Good-For-You Soda

This bubbly beverage line is infused with beneficial vitamins, minerals and amino acids and botanicals.

By
Joanna Cosgrove
Online Editor

Over the years, soda has earned itself somewhat of a bad rap. Sure, it’s refreshing and it tastes great, but it’s been blamed for everything from rotted teeth to obesity. Joe Heron, who was once a part of Novartis Nutrition, set out to change the image of soda – or at least make it healthier and more functional – when he founded Minneapolis, MN-based Ardea Beverage Company. As a global traveler, Mr. Heron understood the plight of the frequent flier and their vulnerability to colds and flu. Marshaling his knowledge of nutrients, he created a soda that not only provided refreshment, but also relief to the beleaguered air traveler. Thus, Nutrisoda was born.

The company launched its Nutrisoda line in 2004 with Immune Nutrisoda, which contains 2000 milligrams of L-arginine to help bolster the immune system. Immune was soon followed by seven additional effervescent beverages - Radiant, Calm, Focus, Flex, Energize and Slender - each combining natural fruit flavors, key vitamins, minerals and amino acids, natural colors and water filtered four times for extra purity.

The eighth and most recent addition to the Nutrisoda lineup is Renew, a sparkling blend of watermelon and blueberry flavors containing a full gram of dietary soluble fiber to promote healthy digestion.

Syncing Function with Flavor

America is well acquainted with cola flavored carbonated beverages. And in keeping with the nation’s healthier penchants, beverage marketers have plumbed the realm of fruit flavored sodas as well. But Nutrisoda has taken great pains to pair certain flavors with each drink’s specific nutraceutical function.

“We select flavors based on consumer preference and endless rounds of taste testing at our R&D lab and in our ‘hangar’ at Ardea Headquarters in Minneapolis,” said Maile Buker, vice president of marketing and strategy. “We use complex multi-dimensional flavors that work in tandem with a very dense base of nutrients, to give us the taste we currently have and that we are known for!”

The company employs several botanicals in its formulations, including ginseng, guarana, green tea and chamomile extracts. “One botanical that we use in our formulations is ashwaganda, which the functional ingredient Essentra is derived from,” she said. “Essentra is a key nutrient in Calm Nutrisoda, helping the body naturally cope with stress, promotes relaxation while increasing energy with no stimulant effect. Ashwaganda root and extracts have been consumed for over 3000 years. In fact, it is considered to be one of the most potent tonics in Ayurvedic and Tibetan medicine.


Although Ms. Buker said she wasn’t aware of any “off tastes” associated with Essentra, she was well aware of the bitter-salty taste of amino acids, which the beverages make copious use of. “We go to considerable lengths to create just the right blend of natural fruit flavors to mask the taste of the amino acids,” she said. “Formulating Nutrisoda is definitely an art and craft that we work hard at perfecting! It’s why we call ourselves the Good Soda! We not only taste good, but we’re good for you!

In addition to emphasizing the healthy difference between Nutrisoda and standard carbonated beverages, Ardea has made a concerted effort to convey how its beverage is suitable for diabetics.

“Our delicious, nutrient-enhanced sodas are great for people who love natural fruit flavors but need to steer clear of beverages that spike their blood glucose levels,” commented Ms. Buker, who noted that the beverages are sweetened with sucralose. “Because Nutrisodas have zero sugar, zero aspartame and zero to few calories, they help people with diabetes lead active, healthy lives. Not only does Nutrisoda have nutrients that may help balance blood glucose levels, they improve insulin sensitivity, aid in tissue healing and reduce oxidative inflammation.”

Looking forward, Ms. Buker said Ardea is prepping to launch its ninth Nutrisoda in September. It will be formulated with lutein to address eye health. “There are currently 28 million Americans who have eye disease, which is expected to grow to 43 million in the year 2020,” she said. “Vision Nutrisoda will be offered in sparkling Kiwi and Clementine, and will contain 17 different nutrients [including] lutein … an antioxidant that may help reverse symptoms of macular degeneration.”

Nutrisoda has traditionally been packaged in sleek, attractive 8.4 oz. cans. Come May, five flavors will be transitioned into elegant, single-serve 12 oz. bottles to better suit convenience stores, on-premise accounts and grocery store coolers.