Starbucks Coffee and the North American Coffee Partnership introduced four low-calorie, low-fat flavors of ready-to-drink coffees, including Starbucks Frappuccino Mocha Lite, Frappuccino Light Vanilla, DoubleShot Light – Espresso and Cream, and DoubleShot Energy+Coffee Vanilla Light. Each light version contains 130 calories or less per serving and 4 grams of fat or less.
Aqua Straw Inc. introduced a product of the same name, which features natural spring water with a telescopic straw built into the bottle. The 20-ounce bottle offers convenience, the company says. Aqua Straw bottles retail between $0.99 and $1.49.
The Republic of Tea introduced a line of five Hibiscus Superflower Teas. The teas are caffeine-free herbal teas made with African hibiscus. The company also introduced Peach Blossom Oolong, Dragon Oolong and special edition Year of the Tiger Tea, which is made in honor of 2010’s Chinese lunar calendar year. In addition, the company added Coconut Cocoa Tea, Double Dark Chocolate Mate and Strawberry Chocolates varieties to it tea line.
NBI Juiceworks added Organic Green Tea Latte to its Sun Shower Super Blends line. A 9.5-ounce bottle contains 170 calories, and features the company’s Lifeguard Protection nutritional package, which includes protein, zinc, organic non-fat milk, calcium, magnesium and vitamins A and E. The product retails for $2.49.
Sweet Leaf Tea Co. launched a line of teas packaged in 16-ounce aluminum cans in six flavors, including two new flavors. The cans are available in The Original Sweet Tea, Mint & Honey Green Tea, Peach Iced Tea, Raspberry Iced Tea and new, Lemon Iced Tea and Citrus Green Tea. The varieties are USDA certified organic. Lemon Iced Tea and Citrus Green Tea are scheduled to launch in January, the company says. Designed specifically for the convenience store channel, a 16-ounce can retails for $1.29.
Sunkist Naturals added Sunkist Naturals Orange Cream, Berries & Cream and Piña Colada to its line of smoothies. The flavors now contain 20 grams of whey protein with amino acids, the company says. Sunkist Naturals also released Sunkist Naturals Coconut Water, a sports beverage with electrolytes, the company says. Coconut Water contains 50 calories per serving. The varieties are available in 15.2-ounce bottles.
The Healthy Beverage Co. introduced Steaz Zero Calorie Sparking Green Tea, a zero-calorie carbonated soft drink. The product offers 120 mg. of tea antioxidants, the company says. Steaz Zero Calorie Sparkling Green Tea is available in Raspberry, Orange, Blueberry, Pomegranate and Black Cherry varieties. It is certified organic by Quality Assurance International as well as Fair Trade certified by TransFair USA. A four-pack of 12-ounce glass bottles retails for $4.99.
Firestone Walker Brewing Co. released Black Xantus, a limited-edition nectar beer. Black Xantus is a bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout infused with coffee. Black Xantus has chocolate, espresso and bourbon aromas and flavors, the company says. The name comes from a rare hummingbird species found in Mexico. Only 500 cases of the 22-ounce beer will be produced, and a bottle is priced at $15.
Shadow Beverages and Snacks introduced Ironclad Energy & Hydration, a hybrid sports and energy drink. Ironclad Energy & Hydration is offered in Triple Citrus, Goji Berry and sugar-free Black and Blue with Black Currant flavors. The sports and energy drinks are packaged in 16-ounce cans and available in select markets nationwide. A can retails for $2.39.
New Leaf Brands introduced Sweet Tea, a blend of black tea and evaporated organic cane sugar. A serving contains 24 grams of sugar compared with the company’s other flavors that contain 19 grams. A 16.9-ounce bottle retails for $1.59.