade flavor also is available in a 12-ounce single-serve size with a suggested retail price of $1.79. Each 8-ounce serving contains 120 calories, 15 mg. of sodium, 40 mg. of potassium, 30 grams of carbohydrates and 28 grams of sugar.

 

Extra caffeine

Bawls Guarana released Bawls Guarana Exxtra. The newest addition is sugar-free and contains 50 percent more caffeine – 96 mg. per 10-ounce serving and 150 mg. per 16-ounce serving – than the original Bawls Guarana flavor. The product is offered in 10-ounce bumped glass bottles and 16-ounce color-changing cans. Classic mojito Bacardi launched the Bacardi Classic Cocktail Mojito. The ready-to-serve cocktail is made with Bacardi Superior Rum, natural lime and mint flavors. The pre-mixed beverage delivers a mojito taste, the company says. The beverage is 15 percent alcohol by volume with a suggested retail price of $19.99 for 1.75 liters. A 750 ml. size is expected to follow.

 

Cherrymint water

Soma Beverage Co. added Metromint Cherrymint Water to its line of mint waters. Cherrymint is the brand’s sixth variety of mint waters and combines cherry essence and mint to create the drink. Cherrymint Water contains no sweeteners, preservatives or calories. A 16.9–ounce bottle has a suggested retail price of $1.39 to $1.69.

 

Pomegranate Plus

Apple & Eve released Northland Cranberries Pomegranate Plus, a pomegranate juice that combines antioxidants and 10 vitamins. Available in two flavors, Pomegranate Blueberry and Pomegranate Cherry, Pomegranate Plus is fortified with vitamins C, B3, B5, B6 and B12; calcium; iron; magnesium and zinc, and contains no added sugars or sweeteners. Pomegratate Plus is available in grocery stores, club stores and health food stores nationwide. The suggested retail price is $3.50 to $4.50 for a 64-ounce bottle.

 

Cane sugar soda

Thomas Kemper Soda Co., based in the Pacific Northwest, unveiled a new premium soda collection sweetened with cane sugar. The collection features Root Beer, Vanilla Cream, Orange Cream, Black Cherry and Ginger Ale flavors. The cane sugar drinks hit U.S. shelves in May and have a suggested retail price of $1.29 for single bottles, $5.99 for six-packs and $12.99 for a 12-bottle sampler.

 

Energy in Hydrive

Hydrive Energy LLC introduced Hydrive S, a blue-raspberry flavored energy drink. The beverage is nutritionally enhanced and non-carbonated and contains vitamin B12, caffeine, maca root, ginkgo biloba, d-ribose and l-leucine. It joins three varieties which include: Hydrive V, Hydrive X and Hydrive E. All Hydrive beverages have 6 grams of sugar, 30 calories, amino acids, electrolytes, vitamins and spring water. All flavors of Hydrive are packaged in 15.5-ounce resealable PET bottles and have a suggested retail price of $1.99.

 

Water enhancers

Kraft Foods released Crystal Light Focus Citrus Splash, Metabolism+ Peach Mango Green Tea and Red Tea Mandarin. The sugar-free drink mixes have five calories per serving. Focus Citrus Splash is enhanced with caffeine, zinc and vitamin C. Metabolism+ Peach Mango Green Tea contains vitamins C and E and a blend of green tea and caffeine for a “short-term boost in metabolism,” the company says. An addition to Crystal Light’s tea portfolio, Red Tea Mandarin is fortified with vitamins A, C and E, and has 55 mg. of rooibos polyphenols. The products are priced at $3.29 for a 10-count package and $4.49 for a 14-count box. Kraft also added to its LiveActive line of products with Crystal Light LiveActive On The Go Drink Mixes. Available in Natural Mixed Berry and Natural Raspberry Peach flavors, Crystal Light LiveActive provides 3 grams of inulin, a prebiotic fiber, as well as 100 percent of the daily value of vitamin C and 10 calories per serving.

 

Flavor extensions

PepsiCo expanded its Amp Energy line with Amp Energy Relaunch, Traction and Elevate. Relaunch is Citrus flavored and contains electrolytes and B vitamins. Traction is Grape flavor, and is enhanced with maltodextrin and d-ribose. Elevate features a Mixed Berry flavor and l-theanine. All three varieties are available in 16-ounce cans and in four-packs.

 

Superfruit energy drink

Sambazon created Amazon Energy, an organic energy drink made with acai, other superfruits and botanicals. The energy drink features acerola, an exotic citrus cherry that helps deliver more than 1,000 percent of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C per can. Amazon’s energy blend combines Brazilian guarana as well as branded ingredients such as Guayaki yerba maté and Steaz green tea extract. Packaged in 12-ounce slim cans, Amazon Energy retails for $1.99.

 

Tahitian Noni International added Hiro Thermo and Hiro Super Fruits to its line of ready-to-drink noni-based beverages. Hiro Thermo contains EGCG and caffeine to help the body burn calories, the company says. The beverage contains no added sugar and less than 10 calories per 8.33-ounce can. Hiro Super Fruits is available in Sparkling Black Currant, and combines noni with black currant, apple and red grape. Hiro Thermo and Hiro Super Fruits can be purchased as single cans or in 24-packs.

 

International English Distillers released O2 Vodka and Super Premium O2 in New York City. O2, a sparkling vodka, is distilled three times and is 80 proof. Super Premium O2 is distilled five times and is 94 proof. The Super Premium O2 is packaged in a black iridescent enamel-coated bottle and retails for $36.99. O2 is packaged in crystal acid etched bottles, and is priced at $34.99.

