Discovering new beverages while shopping can be an exhilarating experience. You never know when you might stumble upon an intriguing drink, such as a tart cherry soda, a frosted citrus energy drink, or a protein-packed mocha latte.
Recently, I picked up two flavors from Stiller’s, along with an energy drink from Bloom and a bottled latte from Super Coffee. This colorful mix captured nostalgic flavors, lower-sugar alternatives, and drinks that truly aim to stand out this season.
I purchased these products on my own and all opinions are mine.
Stiller’s stands out in the healthier soda category
The category of healthier sodas has certainly expanded in recent years, but Stiller’s manages to stay true to what soda is all about.
Their branding draws inspiration from classic soda-shop flavors, steering clear of the trend to resemble sparkling water or soda substitutes. Even their concept of “NO-biotics” seems to respond directly to the oversaturation of probiotic and prebiotic drinks in the market.
Stiller’s emphasizes nostalgic soda flavors with fewer calories, lighter sweetness, and natural ingredients. Notably, neither flavor left the unpleasant aftertaste that often accompanies low-sugar alternatives.
Shirley Cola: A reminiscent flavor experience
Stiller’s Shirley Cola
Review of Stiller’s Shirley Cola
Stiller’s Shirley Cola proved to be one of the more unique sodas I’ve tested recently, as it doesn’t mimic traditional cola brands.
It tasted reminiscent of cola-flavored gummy candy, offering a familiar flavor profile without the typical syrupy heft. It felt almost like enjoying a specialty soda from another country, rather than a standard cola found in grocery stores.
While I wished for a slightly stronger cherry flavor, the lighter cherry essence complemented the soft cola taste nicely.
Additionally, the carbonation was smoother and lighter, enhancing the drink’s refreshing quality without being overly sweet.
Stiller’s Shirley Cola
Shirley Temple: A Bright and Refreshing Option
Stiller’s Shirley Temple
Review of Stiller’s Shirley Temple
Out of all the beverages I sampled, Stiller’s Shirley Temple was the clear frontrunner.
This flavor boasted a delightful tart cherry profile, making it feel refreshing and crisp rather than syrupy. Its taste hinted at tart cherry juice or cranberry undertones, avoiding the traditional sweetness of grenadine. This balanced perfectly with the soda’s blend of light sweeteners.
Many lower-sugar sodas struggle to mimic their full-sugar counterparts, often tasting artificial. However, this soda excelled in creating a genuine flavor experience. Its tartness harmonized beautifully, making it enjoyable straight from the can and perfect over crushed ice in warm weather.
Stiller’s Shirley Temple
Bloom Glacier Crush: A Unique Energy Drink
Bloom Glacier Crush
Review of Bloom Glacier Crush
Among my selections, the Bloom Glacier Crush energy drink was the most surprising find.
Its flavor instantly reminded me of those frozen citrus drinks enjoyed during summer, now sparkling and ice-cold. It had a frosted fruit quality that was both crisp and invigorating.
The citrus flavor worked impeccably with the carbonation, making the drink feel especially cooling and refreshing.
It also managed to avoid the heavy aftertaste that often accompanies many energy drinks. With 180mg of caffeine, it might be on the stronger side, but it quickly became one of my favorite surprises from this tasting experience.
Bloom Glacier Crush
Super Coffee Latte: Smooth and Light
Super Coffee Mocha Latte
Review of Super Coffee Mocha Latte
Bottled coffee beverages can often resemble melted milkshakes more than actual coffee, so I was intrigued by this option. The Super Coffee Mocha Latte turned out to be surprisingly well-balanced.
Its subtle sweetness avoided the blandness common in many bottled coffees today. It also maintained a light texture, steering clear of being overly creamy or heavy.
The mocha flavor presented a gentle richness rather than the overwhelming taste of chocolate syrup, making it a pleasant choice for a casual morning beverage.
With added protein, it offers added staying power compared to standard iced coffees, making it an ideal option for hectic mornings or afternoon activities.
Key Takeaways
- Stiller’s sodas maintain traditional soda flavors while reducing sugar and calories.
- Shirley Cola offers a unique taste reminiscent of cola candy.
- Shirley Temple flavor provides a refreshing tart cherry experience.
- Bloom Glacier Crush delivers a unique citrus flavor, perfect for summer.
- Super Coffee Mocha Latte offers a balanced, light coffee experience with added protein.
- This beverage mix highlights exciting and innovative options available in grocery stores.
Final thoughts on this grocery store beverage haul
This grocery trip led to a delightful discovery of beverages I would gladly repurchase.
The Stiller’s Shirley Temple was my favorite due to its refreshing tart cherry flavor, setting it apart from most sodas on the market. Meanwhile, Bloom Glacier Crush was a surprising find, and the Super Coffee latte proved to be a reliable option for on-the-go coffee drinkers.
FAQ
What flavors does Stiller’s offer?
Stiller’s offers a variety of flavors, including Shirley Cola and Shirley Temple, which emphasize unique tastes with lower sugar content.
Is Bloom Glacier Crush a low-calorie energy drink?
Yes, Bloom Glacier Crush provides an energetic boost with a refreshing citrus flavor while steering clear of the often heavy aftertaste typical of many energy drinks.
How does the Super Coffee latte differ from other bottled coffees?
The Super Coffee latte maintains a balanced smoothness without being overly sweet or creamy, making it a lighter option compared to many bottled coffees.
