(Post theme: Oh My by Gin Wigmore)

Last time, Karma Drinks (Apple), this time Aroha Sparkiling Feijoa.

This comes in a glass bottle with a regular cap; once more a great start. 330ml, so we’re finally at a decent volume. I don’t think I’ve ever seen this in a cafe, service station, or supermarket, unfortunately — I’m sure I would have tried it if so — but once again, no troubles with getting this delivered with rural post.

I really love the taste of feijoa (and it has a really interesting history, particularly how it became more-or-less our national fruit, despite most of the world not knowing about it, and even in its countries of origin not being as loved as here. The true taste of Easter, some say). However, I’m not a big fan of eating the fruit itself; I love the flavour in food and drink.

As such, it’s not surprising that I love this drink. Feijoa is often paired with apple or pear, but this is straight feijoa, and has a very honest feijoa taste, without being overpowering. It has one of the softest mousse I’ve experienced in a soft drink – there’s enough there that you can tell it’s sparkling, but nothing more.

It’s good over ice, but I think best straight from a well chilled bottle.

I remember a feijoa (and something, probably apple?) drink that has been discontinued (and apparently wiped from the internet as I can find no history of it, and no it is not the Macs one with pear and elderflower). I really loved that, and I think it might still be my favourite non-alcoholic (for alcohol, see Lothlorien) feijoa drink, but it’s hard to compete with a memory, and this one might actually be better.

I would happily drink this any time (still rating I guess, so 10/10).

(Post theme: Karma by Taylor Swift)

Last time, Foxton Fizz (Pineapple), this time: Karma Drinks, Apple Juice.

This comes in a glass bottle with a regular cap, which is again a great start. Aluminium is ok, but glass is almost always nicer, and it is convenient to be able to close it again, although 300ml makes that unlikely. 300ml is, for me, a bare minimum volume, so Karma just squeaks in there.

The Karma drinks are quite widely available in cafes in my experience, but I don’t generally see them in supermarkets or service stations. I ordered online, which worked perfectly, even with rural delivery. (I do wonder if my postie is annoyed at how many large/heavy parcels I get, or likes that these contribute to the continued existence of the rural post service.)

I find it strange that fruit juices are typically vague about exactly which variety they are. Why “Apple Juice” and not a specific variety of apple? I imagine it’s because it’s some mix, but I doubt there is a lot of variation because that would significantly change the taste and customers wouldn’t like that (and I’ve never noticed it). Saying it’s a blend of variety x, y, and z would work fine. This one is a vague as most: it’s just “apple” (from concentrate).

The taste is fine. It’s not the best of apple juices, but it’s pleasant. Probably a green apple, not super crisp but quite mellow. Good straight or over ice.

Karma has a gimmick that they donate to good causes (hence the name). I have no idea (and no inclination to research) how significant this is, but it’s a nice thought. I imagine this is a significant reason they’re a feature in so many cafes. It’s a nice bonus, but I wouldn’t choose one of their drinks over a different, better tasting one, because of it.

Overall, I would drink this if other superior juices were not available (am I scoring? If so, 6/10).

(Post theme: Soda Pop from K-Pop Demon Hunters)

Backstory: I love trying new (non-alcoholic) drinks. One of my most favourite things about travelling for work is being able to go through a supermarket in a new country and try out all the new (to me) things they have. I also love supporting local (for the purposes here: New Zealand) businesses, particularly small ones, so extra love trying new, local, drinks. But I struggle to remember the drink I tried months ago, both whether or not I’ve tried it, and how much I enjoyed it. So I’m writing them up. These aren’t really reviews, because unless you share my taste, your results will vary.

First up: Foxton Fizz, Pineapple.

This comes in a glass bottle with a twist top, which is a great start. I’m not sure if aluminium or glass is most sustainable, but glass has a nicer feel, and the twist top acknowledges that this is not a drink for multiple sessions. That’s the first negative: it’s 250ml, which is just too small.

It’s a bit tricky to find here – I don’t see it in cafes or service stations (I’m in Auckland – when I drive through Foxton, I see ads all over the place, naturally), and it’s not in Woolworths, but is in New World. However, you can order online and have it delivered, and that’s worked great, even though I’m a rural delivery.

I don’t know why, but it has an extremely nostalgic taste. It seems unlikely I was drinking this as a child in Kaitaia (soft drink wasn’t common, and it’s the opposite end of the island). Maybe something I did have then was a similar taste?

It’s sweet, but not too much so. There is a pineapple taste, but it’s not really what you get drinking actual pineapple juice. Closer than a Pineapple Lump, though. Good either straight or over ice.

It has a great mousse – almost no foam, even over ice or other textured surfaces, and a very smooth feel in the mount.

Overall, I love this drink and would happily have it any time. (I’m not sure if I’m going to rate things in this series, but if so, 10/10).