VitaminWater B-Relaxed Jackfruit-Guava with vitamins B and theanine
Coca Cola claims that vitamins B and theanine help fight stress. The CSPI says there is no evidence that the vitamins in this water have a calming effect. Theanine can reduce blood pressure but doesn't have an effect on mood, according to studies in the Journal of Psychopharmacology. Additionally, this drink contains no jackfruit or guava, just flavors.

Dasani Plus Defend + Protect with zinc and vitamin E
Vitamin E typically only boosts immunity in large quantities in people who have a deficiency. There is evidence that zinc lozenges may shorten the duration colds, but there is no evidence to suggest that drinking zinc in water has an effect on cold duration.

Sobe Life Water Challenge Your Life with taurine and ginseng
This beverage's label doesn't say how much taurine and ginseng is in the bottle. Newsweek asked Sobe about the quantities to which they replied, "We allow customers to decide what 'challenge' means to them."

Aquafina Alive Satisfy with maltodextrin
Maltodextrin is a fiber, but not a soluble fiber, so it may do nothing to keep you regular, if that is your goal.

A Healthy Drink? Try Plain Water [Newsweek]

According to Forbes, wine is a needed refuge from the relentless Grocery Shrink Ray. Rather than raise prices or shrink offerings, wineries are managing the tumbling economy and suicidal dollar by tightening their own belts. Here are ten of Forbes' picks:

BORDEAUX-STYLE REDS

Château Haut-Guiraud 2005, Côtes de Bourg | $15

The lesser-known, "satellite" appellations of Bordeaux are chock-full of bargains from the stellar-but-pricey 2005 vintage. A flat-out steal, this Merlot-based wine, with its refined, ripe tannins, has the perfectly tuned balance of a grander Bordeaux with a more immediately accessible charm. (Alain Junguenet Selections)

MEDIUM-RICH REDS

Can Blau 2006, Montsant | $18

I buy this wine every year and feel a bit bereft when my last bottle's empty. From the other side of the mountains from Spain's famed Priorat—and sharing many of the same soils and conditions—this blend of Mazuelo (Carignan), Syrah and Garnacha (Grenache) lofts an intricate aroma something like…let me take a stab at it: spiced wild berries cooked into a pastry with vanilla icing. Ah, heck, just give it a spin. (Jorge Ordoñez Selections)

Villa Maria 2006 Pinot Noir, "Private Bin," Marlborough | $20

It's hard to find truly Pinot-y Pinot at this price, and Villa Maria is a reliable name to keep in mind. A warm '06 harvest in New Zealand goosed up the richness in this soft, easy-drinking red and heightened its aroma of freshly crushed cherries. (Vineyard Brands)

JUICY, FULLER-BODIED REDS

D'Arenberg 2004 Shiraz, "The Footbolt," McLaren Vale | $19

Chester Osborn's labor-intensive, old-school winemaking (foot-stomped grapes, basket press)—plus d'Arenberg's excellent vineyards—yields some of Australia's most succulently layered Shiraz/Syrahs, including this perfumed beauty that evolves surprising depths in the glass. Named for a racehorse whose early-20th-century winning streak was a foundation of the Osborn family fortunes. (Old Bridge Cellars)

ROSES

Château d'Esclans 2006 "Whispering Angel," Côtes de Provence | $22

The new South of France venture of Sacha—son of American wine great Alexis—Lichine produces the world's most expensive (by a long shot) rosés. This pup of the litter, crafted by former Mouton Rothschild winemaker Patrick Leon, is pale pink but surprisingly hearty, with a dry, firm, minerally brightness. The toast of the Côte d'Azur yachting set, I'm told. (Château d'Esclans)

CRISP WHITES

Txomin Etxaniz 2006 Guetaria | $25

These white Txokolina wines (that's "choko-leena") are summertime Basque seafood staples. Pouring from a foot or so height brings up the wine's light fizziness; the lean, clean palate-awakening acidity does the rest. (Tempranillo Imports)

MEDIUM-BODIED WHITES

St. Supery 2007 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley | $21

Fans of this popular wine get another juicy gem from winemaker Michael Beaulac. An un-Chardonnay with true varietal pineapple/grapefruit notes mingled with menthol-y herbs in a concentrated white that cuts a pleasingly lean profile.

