What's hitting the shelves? New beverage launches

Indian-inspired sparkling beverages

A new line of Indian-inspired sparkling beverages has launched in the US, called Bollygood.

The sparkling beverage is a spin on India’s Nimbu Pani, a popular South Indian drink. However, Bollygood’s version is low in sugar, consists of natural ingredients, and is a healthy option for children and adults. 

Bollygood is the inspiration of Maxine Henderson, who spent her summers in her parents’ native India. After many iterations, she landed on a recipe and added her own twists, carbonation and pink Himalayan salt. Bollygood is currently available in Lemon Ginger Mint and Lime Basil Cumin flavors, with more in development. 

For the packaging, the cans display paisley patterns, reminiscent of those found on saris and lehengas, Indian dancers practicing Bharatanatyam, and elephants on a black background with bright colors that represent the bright colors of Indian spices and heritage.

Sparkling water: new flavors

Waterloo Sparkling Water is adding two new flavors: Cherry Limeade and Blackberry Lemonade.

“The new offerings are perfect for elevating everyday moments, getting creative with cocktails and mocktails or packing in a cooler for outdoor adventures,”​ says the Austin, Texas-headquartered brand.

“The all-new flavors are nostalgic and refreshing, and of course, free of sugar, calories and sweeteners, like all Waterloo varieties. The Blackberry Lemonade flavor offers a dynamic twist on classic country lemonade with complex, ripe and juicy blackberry notes layered in, while Cherry Limeade features a reminiscent blend of lime citrus and bright red cherries with notes of grenadine, pomegranate, and orange citrus.”​

Like all Waterloo flavors, the two new flavor innovations are made with Non-GMO Project Verified natural flavors and purified carbonated water. They are rolling out at HEB, Central Market, Hy-Vee and Whole Foods this month; with additional distribution at Target and other retailers set to follow.

Absolut's flavor portfolio

Absolut Vodka has revamped its flavor portfolio; as well as launching a new flavor - Absolut Passionfruit - in Australia and the UK.

The packaging has been harmonized across all 12 flavors in the range: Absolut Mandrin, Absolut Vanilla, Absolut Mango, Absolut Citron, Absolut Grapefruit, Absolut Peach, Absolut Watermelon, Absolut Lime, Absolut Raspberri, Absolut Pears, Absolut Passionfruit and Absolut Peppar.

Meanwhile, the recipes for Mandarin, Vanilla, Mango, Citron, peach, Paspberri, Pears and Peppar flavors have been updated and ABV levels for each flavor have been optimized by the brand’s sensory experts and flavorists. The fresh top notes of the citrus range are underpinned by the traditional ABV-level of 40%, while the sweet and spicy flavors stand out better with a lower ABV-level of 38%.

The new Absolut Vodka flavors have started to ship to markets and will continue to roll-out globally depending on current stock inventories.

Apricot kernel drink

ROOTS, a new beverage made from apricot kernels from Asian apricot trees, has been launched by a Taiwan start-up.

The drink is made by grinding the whole apricot kernel, providing a natural, indulgent and rich mouthfeel. It uses colloid mill technology to grind the apricot kernels: keeping nutrients and fibers for a creamy liquid. The resulting drink has a ‘rich and healthy taste, with a slightly sweet, elegant aroma’. ​

Laura Liu, co-founder and CEO at ROOTS, said: “Consumers are no longer driven by price but by the promise of better health, quality and new experiences. This means they are willing to pay a premium price for added value and true nutritional benefits. ROOTS is striving to keep pace with the demand of plant-based foods to create more innovative, sustainable, and differentiated plant-based beverages.”​

The drink is packaged in SIG’s combifitSmall 300ml carton pack, with a reclosable combiSmart closure.

Hoplark launches zero calorie non-alcoholic craft brew

Hoplark, a Boulder, Colorado company producing non-alcoholic craft beverages, has launched Hoplark 0.0: a non-alcoholic craft brew with zero calories, zero alcohol, zero sugar, zero carbs, zero gluten and zero added flavors.

Hoplark 0.0 Citra, the first product in the new line, is available now.

“We know how much people love beer but want more options when it comes to drinking, or not drinking,”​ says Dean Eberhardt, co-founder and CEO of Hoplark. “Whether you’re​ wanting to avoid the next day’s side effects or are focusing on your health, Hoplark 0.0 is for everyone. Half of Americans now say they’d like to drink less alcohol. I'm proud to give consumers another choice with Hoplark 0.0 which offers the flavorful hoppy taste of a craft beer, but without the alcohol, calories, or sugar.”​

Since launching in 2018, Hoplark’s creations include HopTea, a line of sparkling tea, and Hoplark Water, a line of craft-brewed sparkling waters.

Hoplark’s new Hoplark 0.0 line is available for purchase at BevMo, Natural Grocers, Sprouts, all Fry’s Food Stores and King Soopers locations, and at various retailers in Colorado, Southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, and New York.

Energy from coffee beans and maca

Machu Picchu Energy, a line of certified organic beverages and seltzers, has launched in the US.

The brand was founded by former AmBev CEO and global head of sales for Anheuser-Busch Inbev, Bernardo Paiva.

The Elevate 120 Series is a new take on the classic energy drink with 120mg of caffeine and B vitamins available in classic, pineapple mango, zero-sugar pineapple blueberry and zero-sugar ginger peach. The Refresh 40 Series is the company’s organic energy seltzers with lower caffeine of 40mg and only 15 calories, available in lemon lime and blood orange flavors. 

Machu Picchu contains natural caffeine from organic green coffee beans, balanced with organic maca, an ancient superfood. The drinks are ‘full of natural flavor and infused with life-sustaining vitamins, while offering a cleaner take on the familiar taste profile popularized by mainstream brands.’ They never use high-fructose corn syrup or aspartame, and all their products are Non GMO, preservative-free, and with no artificial colors or flavors. 

Bodyarmor Lyte Kiwi Strawberry

Bodyarmor is launching a new flavor: Bodyarmor Lyte Kiwi Strawberry.

Like other products from the brand, the drink has no artificial sweeteners, 20 calories, and is packed with potassium-based electrolytes, coconut water, antioxidants and vitamins.

Swoon Sweet Tea

Swoon Sweet Tea is launching across the US later this month.

The zero-sugar beverage brand was founded by Texas native and type-1 diabetic Jennifer Ross, who wanted to create a better-for-you take on classic drinks like lemonade and iced tea by using monk fruit as a sweetener.

Swoon is free from artificial ingredients and contains 100% of the recommended daily dose of Vitamin C from fruit ingredients.

“​Made with black tea steeped and brewed to perfection and sweetened with naturally sugar-free monk fruit, Swoon’s Sweet Tea boasts 24mg of caffeine and a bold flavor with a satisfying sweetness," ​says the brand.

"It's perfect for those who are trying to cut sugar or diabetics, who love and miss the classic southern flavor of sweet tea."​

Canned cocktails 

Watertight Cocktails, an RTD adult refresher, is launching in Texas this month.

Each of the 6% ABV cocktails contain 130 calories.

The brand was founded by Ryan Baird and Rhett Keisler: no strangers to the beverage industry having first met in their former roles as the co-founders of Yellow Rose Distilling and Revolver Brewing, respectively.

“Watertight offers a variety of refreshing options including the Beach Margarita, featuring real lime juice, fresh orange juice and a hint of agave nectar; the Guava Paloma showcasing Texas-grown Rio Red grapefruit juice, real lime juice, fresh guava purée and a hint of agave nectar; and the Mango Sipper, a delicious blend of real mango purée, fresh orange and lime juice,”​ they say.