Vitamin Water Essential Orange (c+calcium)

Made by: Coca Cola Enterprises Ltd

Origin: UK








This Vitamin Water variant is a pale, matt orange colour. The colour fades out to a watery rim at the edge of the glass.

On the nose familiar, powdery aromas of effervescent Vitamin C tablets (Hailborange). More nostalgia follows with dilute orange squash, and we detected a lactic, milky scent that had us discussing calpis (fermented milk) drinks.

Light body and flavours on the palate with ripe citrus and an understated sourness, again with the delivery taking the direction of a calpis drink. There is a subtle chalkiness contributing a little texture to the experience, before the drink ends in a short finish.

Packaging claims: Still orange flavour spring water drink with vitamins and minerals

Ingredients: Spring water, fructose, sugar, mineral salts (potassium phosphate, calcium lactate), citric acid, vitamins (C, niacin, E, pantothenic acid, A (beta carotene), B6, folic acid, B12), stabilisers (acacia gum, glycerol esters of wood rosins), colour (beta carotene), flavourings

Price: Should be about £1.30-£1.50 for a 500ml PET bottle, widely available including online (eg www.aquaamore.com)

Zico Coconut Water with Mango

Made by: Zico Beverages LLC

Origin: USA

Imported into the UK by: Zico UK Ltd

Zico coconut water is a pale, off white colour. The drink is slightly cloudy and contains a small amount of fine coconut particles floating in suspension.

Ripe mango aromas on the nose, this is fruity with custard apple and creamy vanilla to follow. The aroma develops more tropical notes as it settles: Pineapple rings and tinned fruit salad, with a warm husky, nutty note.

This is much lighter on the palate than the nose would suggest, providing a delicate coconut flavour and salty-sweet balance. There is a faintly creamy texture, a little sweet fruit, and the suggestion of soft young coconut meat, before the drink ends in a short finish.

Packaging claims: Gluten free, only 60 calories, nature's sports drink, more potassium than a banana, zero fat, no added sugar, 5 essential electrolytes, low acidity

Ingredients: 100% natural coconut water, citric acid, natural mango flavour

Price: Should be about £1.70-£1.80 for a 330ml Tetrapak carton, available online (eg www.aquaamore.com) and at independent health food stores nationwide

Attitude Natural Energy Drink

Made by: Energizer Brands Ltd

Origin: UK








This energy drink is a pale brown colour, slightly cloudy, translucent and with a warm pinkish hue to the colour. The colour fades to clear at the rim of the glass. When opened, the drink produces a creamy froth on the sufrace of the liquid caused by the small bubbles, and contains a fine sediment when poured out.

On the nose juicy aromas of barley sugar, soft strawberry candies (think of Chewit sweets) with plenty of vanilla. We also uncovered a fruit dessert theme: Ripe bananas, cream and brown sugar, with a top note of lemon citrus.

Light and fresh, the palate opens with fruity lemon flavours, moves through malty and grassy tones, followed by dried apple and vanilla. There are some spices giving a gentle pepper twist, a little citrus acidity and an unusual earthy flavour (reminds me of tea leaves).

This manages to take you on an interesting journey before the short finish...


Packaging claims: Turns you on naturally, rich in antioxidants, suitable for vegans, diebetic friendly, sweetened with low G.I. fruit, full of natural energy from active adaptogen (rhodiola rosea root 500mg), no caffeine, no taurine, no synthetic ingredients, no artificial flavours, sweeteners or preservatives, 50% of your vitamins RDA (Vitamin C, B1, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12)

Ingredients: Sparkling spring water, natural sweetness from fruits, lemon juice partially concentrated, natural fruit and yerba mate flavours, barley malt, ginger, lemongrass (all natural extracts)

Price: Should be about £1.00-£1.20 for a 330ml can, available from health food store chains and independents, and specialist food outlets nationwide