Marks & Spencer Dandelion & Burdock

Made by: Marks & Spencer plc

Origin: UK

This new, carbonated drink from M&S is a mid-brown colour, with a bright amber hue. The softly fragrant, positive nose combines the sweetness of caramel with aromas of licorice root, juicy fennel stalks and a drop of dark treacle (possibly the burnt sugar extract).

On the palate it is light but agreeably creamy and balanced, with flavours of Licorice Allsorts and aniseed syrup, and despite the short finish a sweet and almost minty grain of liquorice lengthens the aftertaste.

Packaging claims: No artificial colours, no artificial flavourings, Vegetarian, traditional since 1937, a traditional recipe

Ingredients: Carbonated water, sugar, burnt sugar extract, natural flavouring, citric acid, preservative E202

Price: £0.63 for a 330ml can, from branches of Marks & Spencer and Marks & Spencer Simply Food outlets

Top Gin Korean Ginseng Drink

Made by: Da Jung Co Ltd

Origin: Korea

Imported into the UK: Korea Foods Co Ltd

This unusual drink contains a whole ginseng root. It is a bright yellow-gold colour, non-carbonated, with small flecks of the root in suspension. Nosing this, the aromas pass over an empty honey jar briefly to settle on freshly dug potatoes, covered in their soil, and geranium leaves (reminds me of a hot greenhouse).

The first sensation on the palate is initially sweet; honey and vanilla, followed by expansive flavours of oven roast vegetables (think of parsnips, potatoes and carrots). That earthy flavour returns, followed by a pleasant 'rooty' bitterness, and a very long, lingering mildly peppery, earthy finish.

A fascinating drink, complex and uniquely refreshing.

Packaging claims: Wheat free, Nut free, Dairy free; Korea 'INSAM' original name of best Ginseng, Ginseng-D; Preservatives: Sodium Benzoate

Ingredients: White Ginseng, honey, citric acid, Vitamin C, trisodium citrate, DL-malic acid, nicotinamide, fructose, purified water, sodium benzoate

Price: Should be about £3.00 for a 120ml glass bottle, from specialist retailers

San Pellegrino ‘Limonata’

Made by: San Pellegrino SpA

Origin: Italy

Imported into the UK: Nestle Waters UK ltd





The Limonata flavour from San Pellegrino is a very pale translucent yellow, watery at the rim and gently carbonated in the glass. On the nose it has the direct, mouthwatering aroma of a freshly stirred and sweetened ‘citron presse'.

This appetising vision carries to the palate with an excellent sharp, zesty attack controlling the sweetness. This is followed by a tangy sourness containing plenty of lemon character, and a short but cleansing finish that leaves the palate suitably refreshed and invigorated.

Packaging claims: None

Ingredients: Water, reconstituted lemon juice 16%, sugar, natural CO2, natural flavourings, antioxidant: L-ascorbic acid

Price: Should be about £0.70 for a 330ml can, from specialist retailers

San Pellegrino ‘Aranciata’

Made by: San Pellegrino SpA

Origin: Italy

Imported into the UK: Nestle Waters UK ltd





San Pellegrino Aranciata is a gently carbonated drink, with a very pale translucent orange colour and fading to a watery rim at the edge of the glass. It has an inviting aroma of sliced fresh oranges, marinated and garnished with orange peel.

On the palate a clean orange attack, light but flavourful and perfectly balanced between sweetness and acidity, leads to a refreshingly bitter finale.

Packaging claims: None

Ingredients: Water, reconstituted orange juice 18%, sugar, natural CO2, citric acid, natural flavourings

Price: Should be about £0.70 for a 330ml can, from specialist retailers

Cecil Mixed Fruit Drink

Made by: CBL Fruits & Beverages (Pvt) Ltd

Origin: Sri Lanka

Imported into the UK: Serendib Global Foods UK




This fruit juice drink's pale burnt-orange colour fades to a yellow rim in the glass, and it contains a fine sediment of pureed fruit in suspension. The nose is dominated by a rich, heady, sweet aroma of tinned pineapples in syrup, with ripe mango in support and masking a dusty, warm background (think of a wooden chopping board).

