Bolthouse BomDia drinks get passing grade

“Because it’s good for you,” doesn’t work when it comes to the Reader Food Panel.

Tasters drink up because that’s what they’ve volunteered to do, even in the face of mysterious thick purple juice. We never identify things until after they’re done eating and drinking.

They liked the Bolthouse BomDia drinks, even if they couldn’t exactly place the taste. The juices are packed with purple fruits known for their antioxidants, including the little known Acai berry (pronounced “ah-sighee”) from Brazil. The berries blow other purple fruits off the charts when it comes to antioxidants, according to Bolthouse.

“Very nice flavor, it is tart and has a nice consistency,” said Gabe Kohler, of the Acai Berry juice spiked with pomegranate.

But others thought the juice was too tart and others didn’t like the consistency.

“Very different and a little tart. I can’t place the taste. It’s not like any juice I’ve had, and there’s lots of dye in there. Brush well,” said Nancy Robinson.

Marcia Oranen said she wouldn’t choose the drinks for their flavor. “Too sweet and heavy. I liked them better when I found out how nutritious they are.”

The Acai Berry with Mangosteen also received a three-star rating, but the comments from tasters weren’t as flattering.

For Larry Inman it brought back some bad memories. “Sorry … It tastes like colonoscopy prep medication. OK, that’s too harsh, it’s just not very good.”

Bolthouse BomDia Acai Berry with Mangosteen

Price: $3.99 per 11.5 fluid-ounce bottle, 2 servings

Nutrition per serving: 135 calories, no fat, 1 gram protein, 32 grams carbohydrate, no cholesterol, no dietary fiber, 18 milligrams sodium.

Taste: • • •

Value: • •

Comments: “Too thick and tastes a bit like tea. I wouldn’t choose to drink it, but beggars can’t be choosers.” – Skip Hubbard

“Strange flavor.” – Marilyn Moore

“Interesting taste, but it’s very thick and tastes like you are drinking cough syrup.” – Gabe Kohler

Bolthouse BomDia Acai Berry with Pomegranate

Price: $3.99 per 11.5 fluid-ounce bottle, 2 servings

Nutrition per serving: 177 calories, no fat, 1 gram protein, 43 grams carbohydrate, no cholesterol, no dietary fiber, 31 milligrams sodium.

Taste: • • •

Value: • •

Comments: “A little too tart for me. If it were diluted some with a dash of sugar, maybe (it would be) OK.” – Larry Inman

“I like my drinks tart, and this one hits the mark. A tad bit chalky, but if you can get past that it’s a thumbs up.” – Skip Hubbard

“Different and has to grow on you. Good for those who don’t like sweet things.” – Marilyn Moore