Better Libations | Healthy Drink Reviews

Alright now boys and girls of the beverage persuasion, here we go with the last Zico Coconut Water review! And just in time too, I was gifted an entire box of drinks perfect for us, and I need to get on those soon.  What would be better after a long day working outside in the heat than an uber-hydrating glass of coconut water?  Not much, and anything else would distract from this review, so forget about it.  This is just what I needed after an afternoon of significant perspiration, and we already know its benefits, but let us see how the ‘natural’ coconut water stacks up against its flavored comrades.

Coconut water has a very peculiar and pleasant scent to it, at once nutty and fresh.  The taste has a similar quality, with the nutty flavor coming through well with the water in its natural state.  There is something else to flavor I can never quite put my finger on, and for those unfamiliar with coconut water, I’m not sure if I can adequately explain it, you must try it.  The sweetness is very light, and as expected, comes naturally from the water itself.  The aftertaste I can only describe as similar to having just eaten a handful of almonds, it has a similar nut-like quality.  This really makes me miss eating fresh, young coconut at my favorite Thai place, a seasonal delight around these landlocked parts.

Overall, for anyone seeking serious hydration and refreshment, but isn’t too preoccupied with counting calories, this is the perfect way to go.  It’s healthy, all natural, and if you recycle the bottle, not a burden on the environment.  These are by far superior to any average sports drink or ‘health water’, and taste better than most.  Still, if you need to spare the calories, stick with water, you can’t go wrong with H2O.

Score: 4.5 out of 5. A hydration master from nature and better for you, even with the sugar.

– WiseGuise

User reviews: (1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
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**Danithius Review Rebuttal!**

I think Zico has a decent coconut water here.  It has the lowest sugar content that I’ve seen in any coconut water so far, so it does win in the health department.  But flavor-wise, it feels like it lacks a certain body that I’ve found in others.  While snooping around online for coconut waters, I found some Zico customer reviews that were lamenting a recent formula change.  I wish I could have tried some of their previous formula to judge for myself!  But nitpicking aside, it is still a great hydrating refresher, so I’d probably give it a 4.0

4-Star Reviews, Zico Coconut Water all natural, coconut water, drink reviews

Simple, just like this beverage

Hello fellow libation connoisseurs, I bring you the last in our new series of Zevia reviews, just as Danithius promised.  This last round has been fun, and what a better way to end it than with a caffeine-free diet cola!  I’ve always been a fan of colas, and I have recently (last year or so) attempted to gain an appreciation for the diet version, trying to cut the excess sugar out of my life.  When I tried  Zevia’s Natural Cola, I was pleasantly surprised. It had a few things mainstream colas don’t (like no sugar) and has a pleasant taste.  It is only fitting that Zevia compliment it with an uncaffeinated version for those who don’t imbibe this stimulant.  It comes in a bright blue can, and honestly, I like the new design; it’s simple but stands out in the crowded soda aisle.

This has a light cola effervescence, lacking any strong olfactory kick, which works for a diet cola.  The soda is nice and fizzy, without being too much so, like the rest of their line.  A kola flavor is very evident, without taking over the tongue enough to obscure the citrus background flavors and the spicy sweetness given to it by the nutmeg and stevia.  I’m rather fond of this flavor combination, removing the caffeine doesn’t seem to have effected the taste in any noticeable way.

As with all the other Zevia beverages we have reviewed, this is made from all natural ingredients, has no calories or sugar, being sweetened with erythritol and stevia.  I’m seeing them in more and more stores that I frequent, which pleases me.  I would highly recommend this to anyone trying to kick a sugary cola habit, or looking for an alternative to those mainstream diet colas loaded with artificial sweeteners and preservatives.  And on the plus side it tastes great, I may like it even more than its caffeinated comrade.

Score: 5 out of 5. A pleasing and flavorful alternative to sugary, caffeinated colas.

– WiseGuise

User Reviews: (1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
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5-Star Reviews, Stevia, Zevia all natural, Stevia, Zevia

Today's model, Edel the corgador.

We’ve reviewed a surprising number of grapefruit-themed beverages on this site (search it if you don’t believe me) and I am pleased to see this flavor being tackled by Zevia, one of out favorite soda companies.  The mainstream attention to this complex flavor is sparse, limited to just about Fresca and Squirt; however, the independent companies seem more keen on their attempts to master it, so we’ll see how this one fares.