FULL-BODIED WHITES

L'Ecole No. 41 2006 Semillon, Columbia Valley | $16

From one of Walla Walla's pioneers and a Washington favorite for many years, the '06 is a custardy, melony mouthful (but dry) that is a roast-chicken-enlivening wine par excellence.

BUBBLES

Mionetto (nonvintage) Prosecco Brut | $13

Like a warm-weather picnic in a bottle. This lightly sparkling Italian wine has a penetrating, intense character, with notes of apple, lemon and anise. Among other things, the perfect base for a mimosa or Bellini. (Mionetto)

OTHER

Warre's (nonvintage) White Porto | $13

Lusciously, palate-coatingly rich and exotic, white port on the rocks is an addictive warm-weather aperitif. Warre's version nails it, wafting a complex spice of licorice, walnut and candied apricots. Spritz at will. (Vineyard Brands)

Check out Forbes' article for all 25 recommendations.

25 Under $25 [Forbes]
RELATED: 10 Tips For Summer Wine Drinking
(Photo: anomalous4)

Basically, what we learned from the video is that this stuff might be ok if you're drunk which could probably be said for a great number of things. We are anxious to see how Pepsi will torture Japan's taste-buds next year.

Pepsi Blue Hawaii [HikanNinja]

New fee at US Airways: $2 soda [Philadelphia Inquirer]
(Photo: John Kit )

5. Tharra
This spirit native to India boasts a 90% alcohol content and is made by fermenting the mash of sugar cane pulp in ceramic containers. One unfortunate characteristic of the stuff is if you let it sit long enough it turns toxic. Tharra kills hundreds of people per year.

4. Russian Aftershave
Many poor Russians have turned to "surrogate" alcohol, which is basically any product with a high alcohol content. Russian aftershaves are a popular item since some have a 97% alcohol content.

3. Thunderbird
It is a "fortified wine" and typically contains 17.5% alcohol. Thunderbird was introduced by Ernest and Julio Gallo Winery after the end of prohibition. It was marketed to low income drinkers in America. Their radio ads featured these lyrics: "What's the word / Thunderbird / How's it sold? / Good and cold / What's the jive? / Bird's alive / What's the price? / Thirty twice." Despite its yellow color, Thunderbird turns your lips and tongue black when consumed in large quantities.

2. Pruno
Pruno is a famous jailhouse drink which is typically made from different available fruits, sugar, ketchup and bread for its yeast. Basically the ingredients are put into a Ziploc bag, heated occasionally, strained and served. It is legendary for its foul taste.

1. Changaa
Changaa is an illegal drink which is popular in Kenya. It is a libation made from distilled grains such as maize and sorghum. Changaa is usually controlled by the criminal gangs who often spike batches with jet fuel, battery acid or formalin. Obviously, this stuff kills many people every year.

Nectar of the Broke: The World's 5 Worst Ways To Get Drunk [Cracked]

5. Worst "Healthy" Drink
Glaceau VitaminWater (any flavor 20oz bottle)
130 calories, 33 grams of sugar.
Vitamins and water might seem like a good idea but what they don't advertise is that this water contains nearly as much calories and sugar as a can of soda. It should be no surprise that this stuff is made by The Coca-Cola Company.

4. Worst Juice Imposter
Arizona Kiwi Strawberry (23.5 oz can)
360 calories, 84 grams of sugar.
These bottles which are just 5 percent juice cost 99 cents which makes them one of the cheapest source of empty calories in the country.

3. Worst Smoothie
Jamba Juice Peanut Butter Moo'd Power Smoothie (30 oz)
169 grams of sugar, 30 grams of fat
Whether you call it a smoothie or a milk shake, it has more sugar than a bag of chocolate chips.

2. Worst Summer Cocktail
Pina Colada
625 calories, 75 grams of sugar
Because of the super sweet pineapple juice and fatty coconut milk, the only wise thing to consume here may be the garnish. Try a lime daiquiri or mojito instead and save 400 calories.

