7UP Plus packs a nice fruit punch
What it is: The latest entry into the (un)cola wars might seem at first glance to be yet another way for soda manufacturers to jump on the low-carb bandwagon. Like the newest offerings from Coca-Cola (C2) and Pepsi (Pepsi Edge), 7UP Plus has fewer calories and carbohydrates than its regular incarnation, though more than the carb-free, calorie-free diet version. But what sets 7UP Plus apart are a few things not regularly found in carbonated soft drinks: fruit juice, calcium and vitamin C. Oh, yeah and it’s pink.
What it’s all about: Think of this as a kinder, gentler soda. Made with 5.percent apple juice and boasting a not-insignificant 15 percent of the recommended daily allowance of calcium and vitamin C, berry-flavored 7UP Plus is a (slightly) healthier way to indulge in a bubbly, pop-tastic treat. Like 7UP’s regular and diet varieties, it contains no caffeine or artificial colors or flavors (the pink hue and “mixed berry” taste come from unnamed natural fruit and vegetable juices). Unlike its elder brethren, it’s sweetened with Splenda (a no-calorie, sugar-based sweetener) rather than high fructose corn syrup or aspartame. And, most notable to those of us who have jumped on the diet-drink bandwagon, there are just a scant 10 calories (and 3 grams of carbs) in each 12 ounce can.
Why we like it: I’ll admit it, nutritionally speaking, I’m a wreck. I grew up on a diet of Oscar Mayer hot dogs and Little Debbie snack cakes, and to this day, it’s hard for me to turn down a bologna and American cheese sandwich on white bread. While I am trying to behave more responsibly – more whole grains, fewer Ho Hos – my nutritional makeover is occurring in baby steps.
And as much as I try to coerce myself to drink the recommended eight glasses of water each day, I’m not yet willing to give up the fizzy, flavored beverages that I have grown to love.
As far as 7UP Plus goes, there’s a lot to like. If I’m going to be drinking carbonated drinks anyway, they might as well be low in calories and offer at least a modest nutritional boost. (While it’s a given that 7UP Plus is not exactly a multivitamin in a can, it is worth noting that it offers as much calcium – and more vitamin C – as a 6 ounce cup of Dannon strawberry yogurt.)
As far as the flavor goes, I’m not sure I can put my finger on which “mixed berries” I’m supposed to be tasting. My best guess is raspberry with a whisper of strawberry. Whatever the blend, it’s light and crisp, with an impressively delicate aftertaste. And perhaps the best selling point? With the word “Plus” prominently inserted into the product name, the manufacturer won’t be able to market it with those deplorable “Make 7UP Yours” commercials.