Cutting calories with Vitaminwater10

June 26, 4:17 PMPortland Drinks ExaminerIvy Hover

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Coca-Cola/Glacéau now has a second response to people who questioned the high caloric content of Vitaminwater (the first was basically "people can read the label," based on the reaction to the Center for Science in the Public Interest's lawsuit).

The newest "naturally sweetened" product in the stable, Vitaminwater10, is dosed with a blend of crystalline fructose (a fructose enriched corn syrup, with more fructose than high fructose corn syrup), erythritol and rebiana (derived from the stevia leaf, and sold under the trade name Truvia. 10 calories per serving, 25 calories per 20 oz. bottle.

Vitaminwater10 is available in four of the line's most popular flavors: I taste-tested Energy (tropical citrus) and Multi-V (lemonade), the other two options are XXX (acai-blueberry-pomegranate) and Essential (orange).

An alternative to saccharine and aspartame, Stevia is an herb that is 200-300 times sweeter than sugar; I use Superior Source's Sweet 'n Natural Powder Super Stevia Extract occasionally in my coffee and tea. This incredibly concentrated sweetness comes paired with an underlying note of anise or licorice, a flavor many people are not fond of and one that is difficult to disguise. 

Glacéau has attempted to mask this undertone, but it coats your throat after you swallow and lingers like an unwelcome guest in the back of your mouth. The citrus in Energy feel flat and slightly bitter, while the tartness of Multi-V is more refreshing at first sip, but you can't shake the aftertaste.

If you are looking for a low-cal beverage, you could do worse than Vitaminwater10, but honestly, I'd rather sip a plain old glass of water.

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