1. The Unhealthiest Drink In America
Baskin Robbin's Large Heath Bar Shake (32. oz)
2,310 calories, 266 grams of sugar, 108 grams of fat
73 ingredients go into this milk shake.
66 teaspoons of sugar.
11 Heath bars equal the calories in this shake
8-12 minutes to consume this drink.
240 minutes on a treadmill running at a moderate pace to burn it off.

America's Unhealthiest Drinks Exposed [Men's Health] (Thanks to Robert!)
(Photo: Getty)

When asked by Curry's defense attorney how he recognized Curry from 11 months ago, Smith said it was her glasses and her voice.

Curry later testified that she doesn't wear glasses and produced a driver's license as evidence.

Upset because she felt targeted, Curry said she began to raise her voice as Smith raised his.

Curry said when the other employee placed the drink on the counter, she grasped it, then let go when Smith grabbed it and tried to pull it toward him. He spilled the drink on himself, she said, when she let go of the cup.

"I was very much upset," she said. "He accused me of going to a store in Jantzen Beach and in his words running a scam. I was offended. . . . I don't need to steal for or scam for a $4.20 drink."

Smith called 911 after the incident, claiming that "a customer [just] assaulted me with a hot drink." We'd like to think that Curry would be entitled to a freebie if her iced tea was served scalding hot.

Starbucks' corporate office essentially sided with Curry, saying: "Providing great customer service is part of (the company's) commitment and if a drink isn't perfect, we want customers to let us know and we'll make it right."

Dispute over spilled Starbucks mocha ends up in Portland court [The Oregonian]
(Photo: ka3vo)

From the WSJ:

Sold in corner groceries, vending machines and other outlets since the early 1990s, soft drinks in 20-ounce plastic bottles revitalized U.S. sales for Coca-Cola and PepsiCo Inc. by getting Americans to drink larger servings. Because they are often sold at prices similar to a two-liter bottle, they have also been highly profitable for the companies' bottlers.

Now, health concerns, aging baby boomers' waning thirst for giant-size sodas and the softening economy are taking the fizz out of the 20-ounce bottle. While U.S. soda sales in major retail channels overall declined 3.5% in the first quarter, convenience-store sales dropped 4.2%, according to Beverage Digest, an industry publication. The 20-ounce bottle accounts for most convenience-store soda sales.

To win back sales, several Coca-Cola and Pepsi bottlers are conducting pilot tests on a variety of bottle sizes they hope will appeal to consumers put off by the 20-ounce bottle or looking for a cheaper option to cushion the blow of high food and energy prices.

Why have you stopped buying 20 oz Cokes? The WSJ says that Pepsi is testing a 16 oz model. Will you buy that?

20-oz Sales Lose Fizz [WSJ]
(Photo: Ben Popken )

It turns out, no one could really tell one vodka from the other—there was one successful pick, but it wasn't repeatable. (Probably because the subjects were all half-drunk by that point.)

The other conclusion I drew was that when it comes to mixing vodka with fruit juice, or unpurified ice, you might as well as save your money and keep a bottle of Popov around. After mixing with fruit juice, muddled mint, simple syrup, or tap-water ice, the slight subtleties of the vodka in these concoctions go out the window faster than the promise of a contractor who says he'll come to your house every day to work until the job is done.

Oddly, there's a related slideshow of various vodka brands with "tasting notes" that seem to imply that every vodka is a unique and beautiful creation. Hmm, looks like we'll have to try our own blind taste test.

"World's Best Vodka? It's Anybody's Guess" [BusinessWeek]
"The Best Vodkas" (slideshow) [BusinessWeek]
(Photo: Getty)

Yesterday, McDonald’s was giving away free southern-style chicken sandwiches if you purchased a medium or large drink. I went down to the location in my office building, where there were three lines. It was busy, but nowhere near riot status.

As I stood in line, I repeatedly heard the employees telling customers that purchasing a “Sweet Tea” didn’t count for the free sandwich. Some left, some rolled their eyes and ordered a “drink” instead, but all of them were pretty peeved about it.

