Energy—But No Sugar

7-Eleven, Inc., Irving, Texas, has been on a bit of a private brand beverage binge. In the last two years, the convenience retailer has introduced energy and sports drinks, Icelandic spring waters, organic milk and cold-pressed juices. One of the latest new additions is Triton, a new energy drink with L-Theanine, created to meet customers’ desire for a sugar-free energy option.

The Triton line comes with three flavors: Original, combining lemon, grapefruit and orange flavors; Strawberry Kiwi; and Blood Orange Yuzu.

“7-Eleven is one of the leading beverage sellers in the US, and our private brand drinks are a growing segment of that business,” said Jack Stout, 7-Eleven senior vice president, merchandising and demand chain.

Triton features caffeine and the amino acid L-theanine (from green tea leaves) as well as B vitamins, ginseng, taurine, guarana and  amino acids.

Guilt-Free Treats

Madhava, Ltd., Boulder, Colo., expanded its Cocomels Coconut Milk Caramels line into the low- and no-sugar candy segment.

Naturally sweetened with allulose and monk fruit, Sugar Free Cocomels Caramels are chewy, keto friendly and contain no sugar alcohols. They come in two flavors: Original and Sea Salt.

“My goal wasn’t just to develop a great tasting sugar free option,” says JJ Rademaekers, Cocomels founder. “It was to create sugar free Cocomels that taste as close to our traditional version as possible.”

Rademaekers said he wanted to use an alternative natural zero calorie sweetener to more widely used stevia and erythritol.

“In trying to replicate the taste of sugar as closely as possible, I found allulose delivers a clean, sweet flavor without the cooling effect and aftertaste that sugar alcohols leave behind.  Additionally, when consumed in moderation, allulose is known to be easier on the digestive system than other zero calorie alternatives.”

Sugar Free Original and Sugar Free Sea Salt Cocomels come in 2.75oz bags priced at $4.99 per bag.

Keto Whipped Topping

Peak Foods, LLC, Troy, Ohio, expanded its truwhip whipped toppings line with a new ketogenic diet-friendly product. Officials say new truwhip KETO ($3.99 SRP) allows those embracing a keto lifestyle—or or simply limiting their carbohydrate intake—to enjoy the holiday season to the fullest.

truwhip KETO contains 1g of net carbohydrates, no sugar, only 25 calories per serving and is packaged in a 9oz reusable and recyclable container. Unlike conventional sugar-free toppings, truwhip KETO is not sweetened with sugar alcohols but instead with monk fruit and allulose. The new product joins truwhip’s delicious lineup of Original, Vegan and Skinny whipped toppings. All truwhip products are gluten free, Non-GMO Project Verified and certified kosher with zero trans-fat per serving, no hydrogenated oils and no high fructose corn syrup.

“The more educated consumers become about carbs and sugar, the more they search for no sugar, low carb options,” said Andrew Oppenheimer, director of sales for Peak Foods. “Our new KETO product not only meets that need, but the taste and texture is so good even the most diehard carb-lovers will enjoy it.”

truwhip KETO is now available in select retailers, with more widespread distribution slated for the first half of 2021.

Better Kids’ Bodies

The Luving Company, Los Angeles, is raising funds through a crowdfunding campaign in support of KidsLuv, a line of kids drinks that are vitamin enhanced and contain zero sugars.

“We’re pleased to make a crowdfunding offering with StartEngine,” says Ashi Jelinek, KidsLuv founder and CEO.

Jelinek says KidsLuv is a functional kids’ beverage with zero sugar and certified vegan vitamins and minerals. The line features three flavors: Peach Me, I’m Orange; Flying Fla-Mango; and Starstruck Coconut.

All three flavors have zero sugar, only 10 calories and 2g carbs, essential certified vegan vitamins and minerals in each serving. They are certified Non-GMO, vegan, kosher and gluten-free, and come packaged in 8oz recyclable, resealable, straw-free drink cartons.

Zero Sugar, Natural Appeal

Last summer saw Spirits Marque One, San Francisco, introduce SVEDKA Pure Infusions, a line of vodkas infused with natural flavors and zero sugar. Flavors include Strawberry Guava, Ginger Lime and Dragonfruit Melon. They contain zero grams of sugar, zero grams of fat, zero grams of carbs, and just 70 calories per 1.5oz serving.

Officials say the naturally flavored vodkas help consumers live a balanced lifestyle with a way to enjoy their favorite flavors—without sacrificing taste.

“SVEDKA Pure Infusions zero sugar1 content does not compromise on the bold and innovative flavors core to SVEDKA Vodka’s DNA,” said Jaymie Schoenberg, vice president of marketing for SVEDKA Vodka. “Pure Infusions combines SVEDKA Vodka’s leadership in flavor innovation with natural flavors to offer consumers a unique, sugar-free1 way to enjoy their flavored vodka no matter the occasion.”

SVEDKA Pure Infusions is available nationwide in 750ML bottle for a suggested retail price of $14.99 and 1L bottle for a suggested retail price of $15.99.

1 Avg analysis per 1.5 fl oz: 70 cals, 0g carbs, 0g protein, 0g fat