The scent is thin and citrusy, like being in a room where someone is cutting open citrus fruits. The taste is suddenly tart and vaguely citrus, with a very light hint of something like  grapefruit, but it fades quickly, leaving me with the iconic sweetness of stevia and just a memory of the flavor.  In fairness, the word ‘citrus’ is bigger than the word ‘grapefruit’, but  I was still hoping for more of a grapefruit taste.

The overall impact of this on my taste buds was less than I had hoped, despite its still unique flavor, and left me wanting the dry, tart, sweet taste of a grapefruit.  Don’t get me wrong, it’s still tasty and refreshing, with a perfect fizz factor, it’s just not what I was expecting.  For those not fond of lemon-lime sodas but still crave a fizzy citrus beverage, this might be right up your alley.

Score: 3.5 out of 5. Citrusy for sure, but misses the mark on the grapefruit.

– WiseGuise

User Reviews: (1 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5)
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**Danithius Review Rebuttal!**

Hmm, I agree with WiseGuise on this one.  It is vaguely citrus-y, but if you blindfolded me with a gun to my head and asked what this tasted like, the last words out of my lips would be “Diet Sprite?”  I don’t pick up on the grapefruit much at all, but I wish I did – I’m a big fan of a good grapefruity drink.  I think this one could use a trip back to the lab.  I’ll give it the same score as WiseGuise.

3-Star Reviews, Zevia all natural, drink reviews, Stevia, Zevia

You read that right, this is a beverage based off of the well-known cleaner and folk remedy vinegar.  Apple cider vinegar is supposed to have several health benefits and potential for aiding in weight loss, but can have negative effects if used excessively.   I’ve used it before in attempts to rid my throat of a stubborn cold, with dubious results, though I’m not very patient when it comes to experiments like that.  Anyhow, I spotted this at my local Sunflower Market and my curiosity overwhelmed my distaste for consuming vinegar, so I decided to give it a shot, all for you, our awesome readers.  Today, I happen to be feeling the effects from lingering illness, so it should be as good a time as any.

The label has a old-timey, folksy feel to it, which fits with the theme of this drink; there’s a Jesus-fish on the back with a fairly benign scripture reference in it, 3 John 2.  The first smell is a little overwhelming, strongly promoting its namesake ingredient, but with a pleasant overtone of concord grapes.  The first swallow slides over my tongue with little hints of the fruit juices it contains, and the vinegar marks its presence at the entrance to my throat.  It’s not a strong burn, but not entirely pleasant, either.  Subsequent mouthfuls go down easier, the vinegar not becoming as apparent.  The flavors are mild and almost not sweet, not something you would expect from a sugary juice like grape.  This is sweetened with stevia, and only has 10 g of carbs in the whole 16 oz bottle, so bonus points for that.

This drink rates a little more toward the extreme end on the drink-o-meter, not something I would personally drink all that often.  The power of the vinegar takes some getting used to, but when you do it isn’t a terrible experience.  This could have been much worse than it was, but wasn;t quite what I expected, even though I’m not sure what I expected, really.  The aftertaste feels a little on the dry side, like after  mouthful of wine, but has no unpleasantness to it (unless you happen to burp–don’t do this).  I didn’t think I was going to finish the whole bottle when I started, but I did anyway, I almost started to like it by the end of the bottle.

After some consideration, I would recommend this to anyone daring enough to try things out of their comfort range, anyone looking to cut down on the sugar content in their diets and anyone looking for interesting homeopathic remedies to their daily woes.  I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone why can’t handle acidic or non-sweet beverages, leaving their comfort zone or folk medicine.  The after effects of this remain to be seen, but my nose seems to be clearing up already and I feel fuller, another effect of vinegar.  Come on, you know you want to try it.

Score: 3.5 out of 5. A strange concoction bound to test the limits of your palate and might keep you younger!

– WiseGuise

User Reviews: (6 votes, average: 3.67 out of 5)
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3-Star Reviews, Bragg all natural, drink reviews, organic, Stevia

Hello libation loving folks!  After another brief delay, I have returned with reviews.  Today, I have decided to venture back into the hit-and-miss world of low/no calorie beverages.  My last SoBe lean review taught a valuable lesson; that even large, adored companies like SoBe can screw up on occasion, and produce something few customers like. I’m still cautious, but hopeful when it comes to the new Lean line, so here goes nothing.

