As I’ve mentioned in a previous post, I’ve been drinking soda more lately. That might not seem like a big deal, but I never kept soda in the house (for me; my wife’s a completely different story) for the last 10 years. I would occasionally get some at restaurants, but those instances were few and far between.
I still don’t frequently purchase it, but once in a while I’ll grab a 2-liter of something to have on hand. Or steal one of my wife’s name brand colas.
While I’m still on my soda kick, I figured: Why not give Walmart’s version of cola a spin? I don’t think I’ve ever had any of their carbonated drinks. Actually, I take that back: I think I remember trying their version of “mountain water droplets” at least a decade ago. I also remember not being impressed in the slightest. But I hold no grudges: A lot can change in 10 years. It’s said that we become a whole new person every 7, so why can’t private label beverages undergo the same changes?
It pains me to say that, in this scenario, that doesn’t seem to be the case.
This is on the bottom end of the “private label soda” spectrum, no doubt. It doesn’t taste like any other cola on the market, but not in a good way. I don’t know what exactly it’s striving to be. It’s like “remote control” cola, but even more watered down. Even when fresh, it tastes flat. The carbonation level is medium, with no added “kick” to it. Some brands make me hiccup after downing a decent-sized swig – a sign of high carbonation levels (or that my body is trying to reject it) – but this doesn’t do that. Even after elongated drinks. I suppose lower carbonation levels might appeal to some people, but I kinda like feeling the burn. That’s just part of the experience!
About the only “draw” is the price, as much as it pains me to say. I got a six pack of mini cans (7 oz.) for $2.38. Christ, inflation has hit the beverage industry hard. Three bucks? For six small cans? At Walmart?! At the risk of sounding like a stereotypical old man: “Back in my day, you could get a 12-pack for cheaper than that.” I remember grabbing 12 packs of “Summit” soda from Aldi for $1.99. And yet this cartoonish price is about in line with – or better than – private label “pop” prices anywhere you go these days.
It’s yet another reason to avoid this sugary shit for another ten years. Whether or not I do has yet to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: I’ll be avoiding it from Walmart indefinitely.
Overall: 2/10. Walmart’s version of cola is forgettable in every single way, from the uninteresting can design, on down to the taste. It’s like water was added to third-rate name brand cola, and then left to sit out in the open for a day. It tastes flat right out of the can. Sadly, the $2.38 retail price for six 7 oz. cans (Six! Seven ounces!) is in line with – or cheaper than – private label prices anywhere you go. So I guess it (reluctantly) gets marks for value. But that’s about where the positives end. If you’re looking to scratch a soda itch, this ain’t gonna do it.