Trader Joe's Defense UP

Trader JoePrice: $2.69 plus tax
Serving: 1/2 bottle, 8 oz.
Calories: 120 per serving
Fat: 0%, 0g
Cholesterol: 0%, 0mg
Sodium: 1%, 15mg
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 10%, 29g
Fiber: 4%, 1g
Sugar: 28g
Caffeine: 0mg

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Trader Joe says: A blend of juice, herbs & vitamin C combined to fortify you.

Abi says: Unsaid on the bottles, but definitely implied is that this beverage will protect you from colds and flus and all-around general illness. Check out this list (by the way, this product is NSFV or Not Safe For Vegans):

While I’m familiar with Vitamin C and highly skeptical (rightly so according to the National Institutes of Health) of Echinacea, I have no idea what Royal Jelly, Bee Propolis, and Lemon Bioflavenoids are supposed to do for me during cold and flu season.

I remember Royal Jelly from a Nancy Drew book that involved some runners and a Russian athletic diva (after considerable internet research it turned out to be Nancy Drew No. 96, The Case of the Photo Finish). Bee propolis is a sealant for unwanted open spaces in the hive. The example in Wikipedia notes that it would be used if a mouse or lizard crawled into the hive and died there. Unable to carry out the invaders, the bees would seal it in with propolis. Yum!

I can’t find any literature on Lemon Bioflavonoids that isn’t produced by a Vitamin company, but it appears that a study performed in 2007 showed that the antioxidant properties of flavonoids so loved in test tubes didn’t actually perform in the human body. It appears that Trader Joe’s is actually selling us tasty juice full of wishful thinking.

Don’t worry, this stuff won’t hurt you. Plus, the juice tastes pretty darn good and completely lacks any ‘herb’ flavors. If you’re in the mood for some orange juice and your mom is in town and you’d like her to think that you’re taking good care of yourself, put a bottle of Trader Joe’s Defense UP in the fridge.

If you’re not that worried about appearances, regular old orange juice is just as effective as the additives in this beverage.

January 9, 2008 | Leave a Comment 
Filed Under Trader Joe's, Apple, Pineapple, No Preservatives, Fat Free, Orange, High Fructose Corn Syrup Free, All Natural, Juice, Four Stars

Royal Ginger Root Pineapple Ginger Natural Beverage Drink

Royal Ginger Root Pineapple Ginger Natural Beverage DrinkPrice: $1.69
Serving: 13.69oz., 1 bottle
Servings Per Container: 1
Calories: 210
Fat: 1%, 0.5g
Cholesterol: 0%, 0mg
Sodium: 0%, 10mg
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 17%, 50g
Fiber: 4%, 1g
Sugar: 38g
Vitamin C: 280%
Weight Watchers Points: 4 points

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Judean Drinks says: Ginger Root is a pure ginger drink that contains only the freshest, most natural ingredients. A refreshing and versatile beverage that can soothe scorching hot temperatures or cold wintry days.

Kate says: 100% Natural Royal Ginger Root Natural Beverage Drink Pineapple Ginger is a bit redundant. Couldn’t JudeanDrinks call it 100% Natural Royal Ginger Root and Pineapple Drink? I recommend cutting out one of the naturals and one of the gingers. I also would like someone to explain to me the difference between a beverage and a drink. I use these words interchangeably.

Name issues aside, this is an intense drink. I believe the blurb on the bottle saying that it “can soothe scorching hot temperatures or cold wintry days.” It is a cool and refreshing, but the ginger is so strong that I experienced a burning sensation. The ginger overpowers the pineapple, but there is still a slight pineapple flavor. I don’t think this drink is for everyone, but I like it. I drank the single serving 388g bottle over three days because it is so intense, but a 4 ounces a day of Pineapple Ginger made me feel healthy and energized.

October 3, 2007 | Leave a Comment 
Filed Under United States, Pineapple, Ginger, Vegan, Fat Free, High Fructose Corn Syrup Free, All Natural, Juice, Three Stars