A strange synthetic blue drink which doesn't work for me. (Powerade Berry and Tropical Fruits)

Member Name: DaniG87

Product:	Powerade Berry and Tropical Fruits
Date:	29/10/09 (42 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Handy shaped bottle.

Disadvantages: Synthetic blue colour, watery taste

Powerade claims to be an isotonic sports drink and is manufactured by the Coca Cola company. The label says it has fast acting carbohydrates and electrolytes. Not being a scientist or sports person most of that is lost on me. Yet with the use of 'sports drink' in the label and the english rugby, football league and team GB olympics logos on the side of the bottle and the 'ade' in the name I assume its safe to conclude it's an energy drink.

The tropical berry version of Powerade comes in an obviously synthetic blue colour similar to that of those cheap bubblegum alcopops. As I do like to know what is in my drink I decided to have a look at the ingredients listed. I counted 4 E numbers, aspartame and phenylalanine.

Here's the scientific (ish) bits.

Phenylalanine is the non food version of Aspartame and is an artificial sweetener. By law all food containing this must have a label stating the fact as some people have genetic disorders called Phenylketonuria which means they are unable to metabolize (digest) Phenylalanine. Phenylalanine is also found naturally in the breast milk of mammals and as well as being used as an additive in food and drink it is sold in nutritional shops as a supplement because it is said to have analgesic and anti depressant qualities.

Ok enough of the science talk about the ingredients. Lets talk about the drink.

Unlike a lot of energy drinks Powerade is still, so it is similar to a cordial drink. A 500ml bottle contains 120 calories. Again unlike a lot of energy drinks such as Boost/Blast/Red Rooster this drink contains no caffeine and isn't pumped full of glucose. At least not according to the label.

The bottle dips in in the middle with ridges to help your grip I assume and then has one of those white caps you have to pull up with your teeth to get into.

The taste is kind of strange at first but after the second or third mouthful your palette gets used to it and the flavouring becomes pleasant, drinkable at least.

Personally I am not overly keen on the powerade drinks I find them a little too bland and watery for my liking and compared to some energy drinks I consume I don't feel particularly energised after drinking these.

Whilst they are slightly cheaper than other brands costing around 90p to a £1 I would much rather spend the extra 50p and get a drink that gives me the boost I need.

Summary: Over all I am not that impressed with the drink,it doesn't live up to my expectations