 

Kraft Foods introduced Capri Sun with 25 percent less sugar and no high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, colors, flavors or preservatives. The new formulation contains 70 calories per serving, 15 mg. of sodium, 19 grams of carbohydrates, 18 grams of sugar and also is a good source of vitamin E, the company says. Flavors include Fruit Punch, Strawberry Kiwi and Wild Cherry, and Capri Sun with 25 percent less sugar is available as part of Kraft Foods Sensible Solutions. The drink is packaged in 6.75-ounce pouches and retails for $2.99 for a case of 10 pouches.

 

Drinks That Work Inc. released a new flavor of its Upshot Energy Shot, a 2.5-ounce energy booster. 5Berry Upshot Energy Shot Pomegranate contains five berries, including goji, red raspberry, blackberry, blueberry and pomegranate. The goji berry contains 19 amino acids and 21 minerals alone, the company says. Upshot contains 200 mg. of caffeine as well as natural ingredients. It is available in 2.5-ounce bottles and retails between $2.39 and $2.59.

 

Noble Juices unveiled a plant-based eco-friendly bottle and two new flavors. The bottle is made from PLA plastic, a plant-based product designed to be recyclable, compostable or incinerated. The new Noble Juice flavors are Blood Orange Juice and Tangerine Cranberry. Blood Orange Juice contains antioxidants, vitamins and nutrients, and has a tangy/tart flavor. Tangerine Cranberry combines tangerines and cranberries.

 

Kodiak Imports LLC introduced Firestarter Vodka with packaging similar to a fire extinguisher. Firestarter Vodka is distilled three times and filtered three times from Russian Red Wheat and flavored with a hint of honey. The vodka is available in 750-ml. bottles and includes a cap shaped like a spout, which resembles the nozzle of a fire extinguisher. Unfiltered vodka Saaga Vodka expanded its line with Saaga 1763, a premium vodka. The product is unfiltered, but displays a clear color. It is made in Estonia from heirloom rye. The product is slowly distilled, and the company says it take four months to produce 1 liter of Saaga 1763. Saaga contains no additives and is 80 proof. The vodka is available in 1-liter bottles for $48.99, 750-ml. bottles for $33.99 and 50-ml. bottles for $3.29.

 

Tasoma introduced Paani Enhanced Waters aimed at improving bone health. Each 20-ounce bottle of water supplies half the daily recommended value for calcium (500 mg.) and phosphorus (350 mg.). The sugar- and preservative-free enhanced water contains 15 calories. Available in Blueberry/Pomegranate, Peach, Orange and Lemon/Lime flavors, Paani Enhanced Water is priced at $1.89.

 

Phillips Distilling Co. released Prairie Organic Vodka, a vodka distilled from yellow No. 2 corn that is certified both organic and kosher. Prairie Organic Vodka is distilled in limited quantities in the same community in which the corn is raised, the company says. The spirit offers hints of melon and pear, followed by creaminess on the palate and a bright and smooth finish, it says. Prairie Organic Vodka is 40 percent alcohol by volume, and has a retail price of $24.99 (750-ml. bottle) and $44.99 (1.75-liter size).

 

Pernod Ricard USA expanded its Kahlúa family of coffee liqueurs with Kahlúa Mocha. Made with a blend of 100 percent Arabica coffee, natural vanilla and dark chocolate, Kahlúa Mocha can be enjoyed over ice and in cocktails, the company says. The new flavor will be available in 50-ml., 750-ml. and 1-liter bottles. The 750-ml. size retails for $17.99.

 

Naked Juice, a subsidiary of PepsiCo, added Protein Zone Banana Chocolate to its original Protein Zone juice smoothie. With the flavor of banana and chocolate, Protein Zone Banana Chocolate’s 15-ounce bottle contains 30 grams of soy and whey protein, one banana, 12 cocoa beans, white grapes and a hint of coconut. Banana Chocolate also offers potassium, iron and vitamin C, the company says. Like all Naked Juice products, Banana Chocolate contains no added sugar or preservatives. The new Protein Zone retails for $3.29.

 

Guayaki added Pure Heart, a Raspberry Revolution Blend to its line of Organic Guayaki Yerba Mate drinks. Pure Heart features organic yerba maté combined with hawthorn and yarrow — all of which are herbs shown to promote improved cardiac performance, the company says. The blend also includes organic rose hips, hibiscus and organic raspberry and cranberry juices. Available in 16-ounce glass bottles, Pure Heart retails for $2.19.

 

Famous Mineral Water Co. released four Crazy Waters. Each of the waters offers mineral content such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, fluoride, sodium, manganese, zinc, silica and lithium, the company says. The products are available in 1-liter PET bottles, and glass bottles will be on shelves in the next few months. Crazy Waters are available in No.1, Refreshing Drinking Water; No. 2, Low-Mineral Content; No.3, Deep Well; and No.4, High-Mineral Content.

 

The Coca-Cola Co. announced the addition of two new varieties to its Simple Orange line: Simply Orange with Mango and Simply Orange with Pineapple. Both additions are neither concentrated nor sweetened, and are made with natural ingredients and 100 percent orange juice. The products will be packaged in 59-ounce clear carafes. Other flavors of the Simply Orange line include Original, Calcium, Grove Made and Country Stand.

 

Next Proteins Inc. launched Designer Whey’s Designer Protein Blitz and Designer Whey Lite & Lean Protein Waters. Designer Protein Blitz contains 30 grams of protein and 7.8 grams of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) per 20-ounce bottle. The flavors of Designer Protein Blitz are “WTF…Orange Mango,”“Can you take this…Punch” and “Grip it good…Grape.” Designer Whey Lite & Lean contains 35 calories, 5 grams of fiber and 5 grams of Designer Whey protein in 16-ounce RTD bottles. The protein waters are available in Blue Raspberry and Cranapple flavors.