ZEVIA – Natural Diet Soda

Better Libations is a leading online site that reviews healther drinks.

I love the way they describe their mission, so here it is:

“Welcome to Better Libations.  Our mission is to deliver frequent fresh reviews of “healthier” drinks, or as we’d like to call them, Drinks that probably won’t kill you.  Why?  Because we like you.  And we hate to see you die so young.”

Better Libations just ranked Zevia Natural Twist the #1 Healthy Drink of 2009.  Be sure to check it out  and many thanks to Better Libations and keep up the good work!

Here is an excerpt:

Zevia – Natural Twist

WiseGuise: Zevia was kind enough to send us a large amount of beverages after Danithius’ first reviews, and after they re-formulated their products. Our reactions were generally quite positive; we both have become advocates of stevia use, and enjoy seeing it in more products. This particular entry was my personal favorite, and I made quick work of my supply.

Danithius: Zevia was a part of a huge change in the beverage industry this year, namely the reinstatement of stevia as a GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) ingredient by the FDA. (The reason it got banned in the first place is still quite sketchy). The crazy part is, Zevia was operating under the radar as a stevia-sweetened soda even before that happened! They were able to do it by marketing themselves as a “dietary supplement”. Ha! I reviewed a couple of their flavors in those days, but I was not impressed with them at all. But when the news of stevia’s GRAS status hit, Zevia really took the bull by the horns and made the most of the new opportunity. They completely redesigned their flavors and their overall label design. And when this was done, they contacted us at BL to let us know about the makeover, and even sent us a sample pack of the new flavors. We were so impressed with the improvement that we gave all of their flavors a 4.0 or higher – two even scored a perfect 5.0! (Natural Cola for me, Natural Twist for WiseGuise). Zevia has proven they have both a feisty spirit and the good business sense to capitalize on a golden opportunity. They have been steadfastly advocating stevia use for years, believing in its potential as a healthy alternative sweetener. Kudos for sticking to your guns, Zevia! (Stevia really does have a torrid history, look it up sometime if you haven’t already!)

-Ian

Kasey Keller & Zevia Root Beer

Here in Seattle, the Seattle Sounders FC major league soccer team is a big deal. Everybody is excited about pro soccer, and that the Sounders will have more nationalized television games in 2010 than any other team.

Kasey Keller is the Sounders’ goaltender and an American soccer legend. Kasey discovered Zevia at the grand opening party for the new Eastside Subaru. He couldn’t help but to drink lots of Zevia Ginger Root Beer while signing autographs. The whole town is a Kasey Keller fan, and we are thrilled that Kasey is now a big Zevia fan.

-Derek

Keeping with our tradition of introducing new flavors each year, we are excited to bring you Dr. Zevia. Just what the doctor ordered: all natural, zero calories, with the perfect blend of natural ingredients including real cherry essence, cola nut extract and a delicious infusion of nutmeg, clove, and natural spices. The taste of Dr. Zevia might remind you of that “other doctor” you once loved. Dr. Zevia is naturally caffeinated with coffee and naturally sweetened with stevia.

We made our first Dr. Zevia cans on Friday (pictured above). And on Tuesday, we will have our first can of finished Dr. Zevia. We’ve sampled Dr. Zevia from the lab, but Zevia always tastes better from the can. I can’t wait!

-Derek

If you are in a Whole Foods, stop by the cold case and pick up a cold one.  If  you don’t see us chillin’ there, make sure you ask that they stock us cold, so everyone can try.  Look at these pretties chillin in Naples, FL.

Meanwhile, Baton Rouge ZEVIA fan Gabe showed us how elegantly ZEVIA Twist can be served on ice and enjoyed.

Chill (on ice, or pick up in your cold case) & Enjoy!

- Jes

Hey, do any of you ZEVIA fans out there watch the show RULES OF ENGAGEMENT on CBS?  If so, you probably recognize “Jennifer” (played by actress Bianca Kajlich), and you certainly recognize our very own ZEVIA Ginger Ale.  She clearly looks refreshed!  Catch RULES OF ENGAGEMENT this spring on CBS, and you might spot your favorite ZEVIA flavor!

Chill & Enjoy!

- Jessica

We launched ZEVIA® in the Pacific Northwest in 2007. Now – just 2 years later – ZEVIA® is the #1 carbonated beverage brand in natural foods in the Northwest!

Spins® collects and reports actual retail purchase data from natural food stores across the country. Spins® to natural food products is like Nielson® to television, or Arbitron® to radio.

The Spins® report for the four week period ending July 11, 2009 ranks ZEVIA® the #1 soda brand in the Northwest. This means sales for ZEVIA® Natural Diet Soda are higher than any other sparkling beverage – more than Hansens, San Pellegrino, and Izze or any other brand. Additionally, ZEVIA® has 6 of the top 7 soda items sold here, with ZEVIA® Natural Cola taking top honors as the #1 sold sparkling beverage in natural food markets in the region.

Other exciting results: West of the Mississippi, ZEVIA® has the #1 and #2 selling items in natural food stores (ZEVIA® Cola is #1 and Root Beer is #2). Nationally, ZEVIA® Cola and Root Beer rank 3 & 4 in the entire United States.

Recently, a publically traded beverage company — when reporting earnings — began its press release noting that it “makes the top selling sodas in natural food markets nationwide”. In the west, ZEVIA® makes the top selling sodas in natural food markets, and I anticipate that the other brand will yield its national title to ZEVIA® by 2010.

In truth, ZEVIA® has you to thank for all of our early success. We appreciate you trying ZEVIA®, returning to the store for more, serving it at your summer parties, and telling your friends about ZEVIA®.

-Derek

Whole Foods Market Flagship Store

Our Southern California territory representative, Abigail, is returning from a Texas tour. ZEVIA® is very popular in the lone star state; but many of the stores had not added ZEVIA® Natural Black Cherry or Ginger Ale, our two newest flavors. Above is an impressive shelf of the Whole Foods Market corporate headquarters store last week in Austin, Texas. This week, the Whole Foods flagship store is adding Black Cherry and Ginger Ale to that display.

ZEVIA in Houston

Abigail covered a lot of territory in a week. All six ZEVIA® flavors are now available at most Texas locations, including all Whole Foods Markets, Central Markets, Sun Harvests, and Houston Buyers Club.

-Derek

OK, my obsession with ZEVIA and chips together as a snack has passed (not really, just paused), because I am on to a new obsession! Today after our popsicle maker came in the mail, our first foray was this: ZEVIA black cherry-sicle! Sugar Free, SOOOOOOO yummy. Summer has not left us yet, there is still time for your ZEVIA Twist-sicle, Orange-sicle, Root Beer-sicle, Ginger Ale-sicle, Cola-sicle and the Black Cherry-sicle!! I’ve got mine, get yours!

Chill and Enjoy-sicle!!

-Jes

We hear everyday from you about the the great food that ZEVIA® goes with. Soda has always been a fit with chips. Finally, we can enjoy all natural zero calorie soda together with natural chips. Above is a photo of an end-of-the-aisle display at Whole Foods Market in Rochester Hills, MI. The ZEVIA® and chips look delicious together.

-Derek