Better-for-you beverages continue to appeal to consumers, and beverage companies continue to find ways to address that trend. According to Chicago-based Mintel Group Ltd.’s “Juice and Juice Drinks” report, 5 percent of launches from January to June 2011 contained antioxidants, which represents a 1 percent increase from the previous period. The report adds that many launches sourced their antioxidant content from superfruits such as acai berries, blueberries, cranberries and pomegranates.
Pom Wonderful expanded its Pom line of pomegranate juice cocktails with Lite Pom, a lighter version of its original Pom juice that is 100 percent natural and contains no added sugar or artificial sweeteners. Available in the produce section of grocery stores nationwide, Lite Pom comes in Pomegranate, Pomegranate Black Currant, Pomegranate Blackberry and Pomegranate Dragonfruit flavors. The new product contains the same antioxidants as original Pom, but with fewer calories, the company says. Lite Pom is available in a 16-ounce size of the brand’s curvaceous bottle for a suggested retail price of $2.49.
