Aguas Frescas in Your Beverage Case

I don't normally do product reviews, but I was intrigued by an email that landed in my inbox recently. A company called Bonadea was introducing a line of bottled aguas frescas, and would I be interested in trying some samples? Why, yes! I love free samples.

I wrote the guys at Bonadea back and said, "Sure send me some!" So they did, along with some literature about the company. Bonadea was started in San Jose by two Stanford grads, Arnulfo Ventura and Jose Domene. They've since moved their operation to Los Angeles, but not before building up a client base in the Bay Area.

Their beverages have a very hip and colorful look and are the type of drink you would find in the case next to the VitaminWater. I received the two flavors they currently make — jamaica and tamarindo, two common agua fresca flavors. Their full line (coming soon?) will include flavors like pepino, guayaba, mango, fresa and melón.

Anyway, the proof is in the pudding, so the kids and I gave them a try. They were great! The first thing I noticed was their subtle sweetness. Bonadea sweetens its drinks with agave nectar, an ancient Mexican alternative to sugar. Each bottle only had about 18g of carbohydrates per bottle. Compare that to around 35g for a bottle of soda. Agave nectar also reportedly has a lower glycemic index than cane sugar or high fructose corn syrup. So there is less of a wild spike in blood sugar after you down a bottle.

The tamarindo, flavored with the dark, pulpy fruit of the tamarind tree, had a pleasant tartness that I recognized from making my own. I've also made my own jamaica from dried hibiscus flowers (roselle), and Bonadea's version had that smoky, earthy, cherry-like flavor that I was looking for without being overwhelming.

The Bonadea boys make a few health claims for their beverages that I can't really speak to (I'm sceptical). But the emphasis on well-being dovetails nicely with the business name. Bona Dea was the Roman goddess of fertility and healing.

I have to say I liked their products alot and will be looking for them in my local markets and take-out restaurants. They would make the perfect accompaniment to a Mexican meal. And the kids asked for more.

Bonadea's Website