On the palate sweet, lazy flavours of tinned fruit cocktail take over, followed by pineapple rings, and leaving behind a milky sweet, almost cloying sensation on the short finish. The fruit puree adds a slight texture in the mouth.

[Difficult to say what the bevvy of 'E numbers' added to this drink's note, however they didn't go unnoticed!]

Packaging claims: None

Ingredients: Water, sugar, pineapple juice, mango juice, paw paw juice, E466, E330, E223, E012, E122, E124

Price: Should be about £0.90 for a 190ml glass bottle, from specialist retailers

Elephant Necto

Made by: Ceylon Cold Stores Ltd

Origin: Sri Lanka

Imported into the UK by: Universal Suppliers Ltd





Elephant Necto is a pale red, gently carbonated drink with a vibrant purple hue. Nosing this there is a pleasant, sweet aroma of blackcurrants, strawberries, a waft of fairground candy floss and the powdery scent of an effervescent drink tablet.

The palate follows on with attractive flavours of blackcurrant fool, strawberry, whipped cream and vanilla (think of a cream soda). There is an almost cordial or syrup-like quality to the fruit, but the drink remains light and fresh to taste, with the finish falling firmly on the sweeter side without being cloying.

Packaging claims: None

Ingredients: Carbonated water, sugar, citric acid, essence Necto, preservatives E211, colours E214, E122, E133

Price: Should be about £0.60 for a 325ml can, from specialist retailers

Laziza ‘Apple’ non-alcoholic malt beverage

Made by: Brasserie Almaza SAL

Origin: Lebanon

Imported into the UK by: Heineken UK Ltd





Laziza is a golden yellow carbonated drink. In this version the initial aroma of ripe 'Golden Delicious' apple peel is followed by the slightly heavier scent of warm cereal grains, and finally a sharp note (almost pleasantly acetic).

On the palate there are flavours of caramelised baked apple, then a sprinkling of brown sugar on top of biscuity malt (think of a crumble topping), with the sugars balancing the bitterness of hops on the finish.

Packaging claims: 0.0% alcohol, Since 1931, product free from genetically modified ingredients

Ingredients: Water, malted barley, maize, sugar, hops, citric acid, nature identical apple flavour

Price: Should be about £0.90 for a 330ml glass bottle, from specialist retailers

Laziza ‘Regular’ non-alcoholic malt beverage

Made by: Brasserie Almaza SAL

Origin: Lebanon

Imported into the UK by: Heineken UK Ltd





Laziza is a golden yellow carbonated drink. The nose is clean and direct, beer-like with a pronounced aroma of freshly malted cereal grains.

The light but clean palate is moderately bitter, with flavours of roasted cereal grains, malt extract and containing a warmer piquant citrus note (imagine a Seville orange). The lingering bitterness on the finish fades to leave a citrusy aftertaste.

Packaging claims: 0.0% alcohol, Since 1931, product free from genetically modified ingredients

Ingredients: Water, malted barley, maize, hops, citric acid, nature identical malt flavour

Price: Should be about £0.90 for a 330ml glass bottle, from specialist retailers

Black Bean Calcium Soy Drink

Made by: Sahmyook Foods

Origin: Korea

Imported into the UK by: No details given





Black beans are known as ‘the queen of beans’ in Asia, and black foods comprise one of five food colour groups in Chinese medicine (the other four groups being: Green, red, yellow and white). Each food colour group is believed to relate to the correct functioning of specific organs in the human body. Black foods are believed to maintain healthy kidneys. A balanced diet that incorporates foods from each colour group is thought to keep the body healthy and well-nourished.

This drink is an opaque off-white, very similar to the colour of a good café latte. On the nose there is a fresh, earthy aroma of blended pulses (reminds me of a bean salad), a trace of cocoa and something more vegetal (think of wet tree bark or mushroom compost).

The palate is sweet at first, smooth, lightly viscous and creamy textured, with flavours of sweet beansprouts, creamed pulses and soya. The finish is round, soft, milky textured and sweet, but not cloying.

