While the food industry has been quick to respond to consumer demands for more natural products, many alcohol brands have been slow to ditch the heavy reliance on sugar, sweeteners and other artificial ingredients. One brand that is helping to challenge the status quo and pioneer the shift to more natural cocktail options is SoCIAL LITE Vodka.
SoCIAL LITE Vodka is the only pre-mixed cocktail in North America that contains "no sugar, no sweetener and no artificial ingredients." In fact, each 355mL can is filled with nothing but premium Canadian vodka, sparkling water and 100% natural flavoring. The result is a refreshing, gluten-free cocktail that clocks in at a mere 80 calories per serving. All of this information is clearly stated on the product's nutritional label -- a practice which is largely uncommon in the alcohol industry.
Trend Hunter recently had a chance to speak to two of SoCIAL LITE Vodka's co-founders, Dan Beach and Neetu Godara, about how their company is filling a crucial gap in the marketplace. They explain how it was their own desire to make healthier choices that led them to create a cocktail that is completely free from sugar and artificial sweeteners. After countless kitchen experiments, the Whitby-based brand came up with an all-natural recipe that was an instant hit among Canadians. Since hitting the market, the brand has even expanded beyond its original Lime Ginger mix to include a citrusy Pineapple Mango flavor and a refreshing Lemon Cucumber Mint variety.
All-Natural Vodka Cocktails
Trend Hunter Talks to Dan Beach and Neetu Godara of SoCIAL LITE Vodka
Trend Themes
1. Natural Alcoholic Beverages - The rise of natural and healthier cocktails is disrupting the traditional alcohol industry and creating an opportunity for beverage brands to offer more nutritious options.
2. Transparency in Labeling - Increased transparency in product labeling, specifically with the use of nutritional information, is becoming more important to consumers and presents an opportunity for brands to be more forthright about their ingredients.
3. No-sugar and Artificial Sweetener-free Products - Products that are free of sugar and artificial sweeteners are a growing trend across all food and beverage categories, and companies that prioritize these ingredients have a chance to differentiate themselves in the market.
Industry Implications
1. Alcoholic Beverages - The alcohol industry has been traditionally slow to respond to consumer demands for healthier and more natural ingredients, but SoCIAL LITE Vodka is leading the way in creating a healthier cocktail experience.
2. Health Foods - The rise of natural and healthier alcoholic beverages presents an opportunity for health food brands to expand their offerings and cater to the growing consumer demand for nutritious and low-calorie options.
3. Product Labeling - As consumers become increasingly conscious of what they put in their bodies, there is a growing need for transparency in product labeling across all food and beverage categories, including alcohol.