Earlier this month NPR carried two stories centered around potential legislation of sugary carbonated drinks. Many of the mass produced sodas in the United States use a cheap corn based sweetener (high fructose corn syrup), which has driven down the price and made these refreshments more accessible.  Some sodas still use cane sugar, the more expensive option to sweeten their beverages. For instance, the two major soft drink brands (Coke and Pepsi) have begun selling cane sugar sweetened sodas. Coke’s version is the original recipe sold in bottles that were produced in Mexico. Pepsi, on the other hand, introduced “Pepsi Throwback” a few months ago.

On the other side of the debate there are smaller producers like Oogavé, based out of Denver, that make organic soft drinks. Oogavé is unique because it uses (organic) agave nectar to sweeten their line of sodas. The beverage company was founded by Esteban Anson, who was “frustrated by the lack of quality and choice in the world of soft drinks.” Anson, a restaurateur, “didn’t want to serve his customers anything made with processed sugar and High Fructose Corn Syrup,” thus leading to the creation of Oogavé. Offering a range of flavors, the company sells and bottles their soft drinks across the United States. The flavors include:

• Mandarian Key-Lime
• Ginger Ale
• Watermelon Cream
• Cola
• Rootbeer
• Grapefruit

According to their website, “Oogavé is now available in at least 34 states, coast-to-coast . . . and even Hawaii and Alaska!” To find a location near you, check out their map (which will be updated to a Google map application shortly). If you are not fortunate enough to be in one of these locations, you can also buy their soft drinks online through thirstmonger.com.

As a further testament to their sustainability credentials, the company espouses the following core values.

“We believe . . . ”. . . in caring about your health, about what goes into our products, and about what stays out of our products.

. . . in being part of something bigger than ourselves, supporting our people and our communities, promoting good health, and caring for the environment.

. . . that fun and delicious can play nice with healthier, natural, and organic ingredients.

. . . that you as a consumer can be conscious about what you put in your mouth and decide what is best for you.

. . . that agave nectar is Mother Nature’s gift to the human race, that it’s a righteous treat, and that it should be shared freely with our good friends and family.

Pick up a bottle (and recycle it when finished). You’ll be glad you did.

- Eric Wilson

[Image source: logo - Oogave.com; Bottle - Author's image]