As it happens, someone in the line ahead of me worked for the ad agency that McDonald’s uses and said she WROTE THE AD COPY. She asked to talk to the manager, because she said that Sweet Tea was part of the promotion.

They made her wait. By the time I had ordered and was waiting for my food, two managers came out from the back looking decidedly hostile. When the ad exec tried to explain the ad to them, they immediately cut her off and shouted “No, No, No” and pretty much told her to get lost.

My curiosity was piqued, so I called McDonald’s customer service hotline to find out who was right. Guess what? The managers were completely wrong. The CSR told me “you could buy a milk chug and get a free sandwich. Any drink!” She offered me free coupons for more chicken sandwiches, but I declined because I didn’t want to give my name and address, especially since I wasn’t directly involved.

So, BOO to the local franchise managers, but way to go Customer Service Rep.

Sincerely,

Thunderpants

Nice investigative reporting, Thunderpants. It's good to know that ad agency people are forces for justice, trying to keep McDonald's honest, but it's too bad they didn't listen to her.

(Photo: Paxton Holley )

Carolyn writes:

I walked into the Dunkin' Donuts and there were three people ahead of me in line. The first two were two girls, who were together. One asked for a free iced coffee, and the guy behind the counter asked her for ID.

She asked why he needed it, and he responded that she had to be over 18 to receive the free coffee. She asked if he was serious, and said she didn't have any ID.

At that point, those of us behind her in line started saying that we'd never heard of that rule, and I said that I'm a high school teacher and many of my 14-year-old students today had gotten free iced coffee.

He replied that he didn't make the rules, and the girls left.

The woman ahead of me and I then pulled out our IDs to get our coffee, but he said he didn't need to see them, it was just that those girls looked so young to him.

How odd! Let's look at Dunkin' Donuts Brand Marketing Officer Frances Allen's description of free iced coffee day:

We look forward to treating everyone to a free cup of our delicious, freshly brewed iced coffee on May 15.

Not everyone who look over 18. Not everyone with ID. Everyone!

We called the Dunkin' Donuts on 2nd Avenue and said that we were 17 and in need of free iced coffee. They told us to get lost, adults only. For the hell of it, we called two more Dunkin' Donuts' down the block. Neither is carding customers, and one told us to "bring the kids."

According to the corporate office, free iced coffee day is for everyone. They're trying to track down the franchisee to work out a solution. Another free iced coffee day seems in order. Kids only.

(Photo: cheesebikini)

"Official Dr Pepper Press Release" [Blogspot]

A-B issued a statement:

"Anheuser-Busch is, of course, cooperating with the subpoenas," the company said. "But it is important to realize that the AGs are investigating products whose formulation and labeling already have been approved by the federal authorities, as well as by those states that require state liquor authority approval."

"We responsibly market our products to legal drinking age consumers consistent with industry marketing codes and applicable laws and regulations," the Milwaukee-based company, a unit of SABMiller PLC, said.

"If the Attorneys General truly believe that, despite the state and federal regulatory approvals, alcohol and caffeine should not be mixed, then they should use their powers to persuade these authorities to regulate or ban all such beverages, not just the lower-alcohol, prepackaged ones," the statement said.

We didn't get the impression that the AGs thought people shouldn't mix caffeine and alcohol, just that maybe the drinks shouldn't be marketed to kids (if indeed they actually are.)

The first time someone handed us a "Sparks" or whatever, we seriously thought it was soda from ALDI or something.

States probe marketing of energy drinks [BusinessWeek]
(Photo:Mister Brentus)

To look in more detail, the team carried out a 12-year study of 46,000 men aged 40 years and over with no history of gout, asking them regular questionnaires about their diet.

Over the period, 755 newly diagnosed cases of gout were reported.

The risk of developing the condition was significantly increased with an intake level of five to six servings of sugary soft drink per week.

This link was independent of other risk factors for gout such as body mass index, age, high blood pressure and alcohol intake.

Diet soft drinks did not increase the risk of gout but fruit juice and fructose rich fruits (apples and oranges) were associated with a higher risk, the researchers said.

"Gout surge blamed on sweet drinks" [BBC News]
(Photo: Getty)

After she rang up the amount, I then presented her the coupon (which I didn't reveal beforehand). She laughed, comped the entire drink, and I left.

