Crystal Geyser Cranberry Black Cherry

Aroma: The first scent to jump out and greet you is the grape juice, followed by hints of black cherry, and maybe some cranberry. It has a bit of a sour lemony twinge to it. A very deep scent.

Taste: Sweet and fruity with a lightly tart finish. I expected the cranberry, black cherry, and lemon to have a little more bite, but I found that it had been defanged more than I'd like. It is an upstanding flavor, just not what I'd expect from a drink that has cranberry as the first word of its title.

Price: $0.69 at local health food store, nationally distributed.

Ingredients: pure juice from grape, cranberry, black cherry and lemon juice concentrates, sparkling water, natural flavors, citric acid, and the following B-complex vitamins: niacinamide and vitamin B12.

Other Comments: This drink is sweetened only with fruit juice, and can be a great alternative to soda. It does have a good amount of sugar, with this particular flavor clocking in at about 33 g for one 12 oz bottle. Still, one that's about 6 g less than your average can of Coke. As far as I can see, the company is still independent.

Overall: The price is right, the taste is good, and they use real juice. It is carbonated and you do have to watch the sugar, but overall I am pleased with this drink. This is superior to regular soda in all the ways that count, and you'll be much better off turning to a beverage like this when you want a sweet treat. It can also be used to wean HFCS-hungry kids off of the Coke-bottle.

Rating: 4.0/5 stars.

-Danithius