Ocean Spray Cranberries has launched Ocean Spray Wave, a naturally caffeinated sparkling water with a splash of fruit juice. 

Touted as a healthier option for consumers looking to bypass sugary caffeine drinks, Ocean Spray Wave was incubated, developed and shipped in less than 12 months, launching exclusively at Walmart in the US. 

The new beverage is a result of the cooperative’s approach to product development and innovating to offer healthier options for everyone.

Better-for-you options expand
According to Ocean Spray, the collaboration with Walmart led to the creation of a lightly caffeinated beverage as consumers look for healthier options to sustain themselves throughout the day. 

Interest in fortified foods and beverages is also echoed by Innova Market Insights’ 2021 Top Ten Trends report, which spotlights “Nutrition Hacking” as a leading trend.

The brand is glad to introduce Ocean Spray Wave amid its current explosion to connect with younger consumers and what they seek in their day-to-day. 

“Ocean Spray Wave bridges the gap for consumers who want a lightly caffeinated option – with the convenience and flavor of soda – but without the added sugars,” says Kim McAllister, director of innovation at Ocean Spray. 

“We are excited to share another product that innovates and diversifies our line of beverages and snacks beyond the juice aisle as we welcome all new and existing fans of Ocean Spray. Let Ocean Spray Wave bring some vibrancy to your day.”

Real fruit flavors
Ocean Spray Wave contains real fruit juice and 50 mg of naturally sourced caffeine from black tea. The drink also has 0 g of added sugars, no artificial flavors or preservatives and no artificial sweeteners.

It is available in four flavors: Strawberry & Lemon, Mango & Passionfruit, Mandarin & Blackberry and Cranberry & Pineapple.

Ocean Spray Wave is currently available online and in-store at Walmart. The suggested retail price is US$4.98 for an eight-pack.

In December, Ocean Spray partnered with Amai Proteins to roll out a cranberry juice that features roughly 40 percent less sugar. It uses a “hyper-sweet” designer protein that is marketed as “thousands of times sweeter than sugar.”

Functional beverages continue to gain market traction. This week, Kerry revealed a surge of NPD targeting consumers who are approaching health holistically due to the COVID-19 threat. 

This is based on Kerry’s latest research, which found that 65 percent of functional beverage consumers are more worried about their health since the start of the pandemic.