Packaging claims: No preservatives, no artificial flavours or colourings, no cholesterol

Ingredients: Coming soon- tbc

Price: about £0.70 for a 195ml tetra brik carton, from specialist retailers

Peanut and Milk Protein Drink

Made by: Xiamen Yinlu Foods Co Ltd

Origin: China

Imported into the UK by: Interlink UK Ltd





Peanut milk is made by soaking raw, ground peanuts in water, then heating the mixture (often with the addition of a small amount of salt and sugar to taste), and finally cooling and filtering the liquid through a strainer to obtain the 'milk'.

This peanut milk drink is an off-white opaque colour, with golden brown highlights (reminding me of a very milky tea). It has the direct and unmistakable aroma of freshly opened peanuts in their husks.

On the palate there is a satisfying weight to this, very round and lightly oily, with flavours of peanut butter, milky praline, a drop of clear honey and a texture reminding me of soya milk. The finish is soft and clean, with the balance firmly on the sweeter side.

Packaging claims: China top brand 2006-2009

Ingredients: Water, sugar, peanuts 8%, milk powder 5%, emulsifier (E473), artificial sweetener (E950)

Price: Should be about £0.60 for a 240ml can, from specialist retailers

Aloe Vera King ‘Natural’ Grape Taste

Made by: OKF Corp

Origin: Korea

Imported into the UK: Korea Foods Co Ltd





Aloe Vera is a succulent (water storing) plant and member of the Lily family, whose origins can be traced back to its role in Ancient Egyptian medicine. It has long been known and appreciated for its role in skincare and the treatment of skin aliments like burns, infection, cuts & grazes, bites & stings. Aloe Juice is made from the nutrient rich gel found inside the hollow cavity in the leaf stems. Whole leaf Aloe Vera is also made by pulping both the inner gel & outer leaves together. Drinking Aloe Vera juice is widespread throughout Asia and South America, and is said to aid digestion and promote internal health along the digestive tract.

This version of Aloe Vera King is a pinkish red, slightly cloudy and non-carbonated drink containing small flakes of Aloe Vera plant in suspension. Nosing this, the aroma of Concord grapes make the first impression, followed by Turkish delight, cherry jam and a warm leafy note (think of rose petal).

The palate is light but satisfying, with flavours of clear honey and earthy red fruits, fresh and perfectly balanced before a finish of cherrystones ends on a herbal note (imagine warm grass).

Packaging claims: 2007 World Best 100 million seller, no artificial colouring, no artificial flavours, no preservatives, no fat

Ingredients: Mineral water, organic Aloe Vera powder (22%), Aloe Vera gel (8%), organic cane sugar, Honey, citric acid, natural grape flavour

Price: About £1.20 for a 500ml PET bottle, from specialist retailers

Aloe Vera King ‘Natural’

Made by: OKF Corp

Origin: Korea

Imported into the UK by: Korea Foods Co Ltd





Aloe Vera is a succulent (water storing) plant and member of the Lily family, whose origins can be traced back to its role in Ancient Egyptian medicine. It has long been known and appreciated for its role in skincare and the treatment of skin aliments like burns, infection, cuts & grazes, bites & stings. Aloe Juice is made from the nutrient rich gel found inside the hollow cavity in the leaf stems. Whole leaf Aloe Vera is also made by pulping both the inner gel & outer leaves together. Drinking Aloe Vera juice is widespread throughout Asia and South America, and is said to aid digestion and promote internal health along the digestive tract.

Aloe Vera King is a slightly cloudy, non-carbonated drink containing small flakes of Aloe Vera plant in suspension. On the nose there is a pronounced aroma of Concord grape juice, fresh grape skins (reminding me of Muscat), honeysuckle and a cucumber note (possibly the Aloe).

The aromas soon settle down and the palate is light and well-diluted with flavours of clear honey, marshmallows, icing sugar, followed by cucumber, with finally those Concord grapes emerging on the short finish. The balance falls just on the sweeter side, emphasised by the combination of honey and grape flavours. The small, soft flakes of Aloe Vera add interest and a light texture.

Packaging claims: No. 1 brand by sales worldwide, no artificial colouring, no artificial flavours, no preservatives, no fat, no allergens

Ingredients: Mineral water, fructose, Aloe Vera powder (22%), Aloe Vera gel (8%), Honey (Korea Origin), acidity regulator: Citric acid, natural grape flavour

Price: About £1.20 for a 500ml PET bottle, from specialist retailers

Vitaene C

Made by: Pokka Corp.

