Soda Sparks Friendly Debate Among Tasters

Wed., March 18, 1998

Rick Bonino Food Editor

Coca-Cola describes Citra, its new grapefruit-flavored soda, as “the ultimate thirst-quenching soft drink for outgoing and physically active young consumers who enjoy the social camaraderie of friends and who look to have free-spirited good times and spontaneous experiences.”

Now, we’re not about to suggest which members of The Spokesman-Review’s reader food panel do and don’t fit that description. Suffice it to say that they were split over Citra, with some calling it a pleasant Fresca clone and others deeming it a disgusting Alka-Seltzer knockoff.

But isn’t that the kind of friendly debate that social camaraderie is made of?

Citra

Price: $1.09 for 2 liters.

Nutrition: 90 calories (no fat); 40 milligrams sodium per 1-cup serving.

Taste: ***

Value: ***

Comments: “Great biting taste that wakes up your whole mouth. Very effervescent and refreshing.” - Tina Johnson

“Smells good, looks like dirty water. Bites at your tongue. Awful bubbles in your cup, without any fizz. Reminds me of Alka-Seltzer. Yuck!” - Ann Finke

, DataTimes MEMO: Products sampled by The Spokesman-Review’s reader food panel are prepared according to package directions. Panelists are not aware of a product’s brand name or price until after they have tasted it. Products are rated from one to five stars for taste and for value, based on quality compared to price.

Products sampled by The Spokesman-Review’s reader food panel are prepared according to package directions. Panelists are not aware of a product’s brand name or price until after they have tasted it. Products are rated from one to five stars for taste and for value, based on quality compared to price.

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Soda Sparks Friendly Debate Among Tasters

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

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