Cheers to being cool! MetroMint is an unsweetened, zero-calorie water infused with the refreshing test of real mint. I came across the bottles of retro-print MetroMint at my local health food store and was intrigued. Yes, we've seen all sorts of flavoured waters, from liquid luxury to cucumber flavours, but never had I seen a mint flavour. My eyes darted from peppermint to spearmint. Which to try?
I snagged the neon green dotted silver cylinder marked "Spearmint Water" off the shelf, payed the $1.89 for the half liter, and scurried home. After filling a glass with ice I cracked open the tall skinny bottle.
Eau Wow!
Instantly my nostrils were filled with what I can only describe as the strong scent of spearmint gum. I poured the glass and brought it to my lips. It was bracing myself for intensity. I took a sip, swished it around and was pleasantly surprised at its soothingly mild flavour. In fact, once in my mouth, it didn't taste like anything other than natural water.
When I opened my mouth, however, I sensed it. The inside of my mouth, from gums to tongue was instantly refreshed by the cooling aftertaste. I can honestly say, I am a huge fan!
San Francisco based MetroMint "is an unsweetened beverage with real mint," the bottle reads. "Our mint comes from the Yakima Valley, considered the finest mint growing region in North America."
In addition to peppermint and spearmint, the company has recently launched lemon and orange mint flavours, and are hoping to include even more. They ask site goers for their input and even offer to send "free stuff" to those who share their MetroMint experience. My flavour suggestion? Raspberry Mint!
Eau So Cool
MetroMint Spearmint Drink
Trend Themes
1. Mint-infused Beverages - There is an increasing trend towards mint-infused beverages, particularly those that provide zero-calorie and unsweetened options that appeal to health-conscious consumers.
2. Natural Flavorings - The demand for natural flavorings such as citrus and mint is increasing, as consumers look for healthier alternatives to conventional sweeteners and artificial additives.
3. Interactive Marketing - MetroMint's interactive marketing strategy, which allows customers to suggest new flavors and products in exchange for rewards, is a successful model for engaging customers and collecting valuable feedback.
Industry Implications
1. Beverage Industry - The beverage industry has an opportunity to capitalize on the trend towards zero-calorie and unsweetened infused water options, particularly those that incorporate natural herbs and flavorings like mint.
2. Natural Flavors Industry - The natural flavors industry is poised for growth as demand for healthier flavoring options increases, particularly those that can be used in diverse products such as beverages, snacks, and condiments.
3. Marketing Industry - The marketing industry can explore interactive marketing strategies that incentivize consumer feedback and engagement, such as the MetroMint model, to build customer loyalty and collect valuable data for product development.