At first taste, it tasted just like a shot. The 13 shots in it were just too strong. However, when I got home, I mixed it more with a spoon and it became drinkable (even enjoyable to my girlfriend). It was very sweet and I'm still shaking a bit. I didn't attempt to drink the entire thing since I'd like to sleep tonight....

UPDATE: We put it in the freezer and it's delicious frozen!

The Most Expensive Drink at Starbucks [An Error Occurred While Processing This Directive]

"Taking real-life Brawndo for a test drive" [CalorieLab]

The study doesn't point the finger directly at caffeine and taurine—they're just saying the drinks in their entirety seem likely to raise blood pressure. And the American Beverage Association Industry disagrees with the whole concept, releasing the following statement in response:

While the amount of caffeine in energy drinks or coffee may cause a slight and temporary increase in blood pressure, it would have no greater effect than walking up a flight of steps.

The researchers didn't reveal which energy drink they used in the study, but they pointed out that all of the drinks use pretty much the same basic ingredients. "By giving the brand, it would dilute the message that all of these drinks need to be looked at." We just picked Red Bull because that's the one slogan we actually know.

"Energy drinks jolt blood pressure, study finds" [Reuters]
(Photo: Red Bull and Getty)

Concerned that developing countries will start drinking as much soda as we fatties here in the States (a legitimate worry, we must admit,) they're asking governments around the world to require soda companies to change the way they do business. They want more low-sugar alternatives to soda, smaller portion sizes of existing high-sugar sodas, prominent display of calorie information, and warning labels that warn consumers to drink water to quench thirst.

In addition, they're asking that soda companies "stop promoting and selling sweetened beverages, including sports drinks and fruit flavored beverages and teas, in all public and private elementary, middle, and high schools" and to instead sell fruit juice (in container sizes of 250 ml or less.)

These sorts of campaigns always remind us of something we noticed way back when we were in school. When kids were asked how to stop other kids from smoking, the first thing our classmates always said was, "Advertise against it," but when the instructor asked the class if they were influenced by advertising they always said no. Either the kids were lying or they knew that cheesy "don't smoke" ads and warning labels didn't work and wouldn't keep them away from the forbidden pleasure of smoking themselves to death. Probably both.

Personally, we drank too much Coke in high school because they hid the coffee machine in the teacher's lounge. Damning teenagers to high school without caffeine is cruel and unusual punishment, even if the alternative is to be fat with rotten teeth.

In our elementary school, however, soft drinks were not allowed and we didn't consider it much of a hardship at the time. On the other hand, death would surely have come to anyone attempting to pry the "Ecto Cooler" juice box from our tiny fingers.

Do you think soft drinks should be banned from schools?

The Global Dump Soda Campaign
(Photo:chickee510)

Supposedly, a new distribution deal with Coca-Cola combined with a cute advertising campaign featuring people getting smacked on the forehead for not drinking V8 has sent "sales soaring."

Weird. We seriously thought we were the only person on earth who drank V8. No one else we know likes it. We've actually been made fun of for drinking it.

Oh well. V8 is being marketed as a healthier alternative to sodas and even orange juice, because it has less sugar and calories than those drinks. What it does have, however, is lots of sodium: 480mg-710mg per 8 oz, depending on the flavor.

It's also being touted as a veggie substitute, which it really isn't, unless you're one of those people who think of french fries and ketchup as a "vegetable." Then by all means, drink more V8. Buy a case. We recommend the spicy one.

A veggie tale: Why are Campbell's V8 juices suddenly selling? [Newsday]

Some examples, emphasis ours:

Labels for Fuze Vitalize blackberry grape claim that its Vitamin A "helps reinforce resistance to colds, influenza & infections of the kidneys, bladder and lungs."

Fuze Oolong Tea claims that "regular consumption of Polyphenols are associated with reduced risk of developing cardiovascular disease and certain cancers."

The vitamin B3 in the four flavors of Fuze Refresh is "known to improve circulation and reduce the cholesterol level in the blood," according to the Fuze web site. None of those claims have been approved by the FDA.

