Dollar Tree is known for switching up brands and manufacturers: This seems to be another example of that. Instead of the shorter bottles from Assured, we get these taller bottles with no company branding. A quick search of the label reveals that it is Natureplex that manufactured this. They are, as you may remember, the company responsible for several of Dollar Tree’s ointments and other health items. I’ve already taken a look at their new fruit punch flavor, and since grape is unfortunately the only other one they offer, we’ll begrudgingly critique that one, too.
As you can probably tell from the preceding sentence, grape is not my favorite flavor. So, I must confess I wasn’t too excited to try this out, especially since I’ve already tried (and reviewed) Assured’s version. But, I feel as though I have a responsibility to live up to, and that is to be dedicated and thorough. After all, you need me to waste money on products that aren’t up to par, while simultaneously steering you away from the same fate. Thus, I dove right in without a moment’s hesitation (except to get the plastic seal off the top, which took me longer than it should have).
It tastes pretty good, for what it is. Again, I’m not really a fan of grape, but this one isn’t really in-your-face at all. It’s a “lightish” grape flavor complete with that saltiness we have all come to love and respect out of electrolyte beverages. Unlike some hydration-minded drinks, which are too syrupy and/or sweet, this one is light enough to be chuggable. That can’t be said for every one of these types of liquids, and it’s typically what you want when you’re active.
I really don’t understand what makes it “iced”, though. I was kind of expecting a hint of mint, or something else that would leave a “cool” sensation, but there was nothing of the sort. I guess it’s just a little different than “regular” grape? At the end of the day, it doesn’t even matter, because this is drinkable. And despite DT’s raising of prices to $1.25, it still represents phenomenal value, even over competing store brands. I’ve said before that their electrolyte beverages are one of the best deals they offer, and a quarter price range does little to change that.
If you’re into grape – or if their other, better flavors are out of stock – this is still definitely worth the purchase.
Overall: 8/10. Grape is not my favorite flavor, so the taste of this didn’t do much for me. But it is “light” enough to be chuggable, without that extra syrupy or sweet taste some drinks have. And it’s pleasant enough that I wasn’t turned off by it. There’s also that trademark “saltiness” in the taste that one should also expect from these types of beverages. Honestly, the experience is incredibly close to drinking the national brand, and for a fraction of the price. If you like grape more than I do, or if the other flavors are out, this one is definitely worth the purchase. Their “hydrating electrolyte drinks” continue to be one of the best – if not thee best – deals inside Dollar Tree stores.
