Jarritos Review and 11 Flavor Giveaway

Momma Told Me: Part of growing up is trying new things.

It's funny how when we're little we'll turn up our nose at something just because it's new or different. I've seen my share of stubborn, tight lipped,arms crossed kids turning down something absolutely delicious because it comes in an odd package or looks odd- even candy and chocolate. I think as Americans many of us are biased towards 'home' companies that have products with roots rich in American tradition. And when discussing soda, two main brands come to mind- the world-wide monopolists in carbonated beverages. I guess I was always a rebel from the start...

Cola is good, but no cola of any name can top a fruit flavored soda, in my humble opinion. This may be my sweet tooth talking, but fruit based carbonated beverages tend to be caffeine free, and less acidic to my, now adult, palette. The only problem with 'traditional' American big brands are the saccharin aftertastes and constant thirst. And I'm not an endorser of 'diet' soda varieties which chemicals may cause more or worse complications in the long run. So where's the compromise between my sweet soda cravings and full on diabetes? Well, when it comes to sugar intake, outside of quantity, there's one important factor- is it made with high fructose corn syrup?

Established in 1950 by Don Francisco “El Güero” Hill, Jarritos is one of Mexico's original and most popular soft drink brands. Their still growing, diverse, flavor base includes 11 unique fruity flavors made with 100% natural sugar! With flavors such as Jamaica (hibiscus infused), Mango, and Toranja (grapefruit) there's always a flavor for everyone. You're probably wondering why an American based blog is telling you about a Mexican brand of soda. Actually, Jarritos has been on American shelves for years, and is even carried at my local mega-grocery chain! We're all programmed on a daily basis to head for the big brands, so we often walk right past a lesser known, yet worthy, competitor.

I was thrilled to receive my own sampler case of all 11 Jarritos varieties and a Club Jarritos T-Shirt for review. Almost as great as chocolate, receiving soda on my doorstep had me squealing like a little girl. I immediately pulled out all 11 bottles and arranged them along my kitchen counter-top. I wanted to pop the top and start drinking, but the temperature outside was over 100, and my poor Jarritos were warm to the touch! Making room in my fridge, I piled each one in and waited patiently for them to chill.

You may have already noticed that Jarritos sodas are still bottled with glass. There's an ongoing argument in my family as to whether soda actually tastes better out of a glass bottle as opposed to an aluminum can. I tend to take the side of glass wins, as it always seems to me that aluminum adds a tinge of metallic acidity, and glass bottles chill faster. Never-mind the throwback feel of popping a bottle top and sipping from a long-neck soda bottle!

Soda never lasts long in our household, the hubby drinks 4-5 on a workday, and more on the weekends. So needless to say, I had to defend my treasured Jarritos until I could sufficiently test each one. It turns out, after the hubby had his first sip I was 'permitted' one sip thereafter of each flavor for 'testing purposes only'. Ha! He wishes! I was surprised how much we both enjoyed this brand. The hubby typically goes for the overly syrupy sodas with extra carbonation. Jarritos, being made with 100% natural sugar, had a more complex flavor with less exaggerated sweetness. In addition, the carbonation was tangible, yet calm and more of a compliment than feature. I loved this, because it meant less gassy soda burps, and a longer shelf life after being opened. And I can't forget how quenching these were in contrast to high fructose sodas, so refreshing!

Here's my take of the 11 flavors;

Mandarin: An authentic Mandarin taste not to be confused with sweet oranges, but a complicated fruity flavor.

Lime: A refreshing Lime taste with less acidity than traditional Lime sodas, and more flavor.

Fruit Punch: I'm not a punch fan in general, but Jarritos added a little bite which hooked me in, trying to discern the different components.

Strawberry: Traditionally one of my favorite soda flavors, Jarritos Strawberry did not disappoint. There was a mellow, yet sweet, authentic berry taste that made this bottle disappear second fastest.

Mango: A mild, yet tropical mango essence.

Lima-Limon: Also known as Lemon Lime had a distinct lime flavor, similar to Lime, yet more citrus.

Jamaica: Defined by Jarritos as a hibiscus infused soda, this was surprisingly my favorite. I had no idea what to expect, but was instantly hooked on this one of a kind fruit soda! A must try!

Toronja: Also known as grapefruit, I loved the tangy afterbite with strong citrus base.

Tamarind: While tamarind is quite popular in Mexico, many American consumers may not actually be familiar with it's taste. As a soda, this was a mellow flavor with nutty herbal base that is hard to explain and could be compared to a flavored tea.

Guava: An authentic rendition of paradise in a bottle. Exotic and extremely refreshing!

Pineapple: This flavor was a bit odd for me, there was a distinct aftertaste I could not place, and it seemed more like a sweetened, altered lemon-lime than pineapple.

What Daughter Says: I'm quite glad I had the chance to try Jarritos sodas and look forward to stocking up on my favorites next shopping trip! There's even a rewards program for customer loyalty, another great reason to switch to 100% natural sugar Jarritos!

One Momma Told Me reader will have the fun chance to sample all 11 Jarritos flavors, and receive a Jarritos T-Shirt!

Mandatory Entry: You must be a Momma Told Me follower, then visit Jarritos, and tell me which flavor you'd most like to try.

Extra Entries:
*'Like' Jarritos on Facebook +1
*Follow Jarritos on Twitter +1
*Visit Jarritos and tell me one of their programs +1
*Join the Jarritos Nation for exciting contests and prizes +2
*Blog about this giveaway +4
*Grab our button +3
*Subscribe to our new Feedburner Email subscription +2
*'Like' Momma Told Me on Facebook +1
*Follow Momma Told Me on Twitter AND tweet this giveaway +2
*Enter another Momma Told Me giveaway +1 each

Giveaway begins September 1, 2010 and ends 12:01 AM PST on September 11, 2010. Winner will be notified via email, and posted here. Entries valid within the US. Winner has 48 hours to claim their prize or another winner will be drawn. Prize will be transferred via sponsor.

As required by the FTC: I received no monetary compensation for this review. I received a product sample for the purpose of my review. All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.