"Fuze drinks won't do anything for your kidneys, your lungs, or your heart; nor will they lower your cholesterol or prevent you from catching a cold," says CSPI senior nutritionist David Schardt.

It must prevent cancer if Jessica Simpson thinks it does. Ahem.

In addition to urging the FDA to crack down on Fuze, CSPI is also suing Coca-cola over another product— the truly bogus "Enviga" calorie burning drink.

Coca-Cola's Fuze Beverage Makes False Claims of Reducing Risk of Cancer, Heart Disease, Flu, Kidney Infection, More [CSPI]
(Photo:DrinkFuze)

Apparently, the drink is stored in special custom vending machine that keeps it at a certain temperature. When the drink is opened, some sort of "mechanism" inside causes the drink to form ice out of the Sprite inside. We do not understand this, but if its successful, expect to see Coke and Diet Coke as well.

Coke plots 'Sprite with ice' with help of new technology [Marketingweek via Buzzfeed]
(Photo:Abandoned In Place)

Researchers gave 150 three-year-olds and about 150 eight and nine-year-olds drinks that contained "either a mixture with sodium benzoate, a preservative, and several food colorings, or drinks that looked and tasted the same but contained none of the additives," according to the WSJ Health Blog.

The results of the study showed that the children who ingested the sodium benzoate and food coloring were more likely to suffer from hyperactivity and attention deficit problems.

Britian's Food Standards Agency funded the study and is now suggesting parents try eliminating food coloring and sodium benzoate from the diets of hyperactive children to see if that improves their condition.

Do people usually let three-year-olds drink Coke? We're so out of touch.

Food Additives May Make Kids More Hyper [WSJ Health Blog]
(Photo:NYCviaRachel)

1. I take my own sodas and bottled waters in a small cooler.
2. I purchase tees, gloves, and balls online. If you wait until you are at the clubhouse to buy supplies, you'll pay two or three times the price for the same items.
3. I take my own snacks. For each round, I pack a 'power bar' and a piece or two of fruit. I skip the clubhouse restaurant and simply enjoy my snacks.
4. I never play for money.
5. I try to play after 4:00 PM when most courses give a twilight discount. One local course has a 50% discount for rounds after 4:00 PM.

Frugality On The Golf Course... Really? Are You Sure? [No Credit Needed]

The "Hugo"? What the heck is a Hugo?

The Hugo is McDonald's new drink size, available only in certain markets, the Hugo is 42 oz and when filled with regular soda weighs in at an impressive 410 calories.

It's priced as low as $0.89. A hell of a deal! But who needs that much soda? From the NYT:

"People, I believe, tend to drink more during the summer," said Danya Proud, a McDonald's spokeswoman. "People are out and about."

She said the Hugo was being offered because of customer demand, and so far, it has sold quite well. Ms. Proud cautioned about comparing the Hugo to McDonald's old Supersize menu.

"That's not what this is about," she said. "You have to put it in context with the rest of our menu."

Did McDonald's Give In to Temptation? [NYT]
(Photo:Noah Berger/NYT)

Adam writes:

So I purchased a Mountain Dew out of my office's Pepsi Co. stocked vending machine, and I noticed that the date had expired. I thought nothing of it, so I slammed the Dew and it tasted only slightly flat. I couple weeks later, I purchased a second bottle of Dewey goodness, and this bottle date had already passed as well. So I called Pepsi Co. told them the situation, the woman on the phone was very pleasant and apologetic, and she said that she'd send me out a replacement right away. Less than a week later, (before I even had time to recycle the previous bottle) I received a coupon for one free 6 or 8 pack of any can or bottle product from Pepsi. I was amazed at their turn-around time. Good job Pepsi, thanks for the fresh Dew!

-Adam

Mr. Ivey, the owner of Redux, the drink's manufacturer, sparked controversy with the drink's blatant drug name and coy references on the labelling and website like, "Speed in a Can," "Liquid Cocaine", "Cocaine — Instant Rush.", and "The legal alternative."

Ivey certainly has a way with words:

"Of course, we intended for Cocaine energy drink to be a legal alternative the same way that celibacy is an alternative to premarital sex," Mr. Ivey said.

