Something To Drink?

Just in time for summer, beverage companies are introducing new products to keep you cool and refreshed all season long. Here's just a sampling of the new items you'll be able to find on store shelves in the coming months.

Honest CocoaNova – Honest Tea welcomes a new line of low-calorie beverages made with brewed cacao beans. Available in Mint Cacao, Cherry Cacao, and Mocha Cacao varieties, the beverages are made with U.S. Department of Agriculture and Fair Trade Certified cacao beans, the main ingredient in chocolate, and include the antioxidants and theobromine found in dark chocolate. Consumers can purchase this new drink now at select natural foods stores around the country.

Ocean Spray Sparkling Juices – Ocean Spray describes its new line of drinks as "a refreshingly bubbly beverage made with real fruit juice and a splash of sparkling water." Available in both regular and diet in Cranberry and Pomegranate Blueberry flavors, the carbonated juices are a good source of Vitamin C, made from real fruit juices, and contain no added sugar.

The company also added expanded its line of juices with the addition of two new berry and superfruit combinations: 100% Juice Cranberry Pomegranate Cherry, and 100% Juice Cranberry Blueberry Blackberry.

Crystal Light Pure – Kraft Foods recently launched Crystal Light Pure, naturally sweetened drink mixes. The powders have no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or preservatives. Sweetened with Truvia, the mixes contain only 15 calories per serving. Available flavors include Grape, Strawberry Kiwi, Tropical Blend, Mixed Berry, and Lemonade.

100% natural Lipton Iced Tea Lipton Iced Tea – Lipton Iced Tea is now boasting an all-natural ingredient list. Flavors include Green Tea with Citrus, Iced Tea with Lemon, Iced Tea with Blueberry Pomegranate, and Green Tea with Passionfruit Mango. The company is also expanding its diet flavors with new Diet Green Tea with Watermelon.

This summer, you can also expect to see a lighter version of Pepsi, called Pepsi Next. The slimmed down soda will have 40 calories per 8-ounce serving, or 60 calories per 12-ounce can.

Find new beverage industry products anytime with daily updates from Beverage Industry Magazine.

Have you tried these new drinks? Which ones do you love and on which ones should consumers take a pass? Leave a message and share your thoughts!