I recently tried sample packets from Orbana Healthy Energy… I got them from a give away contest from the running and rambling (http://www.runningandrambling.com) blog.
First off, the idea to get reviews that way is in itself a testament to Orbana’s creativity and customer oriented practice … brilliant. The packets contain 50 g of fine powder which dissolves impressively well in 250 ml water. The powder, when added has a nice effervescent effect that insures a good mixing. The smell and taste present citrus and pineapple flavour. The drink itself is quite palatable and do not give the sickly sugary feeling when the water is not cold. Somehow the taste and smell were vaguely reminiscent of the McDonald’s orange juice I so liked in ages past. The citrus-pineapple taste is free from the usual acidic feeling from citric acid, although the taste is subtle, it was a bit much for me since I’m not a pineapple fan.
I am not a big sports drink fan since I usually have problem digesting them and experience gastric weirdness on long runs (gasses and balloon effect) from the caffeine and truck load of sugar, but the Orbana mix is pretty easy to digest, no burps and no upset stomach … sweet “nada”.
Each bag of Orbana powder carries a impressive load of vitamins, amino-acids and electrolytes, a nicely balanced ratio of carbs, sodium and potassium with a pinch of protein … who could ask for more ? Thanks to the nice mix of amino-acid and electrolytes, it is also a good hang-over remedy, drink one glass of water mixed with Orbana before going to bed after a big party … the morrow is less painful by far …
Pros :
- Effervescent powder help mixing
- No acid tasting effect
- No chalky sugary feeling while drinking
- Reminds me of McDonald’s orange juice
- Good hang-over remedy
Cons:
- Only one flavour available, not bad in itself, but since I’m not a big pineapple fan, I noticed
Bottom line is, Orbana offers a great product, really efficient, even for guys who are not really sports drink fan. If they were to offer a different flavour (like one that does not taste like pineapple) I would definitely buy a box.