"We like to think we have a great sense of humor," he said. "And our market, primarily folks from ages 20 to 30, they love the ideas, they love the name, they love the whole campaign. These are not drug users."

How about a energy drink called "Heroin." You get a ground-up sugar mixture in a baggie, a spoon, a lighter, a needle, and a belt. Pour the mix in the spoon and light it under the spoon, then suck it up with the needle. Tie your arm off and inject the energy mix in your vein. The best part is, you can eat all of the kit when you're done, it's made out of candy! — BEN POPKEN

Energy Drink Is Withdrawn Over Concerns About Name [NYT]

Currently called Luma , the nutraceutical drink was trademarked as a tea-based ready-to-drink beverage by Coca-Cola's Beverage Partners Worldwide division. The drink, which is still in the early stages of development, is expected to contain ingredients that will help women care for their skin, per a source.
...
Luma is expected to target active, influential, image-conscious women over the age of 25 who embrace health and wellness. Coke is interested in marketing and distributing Luma like a beauty brand instead of a soft drink. Early plans call for distribution in Saks Fifth Avenue (instead of Coke's usual venues, like 7-Eleven).

Coke And L'Oreal Partner On New Health Beverage [BrandWeek]
(Photo: Welvis Tarn)

Five minutes later, our waitress returns. The drink doesn't have ice. But it's literally half full. That's correct. They took out the ice but didn't full up the glass. And there was so much ice that I now have about half a glass of juice. For $3.95.

I asked where the rest of the juice was and she said they only left in as much as there would be with ice. I was so shocked I didn't know what to say and she left. This was now an intense topic of conversation at our table. Did the waitress hate me? Was this some insane directive from Bubba Gump headquarters? Whatever it was, it feels actively hostile for a waitress to bring you a drink you ordered half full and tell you that's all you're getting.

So when she came back, I told her, as politely as I could, that I wasn't going to pay $3.95 for half a glass of juice. She then informed that she wished she could fill it up, but it's against their policy to give more than there would be with ice. First she said it was because the liquor costs so much. We told her there is no liquor in a mango spritzer, but she refused to budge. Eventually, she agreed to take the drink away and take it off my bill, because on principle I'm just not paying $4 for half a fucking glass of juice.

But the insanity's not over. Oh no. Then she brings our food, as I'm happily drinking water. And she says "What can I bring you to drink to set things right?"

Before I could think about how insane this was, I blurted out "Can I have the drink I ordered?" But I could see on her face that this was a no-go. She'd rather bring me another drink... FOR FREE... then give me the drink I ordered... FOR $4. Rather than discuss this insanity, I ordered lemonade and moved on with my life.

QUESTIONS FOR THE BUBBA GUMP CORPORATION [Ben's Blog]
(Photo: Emil Erlandsson)

While the soda business remains a $68 billion industry in the United States, consumers are increasingly reaching for bottled water, sparkling juices and green tea drinks. In 2005, the amount of soda sold in this country dropped for the first time in recent history. Even the diet soda business has slowed.

Soon Coke will be debuting Diet Coke Plus, and Pepsi will release a disgusting-sounding substance called "Tava". Both will contain artificial sweeteners and will be fortified with vitamins. Too bad everyone knows Diet Coke isn't "healthy." Will adding vitamins convince you otherwise? —MEGHANN MARCO

Makers of Sodas Try a New Pitch: They're Healthy [NYT]

McDonalds to add drinks [Buffalo News]
(Photo: medalian1)

(Thanks to Mitchell!)

Let's see, "someone" paid for the study, funded by Nestle, to appear in Obesity (undoubtedly to legitimize their claims by having publication in a scientific journal). Awesome.

Looks like we have no clue what we're talking about. Readers are chiming in to say paying for pages is pretty standard practice.

Castlecraver says:

Page charges are more the rule than the exception nowadays. You'll find the same disclaimer under articles in most renowned medical and research journals. Although I disagree with the claims in the article, the disclaimer in no way indicates someone paid for it to be published in the way you're implying....By submitting an article to a journal, you often have to agree to the charges pending acceptance of your manuscript.