I crack open the plastic bottle  and give it the standard smell test.  The berry is the most evident scent, with a hint of lemons.  Good so far, but now comes the most important test.  The taste is mild and lightly sweet, lacking the sour tang of most lemonades.  The raspberry is there, but fades quickly.  The sweetness lingers, something I’ve picked up before on drinks using erythritol, is seems to stick to the back of your tongue.  This sports a paltry 2 g of sugar per 20 oz bottle, and a dash of vitamin C rounds out the benefits.

I find this an unoffensive,  but lackluster -ade, light on sugar but also on flavor, though it avoids the atrocious taste of the SoBe Honey Green Tea reviewed previously, an opinion our readers have reinforced in droves.  I can’t say I would ever go out of my way again to drink this, but the light flavor and low sugar may appeal to others, particularly those watching calories and looking for sweet refreshment.  SoBe did a better job of blending in the sweetness of the erythritol and reb A (stevia) than our previous encounter, which is good to experience, but it covers the sourness looked for in lemonade,and that I cannot forgive.

Score: 3.5 out of 5. A lemonade that gets an A for effort, but a C for execution.

– WiseGuise

User Reviews: (3 votes, average: 3.67 out of 5)
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3-Star Reviews, SoBe Lean all natural, drink reviews

As I wrote this review, I was slogging through a graveyard hift on 5 hours of sleep.  Suffice it to say, I needed some kind of pick-me-up.  My girlfriend picked this up for me, and decided to give it a try.  Brain Toniq has no caffeine, but has an interesting proprietary blend and is, according to the can, “fuel for my cranium.”  I pop the small can (8.4 oz) open and detect a light, fruity, citrusy scent, with hints of the agave sweetener.  With a swig I find that it is very lightly carbonated.  The taste is lightly sweet and herby, and finishes with a sweet fruitiness, and an earthy aftertaste.  The flavor is quite unique and pleasant.

The real test is my brain.  An hour after finishing this drink, I’m still dragging a bit, but possibly thinking clearer.  I’m going to have to call this test inconclusive.  Sugar is a little much for this, but it is agave nectar and therefore has a low glycemic index.  It is also vegan and kosher.  This was picked up at my local Sunflower Market, proprietor or healthy and organic goods.  I enjoyed this beverage, and would probably drink it again.

Score: 4.5 out of 5. A tasty and unique attempt at a healthy energy drink.

– WiseGuise

User Reviews: (3 votes, average: 3.00 out of 5)
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4-Star Reviews, True Toniqs agave, all natural, drink reviews, energy drink, kosher, vegan

The first of my share of the Purity.Organic drinks is also a ‘functional’ drink, and lower in sugar than the others.  The function of this drink is balance, according to the front of the bottle.  This one is infused with Maca, a plant grown in South America at high altitudes, where little else grows.  It is supposedly high in antioxidants, and has other bueno health effects as does cranberry.  The combination with lime makes this particular beverage very appealing, at least to me.

With a crack of the seal, I get strong indicators of cranberry and lime, a good sign for a beverage that is mostly water and white grape juice.  With one sip, I know I’m going to like this.  The tart of the cranberry leads in and followed closely by a bit of sour from the lime, then finishes with the natural sweetness of the cane juice and fruit juices.  The sweetness is light, only 28 g per 16 oz bottle.

I’m quite impressed with this, my first experience with Purity.Organic.  The flavors are well balanced and the sweetness doesn’t take over and cover them up.  I can definitely see myself consuming this rapidly during or after a good workout, run, hike or bout of video-game play, all exhausting activities.  I wish I had seen these before, but I’m not surprised since the closest place I can find that carries them is a restaurant I rarely go to.  Look for them yourself if you are interested.

Score: 5 out of 5. Sweet-sour-tart functional drink from the heavens–or wherever Purity.Organic is located.

– WiseGuise

User Reviews: (1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
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5-Star Reviews, Purity.Organics all natural, organic

New plastic bottle!

Until now, I never really drank the SoBe Lean line of diet beverages, with their notorious use of Ace-K and Sucralose as sweeteners.  I found this in a local Maverik store and picked it up, excited to see that it has been switched to the erythritol/Reb A sweetener blend now used in all the LifeWater beverages.  After getting this home, I sat down at the computer and began to search fro information on this new packaging and sweetener change, and was dismayed to find a complete lack of any such information.  In fact, the only thing I found was a page on CostCo’s website where you can purchase it in bulk and a Pepsi website listed caffeine content in their drinks.  I called their customer service line, got the computer, and was eventually redirected to their website, which has no information on this product.  Thanks, guys.

