Izze Sparkling Grapefruit Soda

This 100% natural drink is equally refreshing and tasty; its not bitter like most grapefruit juices, and not overly carbonated like many chemical-laden sodas. The light sparkling water is a great balance to keep the juice from being too sweet.

The bottle advertises this drink as "Simple Healthy Refreshment," with which we have to agree. IZZE (iz-ee) comes in a standard 12 ounce glass bottle (though the nutrition information indicates this is 1.5 servings), and is also available in Sparkling Blackberry, Blueberry, Pear, Lemon and Clementine. Nothing in this bottle but sparkling water, various fruit juices, and red cabbage extract to create the charming light pink color.

In addition to the flavor, IZZE comes with two hidden bonuses. First, the nutrition information indicates that each bottle is equal to one serving of fruit, according to the USDA food guide pyramid. Supposedly it can be a soda, or it can act as a breakfast. Second, the bottle also tells us that IZZE supports the Global Education Fund to help bring libraries to orphanages around the world. So, buying IZZE is intended to evoke the opposite of the guilt that may accompany with buying certain well-advertised colas. The actual impact may not be excessively significant, but its definitely a step in the right direction.

• purchase price - $1.60
• availability - Starbucks Coffee, Whole Foods, Harry & David, 7-Eleven
• rating breakdown - taste: 95, activism: 95, means of distribution: 75

Unique Reviews overall rating: 82 out of 100

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