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Naturally fizzy, fuzzy, Izze

A few years ago GH and the boys were hooked on sodas like Coca Cola. Gradually it became obvious to GH that the high fructose corn syrup sweetener in the Coke was giving him an upset stomach. So GH cut back and then stopped drinking Coke and he felt much better. Alex was drinking at least two Cokes a day, the boy was seriously addicted, then he saw Morgan Spurlock’s movie Super Size Me and he gave up Cokes. Dexter was never hooked on Coke…he was a Jones Soda man. While it’s good that Jones in made with cane sugar it’s also true that its made with ALOT (it’s usually between 30-40g per 12 oz…but I can’t find the nutritional data on their website) of cane sugar. Dex didn’t give that up on his own…I’ve just refused to buy it. Our refrigerator is always well stocked with both still and fizzy waters and good orange juice in glass bottles that the milkman delivers every week. So they have lots of choices.

When I was at Willy Street Co-op yesterday I saw a drink that I’ve never noticed before. Izze is a sparkling water, fruit juice blend and it is just tasty. I really like it because it has the fizzy, fuzzy sparkle that I like but with a fruity flavor that isn’t fake and not to heavy. Dexter likes it too. So it seems as though I’ve found an alternative to sweetened drinks. Here’s a comparison of the nutritional data for fresh blueberries, Izze, Coca Cola, and orange juice:

The healthiest choice would be to eat the blueberries and drink a fizzy water with it. But if you’re looking for a healthy, flavorful alternative to soda then Izze is a good choice.

Is there a way to make an Izze-like drink so it could be more local? I can get Wisconsin fizzy water but how would I flavor it? Wisconsin isn’t really known for it’s fruit and juices. Okay dear readers, I know you’re an intelligent group…any suggestions on how to make a local fizzy juice drink? Also, what is your favorite beverage? Leave me a comment with your thoughts and ideas.

April 18, 2007 | Filed Under beverages, favorite products, food, humor, instruction, surveys, low carb, low cal 

comments

6 Responses to “Naturally fizzy, fuzzy, Izze”

  1. Barb on April 18th, 2007

    Whole Foods used to sell a selection of 100% fruit juices that were carbonated, and they taste much better than soda. I haven’t seen them there in a long time. Wish I could remember the brand so I could look for them elsewhere around Madison.

  2. chef yum yum on April 18th, 2007

    I went to college in Wisconsin (Lawrence) and we would often trek up to Door County where we would sample the delicious (though tart!) Door County Cherry juice. So, at least in my memory Wisconsin *is* known for it’s delicious juice, and I’m getting thirsty now just thinking about how yummy that would taste with some sparkling water!

  3. Laura on April 19th, 2007

    chef yum yum - I too went to Lawrence. I loved to go to Bjorklunden so I could drink Door County Cherry Apple Cider to my heart’s delight!

    Vanessa - I prefer *The Switch* over Izze. You should see if Willy’s carries it and compare. The citrus flavors are my favorites.

  4. vanessa on April 20th, 2007

    Barb, let me know if you find it.

    Yum yum and Laura, I’ve been to Door a few times but obviously not during Cherry season. I should figure out when cherry season is and head up there.

    *The Switch* is similar but I think they do flavors that are blends…I’m a purist and I can’t handle blends…isn’t that silly?

  5. Rita on May 11th, 2007

    A place in Michigan sells cherry juice concentrate that is excellent mixed with fizzy water. Go to CherryRepublic.com

  6. vanessa on May 11th, 2007

    Hi Rita, it is so funny you mention the Cherry Republic. We went there several years ago for a long relaxing weekend and for the pie. They make killer cherry pie, boomchunkas and just about everything else too. I was looking at their website this morning and thinking how I’d like to go back for a long weekend. We are on the same wavelength!

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