Having given up on finding anything helpful about this product, I decided to just let my nose and tongue tell me everything I needed to know about it instead.  Cracking the seal, I am reminded of an iced tea, and don’t really detect any honey.  A look at the bottle and I can see why; it’s the last ingredient, and the amount in the bottle apparently so minuscule that it added no calories to the tea.  The flavor is not at all honey-like, although I can sense the presence of the stevia.  The tea flavor doesn’t really last long either, it is the third to last ingredient.  The flavor overall is sweet and temporary.  It is far better than the Swiss Premium Tea I regretfully experienced, but nowhere near the excellence that is HonestTea’s honey green tea.

I found this flavor surprisingly uninteresting and lacking for SoBe, who have become one of our favorite (despite their subsidiary status) drink companies out there.  The ‘honey’ and ‘green tea’ were difficult to enjoy amidst all the sweetness, and were some of the last ingredients in the bottle, not quite what I would like to see in a tea.  I was unimpressed with this beverage, but I might still be caught drinking it on a hot day in a pinch.

Score: 3 out of 5. No detectable honey and not much tea in this honey green tea and lots of  sweetness for a zero calorie drink.

– WiseGuise

User Reviews: (1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
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3-Star Reviews, SoBe Lean all natural, green tea, Stevia

This soda company has been around for quite a long time, it was founded back in 1980 in New Mexico.  In 2000, Hansen Beverage Company picked it up, moving the operation to California.  In all that time, I have never tried it, despite being available just about everywhere in the U.S.  The can design is still highly reminiscent of the company’s roots, complete with an airborne raptor in the logo.

Enough with the history lesson, on to the test.  Pulling back the tab, it reminds me of just about any other citrus soda, that olfactory tang of citric acid is very apparent.  It tastes okay, citrus-y and sweet, but only vaguely of grapefruit.  The aftertaste leaves the underlying dryness usually left by a grapefruit, so there is that.  The sweetness lingers on even longer.  This is due to the 38 g of sugar in the 12 oz can, on par with Coca-Cola.  Also, very carbonated.

Many of their other sodas have fewer calories than this, The Daily Plate lists them.  Despite the high sugar, they proudly proclaim that their natural sodas are “made without artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, caffeine, sodium, GMOs or high fructose corn syrup.”  There are also only four ingredients in the can, carbonated water, sugar, citric acid and natural grapefruit flavor. Excellent.  Do you need to use so much sugar, though?

I appreciate a company striving to remain all natural, using as few ingredients as possible, and having such a large, varied line, but in this particular drink my expectations overshot a little bit.  The flavor didn’t quite cut it for me, and the sugar content is much higher than we like to see in a soda.  Overall it was nothing special, but I still want to try their other drinks.

Score: 2 out of 5. Too sugary and the flavor falls short, more fizz than grapefruit.

– WiseGuise

User Reviews: (No Ratings Yet)
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2-Star Reviews, Blue Sky all natural

I haven’t reviewed an iced tea in a while, and this one was politely donated by my girlfriend and purchased from the local Good Earth health grocer, and couldn’t say no.  This is not my first Steaz, I have sampled their tea before, but never managed to sit down and review one.  In a world of sub-par teas, it’s nice to find a company that focuses on theirs and strives to make them flavorful and conscientious.

After my last experience with a mint flavored tea, I was hesitant to try this, but my worry was needless.  Scent-wise, the mint isn’t overpowering, and the tea is tangible.  Flavor-wise, it’s tangy and pleasantly minty, finishing with a soft tea flavor and a perfect dryness.  This is what Lipton iced tea should taste like, (minus the mint) with less than half the ingredients and 6 g less sugar.  Iced teas have been pushed out into the market as something that should be syrupy-sweet and lemon-sour, with hardly any recognizable tea flavor and a generic taste.  This doesn’t have to be, and this tea shows it.

This entire line of iced teas are all natural, organic  and fair trade, and at least with this particular tea, only 20 g of sugar in the 16 oz can.  Light on sugars and organic like Honestea, environmentally conscious and next-door sexy like Hayden Panettiere.  Okay, that last one is only opinion, and I’m probably going to get in trouble for it.  If you like iced teas, these are definitely worth a try.

Score: 4.5 out of 5. Pleasant and minty and definitely not generically flavored.

– WiseGuise

User Ratings: (1 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5)
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4-Star Reviews, Steaz all natural, green tea, organic