New drinks review: innovation on-the-go
Published:09-February-2006
By BR staff writer
On-the-go consumption continues to be a key factor in beverage development, as the latest launches recorded by the Productscan Online database illustrate. An instant flavor enhancer for coffee and a dry formula vitamin-enriched smoothie are among the new drinks launches reviewed by Vicky McCrorie in the latest monthly round up...
A new type of smoothie has been introduced in the US market by Yokit. The Yokit Smoothie is presented as a dry formula to which the consumer has to add water to before drinking. This kind of instant smoothie concept is seemingly new to the market. It is marketed as being ideal for on-the-go consumption (as long as you have some water at hand) as it does not need refrigerating and is presented in a resealable bottle. The smoothie is said to be "a high performance snack drink for today's healthy life style" and is said to have added nutraceuticals.
Another product line that is said to be ideal for on-the-go usage is the Bada Beans Instant Flavor Enhancers for Coffee, which is designed to add flavor to a cup of coffee. The product consists of coffee bean shaped flavor enhancers which are dissolved into coffee. They are presented in a tin, which is designed to be carried around, and come in hazelnut, vanilla and other flavors. The fact that these are shaped like coffee beans and are packaged in a go-anywhere tin makes the product innovative and ideal for on-the-go usage.
Moving from a coffee to a tea product, Lipton Russian Earl Grey Tea has been launched by Lipton in Italy. The tea is presented in novel muslin bags which are said to contain larger pieces of tea leaves that infuse better to produce an aromatic tea. The black tea is described as having a slight citrus flavor.
Bad Heilbrunner Naturheilmittel has also released a tea product in Germany; however, this one is said to have medicinal properties. The Fettverdauungstee, or dandylion tea, launched under the Bad Heilbrunner brand, is said to aid the digestion of fat by improving the flow of bile. It has been designed in particular to relieve symptoms of flatulence or bloatedness.
For the more active consumer, DZL Productions has launched DZL Gear Non-Carbonated Fitness Beverage in the US, which is touted as offering the strongest vitamin and mineral content on the market, but without the caffeine and sugar of traditional energy drinks. The drink is said to boost energy during physical activity, and replenish the body with vital nutrients and minerals lost during a workout.
For those seeking a more luxuriant beverage, Vitis Trade has introduced the Karpatske brandy in Slovakia and the Czech Republic. As far as the liqueur is concerned, this is a fairly conventional brandy, containing 40%ABV; however it is packaged in a quite striking leather bag. The bag has three buckles down the side of it, making it look like it would be more suitable in a western than on a supermarket shelf.
