Free Sample Friday: ViB

ViB (pronounced vibe) is the latest in an assault of boutique beverages with unclear benefits. Caffeinated beverages certainly have their place, and diet drinks will always sell on no-calorie acoustics alone. But where does Vacation in a Bottle come in? After receiving some cans of the 60-calorie refresher, made with cane sugar, I studied the label, took a few tentative sips, and wondered. The caffeine-free beverage is a fizzy drink with a hint of pomegranate juice. It's not much of a pick-me-up. It doesn't contain enough of the B-3, B-6, and B-12 vitamins to appeal to me as a vegetarian in need of those minerals (45% per can). There doesn't seem to be a reason to choose this over water, the true thirst-quencher, or the relaxing carbonation of a diet ginger-ale from Hansen's (gingery perfection).

According to the press release,

"ViB contains no caffeine, no sodium, no melatonin, is loaded with Vitamins B3, B6 and B12 and contains the amino acids, L-threonine in addition to L-theanine yet it remains low in calories, carbohydrates and sugar. This unique blend helps create a natural change in body chemistry that enhances focus, rejuvenates, relaxes without causing drowsiness, enhances clarity, and positively affects mood while not sacrificing for taste. Recent studies are also finding that it can even reduce hyperactivity in children with ADHD and autism.

Simply put, I don't get it. Neither does the rest of my sampling committee. If they took out the calories or added more nutritional benefits to the drink, then I'd reconsider. For mood-altering drink, I'll stick with the tried-and-true. As it stands, I get enough liquid happiness in my life.

Thanks for the samples and the charming postcard that came along with them. I wish I was there, too.