V8 V-Fusion

*Reader Suggested*

This has actually been on my radar for some time, since suggested to me by my juice-loving friend Annie. Once we finally received them in our state, I took an instant liking to them. These beverages are 100% juice, unlike their other alt-beverage V8 Splash, which contains only 10% juice and HFCS (and regular V8 has kill-you amounts of sodium).

The flavors I have tried are quite good, the Peach Mango being my favorite. The Pomegranate Blueberry is good but has a bit of an odd aftertaste in large quantities. The Strawberry Banana has a bit more sugar, 38 g per 12oz bottle, but still not bad. Oddly enough, the main filler in all these is sweet potato juice, although, I can't tell.

Each small bottle gives you a serving of fruit and vegetable, but can cost upwards of two bucks a bottle. I would buy the larger bottle (anywhere between $2.50-$3.20) and save some cash. I think this would be a great idea for those trying to get more fruit and veggies in their diet, or those of their kids/family. I would avoid the 'Lite' offerings, they contain sucralose, an artificial sweetener.

Sadly, V8 is also part of Campbell's, another large corporation slowly swallowing up other brands over the years. At least they have these drinks under their wide belt, possibly the healthiest thing the company makes.

Score: 4.5 out of 5, points lost for corporate hierarchy.

-- WiseGuise

Talking Rain Twist - West Indies Lime

One of my favorite flavors is lime, ask anyone. Well, anyone that knows me. If fact, just ask me, you can't trust anyone else. Now then. I spotted one of these in Danithius' fridge, so I found one myself, and have managed to post my review before him. Take that.

It has a crisp, limey, slightly sour taste, and finishes with a mild sweetness and is quite enjoyable for sipping. It smells like a key lime pie, too. This is certified organic AND kosher, for our Semitic readers.

After our dismal receiving of their sparkling water line, this is a more-than-welcome change. I was sad after I finished the bottle, and wanted to go get another. Although I wasn't too fond of the cottony tongue I got afterward, but that what comes with real citrus juices. So you can just deal with it too.

I like their little axiom I spied on the back of the bottle: As in Life, Chill For Best Results. It contains 9% 'nectar', and only 2 g of sugar a serving. The only ingredients are water, agave nectar, lime juice and citric acid. Although I probably wouldn't drink this while working out, any other time it would suit me quite well. More info about their line here.

Score: 4.5 out of 5.

--WiseGuise