Reader Food Panel: Water without flavors favored over Twist

Beverages don’t usually fly with the Reader Food Panel. At least, that’s what I was warned when presenting them with samples of Talking Rain’s new Twist flavored waters.

That probably accounts in part for the low scores given to the drinks. But it’s also because they didn’t taste very good.

Tasters had a hard time pinning down the flavor of the first offering, Marion Berry, which was described as “a disappointment and a waste of water” by taster Nancy Robinson.

Larry Inman was less charitable: “If I worked all afternoon in the hot sun, and it was the only drink available, I might drink some.”

The Lemon flavor fared slightly better, with one taster, Tina Johnson, comparing it to the water with lemon you might get at a restaurant (“buy your own lemon and do it yourself,” she suggests).

The tasters were even less impressed after the price was revealed. At nearly $2 per bottle, Twist earned the lowest possible score for value.

Talking Rain Twist is also available in Peach and Mandarin flavors.

Talking Rain Twist: Marion Berry

Price: $1.89 for a 30 fluid ounce bottle

Nutrition per bottle: 37 calories, 2 grams carbohydrate (no fat, protein, fiber, cholesterol or sodium).

Taste: “½

Value: “

Comments: “I prefer plain water.” – Marcia Oranen

“It tastes like watered-down Kool Aid.” – Jenny Whittaker

“Only if this has 100 percent of every possible nutrient and cures cancer should this be consumed.” – Andy Hoye

“Smell is pleasant but the taste is awful.” – Tina Johnson

Talking Rain Twist: Lemon

Price: $1.89 for a 30 fluid ounce bottle

Nutrition per bottle: 37 calories, 2 grams carbohydrate (no fat, protein, fiber, cholesterol or sodium).

Taste: ““

Value: “

Comments: “At least its taste was identifiable.” – Marcia Oranen

“This leaves an odd aftertaste in your mouth.” – Jenny Whittaker

“I would rather drink from a garden hose.” – Larry Inman

“I am certain this will remove stains from industrial carpet. Do not use it for any other purpose.” – Andy Hoye

“I’d go thirsty before I’d drink this.” – Nancy Robinson