CytoSport Inc., Benicia, Calif., added to its line of Muscle Milk products with Muscle Milk Refuel Protein Power Shot. Initially available in select markets, the 3-ounce shots feature 5 grams of protein, 100 mg. of caffeine and 90 mg. of EGCG from green tea. The shots offer branch chain amino acids to support muscle recovery and use alpha L-polylactate as an energy source.
Anheuser-Busch InBev introduced Bud Light Golden Wheat, an unfiltered wheat beer brewed with citrus and a hint of coriander. The product offers a wheat-malt sweetness, the company says. It is available in 12-ounce glass bottles, 22-ounce single-serve bottles and on draft. The product contains 4.1 percent alcohol by volume.
Thomas Hooker introduced Nor’Easter, a hearty malt brew. Nor’Easter lager is infused with mild apple pie spices, the company says. The product will be available on tap at restaurants and off-premise locations from January to mid-March.
Innovative Beverage Products expanded its HealthShot product line with Immunity, an immune system boosting ready-to-drink beverage. The product contains MaxImmune, a patented blend of green tea extract, grape skin extract, grape seed extract and mushroom extract, which the company says has shown to reduce symptoms of the common cold and flu.
Jones Soda Co. introduced Jones Zilch, a zero-calorie soda line. Zilch is fortified with 30 percent of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C and sweetened with Splenda. Available in single bottles and four-packs, Zilch comes in three varieties: Vanilla Bean, Black Cherry and Pomegranate.
Paramount Coffee Co. created Joe, a new concept in ground coffee for consumers who want a simple cup of coffee. The product is available in Tall, Dark and Handsome (Dark Ground Roast); Wake Up Joe (Medium Roast Ground); Daily Dose (Medium Roast Ground) and Unleaded (Decaf Medium Roast Ground) varieties.
Arizona Beverage Co. launched FastShots in three varieties: Arizona A.M. Awake FastShot, P.M. Relax FastShot, and Rx Energy FastShot. The 2-ounce shots each include green tea and offer antioxidants, vitamins and minerals and retail for $2.99.
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.