Origin: Japan

Imported into the UK by: tbc





Vitaene C is a carbonated vitamin drink (C and B) with a very bright, almost florescent yellow colour. On the nose it has a soft, powdery scent of mixed yellow and orange citrus fruits, icing sugar and sodium bicarbonate (reminds me of an effervescent vitamin C powder or tablet).

The palate confirms this, with light, powdery citrus and sherbet flavours, as the carbonation settles quickly, and a soft finish whose balance falls just on the sweeter side.

Packaging claims: None

Ingredients: High fructose corn syrup, citric acid, flavouring, vitamin C, niacin amide, caffeine, sodium glutamate, sodium aspartate, vitamin B6, vitamin B12

Price: about £1.70 for a 240ml brown glass bottle, from specialist retailers

Ramune Soda Drink

Made by: Showa Boeki Co Ltd

Origin: Japan

Imported into the UK: Showa Boeki Europe BV




Ramune drinks are very popular in Japan. The word Ramune is derived from the Japanese pronunciation of the English word ‘lemonade’. Ramune soda drinks come in distinctively shaped ‘Codd-neck’ glass bottles, and have a unique glass marble ball closure that is punched through and trapped neatly in a hollow space in the neck of the bottle when the drink is opened, and in which it rattles around as the drink is consumed. Along with the conventional fruit flavours, there are alleged to be some interesting flavours of this drink available: Wasabi, kimchi, octopus and curry…we will keep our eyes open for them!

This Ramune is colourless and carbonated, with fine bubbles appearing as they do in a sparkling wine, tiny at first and from specific points in the glass, and growing bigger as they rise up through the liquid.

On the nose it is has a very juicy, estery, mouthwatering fruit fragrance (reminding me of ‘Juicy Fruit’ chewing gum), combining banana, strawberry, icing sugar and a suggestion of violets.

The palate is very soft and well-diluted but with a creamy texture, with flavours of ripe banana slices, cream and icing sugar. The sweetness is perfectly balanced by the gentle carbonation, which cleanses the palate on the finish.

Packaging claims: None

Ingredients: Carbonated water, sugar, high fructose corn syrup, citric acid, artificial flavour

Price: Should be about £1.50 for a 200ml glass bottle, from specialist retailers

Yeo's Grass Jelly Drink

Made by: Yeos

Origin: China

Imported into the UK: Chadha Oriental Food Ltd





Grass jelly is a popular dessert in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Southeast Asia, where it is cut into cubes, added to shaved ice or fruits and sweetened with honey or sugar. Grass jelly, popularly known as ‘Chin Chow’ is made from a type of herb belonging to the mint family (latin name: Mesona Chinensis). It is thought to have cooling (Yin) properties and therefore readily consumed in drinks as a form of refreshment in hot weather. In Vietnam it is believed to enhance female fertility, as the herb’s roots contain oestrogen. The black jelly strands are also stirred into soy milk in Malaysia to create a drink called ‘Michael Jackson’.

This is dark brown in colour with yellow highlights, certainly an unusual colour for a soft drink. There is a sizeable sediment of grass jelly strands suspended in the drink, comprising about one quarter of the can’s contents, and these sink to the bottom of the glass when poured. There is also a very light effervescence forming on the surface of the drink, as if the contents were fermenting quietly.

The nose is earthy and ‘rooty’ (reminds me of a root beer or a dandelion & burdock) with malt extract and a hint of liquorice coming through. The palate has a well-diluted caramel flavour (imagine a flat cola) with a drop of treacle and a sappy, leafy tang. This has a short finish, disappearing quickly, and confirming the well-diluted impression, with a grain of liquorice right at the end. The grass jelly strands break up easily in the mouth and add a light texture.

Packaging claims: Contains no preservatives, authentic Asian drink

Ingredients: Water, aqueous extract of Mesona Chinensis (1.5%), cane sugar, modified tapioca starch

Price: Should be about £0.70 for a 330ml can, from specialist retailers