What is in this article?:
- Tiny Bubbles: Sparkling Waters Offer Soda Alternatives
- Fruity Flavors
- Sparkling Savings
Seltzers with an essence of natural flavor are a popular soda alternative.
Sparkling Savings
In recent months, Krasdale has beefed up its promotional support of seltzers, that when sold three for $1.99, undercut even low-priced colas and other CSDs.
“We’re seeing a lot of people experiment with them and say ‘you know this stuff isn’t too bad,’” said Klein.
Trial is also key at Bashas’ Family of Stores, Chandler, Ariz.
That’s why registered dietitian Barbara Ruhs requests donations from LaCroix Sparkling Water for the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes that the chain sponsors annually.
Last year, LaCroix donated a pallet of their top four flavors: Grapefruit, Cran-raspberry, Lime and Coconut, to hand out at the walk. It will do the same for this year’s event, scheduled to take place this Saturday.
While Ruhs can bring any beverage to the walk, LaCroix is a natural choice since its seltzers appeal to a wide audience, regardless of dietary restriction. They have no sweeteners, artificial flavors and are sodium-free.
“I can ask anybody for donations but I ask LaCroix because it’s so wonderful to see people’s exuberant response. They say things like, ‘This has no sugar in it? Oh my gosh, we’re going to buy it!’”
Read more: Soda Ban Could Affect Supermarkets
The strategy has paid off for Bashas’, which has seen a sales spike since sponsoring the walk.
“It makes a difference because there are new age beverages and teas and the categories are constantly changing,” she said. “It’s just fizzy water but if you take it out of that noisy environment and let it shine on its own, people pay attention.”
The seltzers have been especially popular with parents of children with diabetes, who are always on the lookout for products that will help their young ones feel like most other kids. Given the similiarities to soda, there is no need for them to feel left out.
That’s a large market in Arizona where one in two Hispanics are at risk of developing the disease. Sparkling waters also pack an extra kick than flat varieties.
“We get sick of plain old water in Arizona where you have to drink it all the time, but to have this as an option is a wonderful thing,” said Ruhs.
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