Back a truckload of that into our mouth. If drinking a can of it as good as walking up a flight of stairs, as Coke's director of nutrition and health policy contended, 18-wheels of it should be as good as running the Boston Marathon.

Snapple, owned by Nestle Cadbury Schweppes, is also rolling out a new green tea line touting their EGCG benefits. Interesting how this ad for it also focuses climbing up a flight of stairs. These guys are really hooked on the climbing stairs equals calories burning connection. — BEN POPKEN

Related: 18 USC Section 1734
Previously: Enviga posts.

...provides evidence that consumption of a beverage containing green tea catechins, caffeine, and calcium increases 24-hour EE by 4.6%, but the contribution of the individual ingredients cannot be distinguished. Although this increase is modest, the results are discussed in relation to proposed public health goals, indicating that such modifications are sufficient to prevent weight gain. When consumed regularly as part of a healthy diet and exercise regime, such a beverage may provide benefits for weight control.

We're no scientists but this sounds like the same marketing speak that makes eating only Special K an effective diet strategy.

The best way to lose weight is to eat less, and exercise more, but that philosophy is much harder to package and sell than a consumable substance.

Full scans inside...

— BEN POPKEN

Download the study. [PDF]

Previously:
Enviga's Own Study Undermines Calorie Burning Claims
Coke & Nestle Sued Over Enviga's Bogus Calorie Burning Claims
Shocker: Enviga Doesn't Actually Burn Calories

You can politely refuse... or watch these videos and maybe learn enough so that you can actually mess up their proposition bet and win free drinks yourself. — BEN POPKEN

Top 5 ways to hustle free drinks [Wise Bread]

Obviously, this woman isn't familiar with Kraft's standards for guacamole. Incidentally, this lawsuit should be about the fact that those straws do not puncture the little foil dot. Grrrr! We hate that foil dot.—MEGHANN MARCO

Kraft is Sued for Falsely Calling Capri Sun Drink "All Natural" [CSPI] (Thanks, Mitchell)
Read The Lawsuit! (PDF) [CSPI]

A soft drink that actually burns calories is like a burrito that makes your flatulence smell like bakery fresh cinnamon rolls: the holy grail of science. Every reasonable man is skeptical that it can be done; nevertheless, we fat-asses keep hoping.

Still, there's a good reason to believe that Coke's new Enviga drink, advertised as "The Calorie Burner," is a total scam, and Mouseprint has finely combed the small print to showcase the absurdity.

For one thing, the study that 'proved' that Enviga burned calories was only 32 people of normal weight. No one actually burned any fat, even when they were on placebos, but heck... "energy expenditure" was higher for Enviga drinkers. Whatever the hell that means.

Coke, of course, officially denies their drink burns calories, wandering around the wording of their fine print with a weasel-like slither. Heck, we're only marketing it as 'The Calorie Burner.' It's not like we're saying it burns calories or something!

Enviga from Coke: Burns More Calories Than it Contains* [Mouseprint]

"Place ice cube in palm of hand. With the other hand vibrate the Tap-Icer with wrist action. After a few light taps the ice cracks into many pieces. The special spring action does the trick. Vibrate about two to three inches above the flat surface of the ice... don't pound."

We didn't read the instructions till afterwards. Anyone still use these?

But according to this article over at USA Today, my own anal-retentive pretentiousness is chargeable by up to a buck. There is a mounting tendency amongst bartenders, restaurants and airlines to charge an extra dollar for drinks without ice, because "there's more liquor in it."

Which is, of course, bullshit. Bartenders have largely become so pedantic about sloshing liquor into your glass that they have precise measuring cups behind the counter. If it's an issue of the aesthetics of 'filling' the glass, you simply keep smaller glasses behind the counter. What's most absurd is they are charging the $1 no-ice surcharge against drinks that aren't even supposed to have ice in them, like martinis (and, I'd argue to the bloody death, scotch!)

I like Patricia Dailey, editor in chief of Restaurants & Institutions: "A drink's a drink. Control your glass size."

The $1 'straight up' charge has drinkers all stirred up (Thanks, Upgrade Travel!)