New York Spring Water Inc. introduced VBlast, a bottled water with an innovative cap design. When the Infusions cap is twisted counterclockwise, liquid vitamins are released into the water. The liquid vitamins used in VBlast will remain fresh for up to one year prior to mixing, the company says. The beverage contains no sugar, carbs or calories and is comprised of vitamins, minerals, electrolytes and herbs. The five flavors are Multi-Vitamin, a combination of strawberry and kiwi; Health Twist, a grape flavor; Focus, a green tea flavor; Power, a berry flavor; and Esprit, a citrus flavor. All of the flavors are available in 16.9-ounce bottles and are priced at $1.75.
Multi-Vitamin Energy Corp. introduced its new line of seven natural multivitamin enhanced waters with electrolytes and antioxidants. The beverages are packaged in 20-ounce bottles and each contains 100 percent of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C; 50 percent of the RDA of vitamins B6 and B12, niacinamide and pantothenic acid; and 12.5 percent of the RDA of vitamins A and E, the company says. The line is available in low-calorie and no-calorie formulations: the low-calorie flavors are Dragonfruit, Mango-Passion, Lemonade, Kiwi-Strawberry and Tropical Punch, and the zero-carb, zero-calorie flavors are Cranberry-Pomegranate-Acai and Green Tea with Honey and Ginseng.
Starbucks and Pepsi-Cola introduced Doubleshot Energy + Coffee, a new line of ready-to-drink products containing coffee, B vitamins, guarana and ginseng.
NBI Juiceworks introduced Sun Shower Fruit ‘N Yogurt Smoothies to its line of juice smoothies. The smoothies are all natural and contain vitamins, amino acids, electrolytes and herbs. The drinks are available in four flavors: Strawberry Banana, Berry Blast, Orange Passion and Piña Colada. All smoothie flavors are fortified with “Lifeguard Protection,” the company’s blend of protein, calcium, niacin, potassium, magnesium, folate and vitamins A, C, E, D, B5, B6 and B12. The suggested retail price is $2.50 to $2.99 for a 12-ounce bottle.
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.
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.
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.
Red Bull released Red Bull Cola, a 100 percent natural cola. Red Bull Cola has no preservatives, phosphoric acid or artificial flavors. The cola contains kola nut, coca leaf and slightly more caffeine than a traditional cola. Red Bull Cola is not a new kind of energy drink or an energy drink with the flavor of cola, the company says. It is a cola beverage and will compete in the soft drink category, the company explains. Red Bull Cola initially will be launched in seven countries, including the United States, in June, with a release in Las Vegas. Domestically, the cola will be available in 8.4-ounce cans in bars, restaurants and nightclubs. In grocery and convenience stores, it will be available in 12-ounce cans and four-packs.
Honest Tea released a new lineup of five teas in PET bottles with new graphics on the labeling. The portfolio includes three new tea introductions and revised formulations for Honey Green Tea and Pomegranate White Tea with Acai. All of the teas are USDA Organic and remain less than 40 calories per serving. Lemon Black, Peach White and Citrus Green Energy Teas are the new additions to the line. Citrus Green Energy Tea contains green tea, yerba maté, oranges and lemons, and the company buys renewable energy credits that help offset all the energy consumed in the production chain. Label changes include brighter graphics and prominent placement of EGCG content in the teas on the front label. Honest Tea’s green teas offer 250 mg. of EGCG per bottle and its white teas 150 mg. of EGCG.