Jarritos Strawberry Soda Review
Author’s note: Not a paid or sponsored review. I have no affiliation with Jarritos or Publix.
Thanks to my backyard jungle
I’ve had an unusually sweaty summer, thanks to my unruly backyard jungle. So I’ve been trying more beverages than usual. My local Publix sells these Jarritos Mexican-style flavored sodas. I bought the Strawberry version, but there are also Guava, Pineapple, Lime, Mandarin, Passion Fruit, Tamarind, Mango, and Fruit Punch flavors on the shelves. Whew.
Somewhat more natural ingredients?
I picked this soda because it’s made with cane sugar and colored with fruit juice, instead of artificial dyes. I have to say, it’s a shockingly intense red color. The glass bottle is tall and thick, which feels more fun than a can. Pro tip: you’ll need a bottle opener to enjoy this. Or really strong teeth? (Or a really good dentist, afterwards.)
Fizzalicious
The fizz is strong. It makes a thick foam when poured into a glass. If you enjoy a fierce, tickly-biting senstaion on your tongue, you’ll love this. I saw several sites online describe Jarritos as having less carbonation than other sodas, but I DEFINITELY did not experience that. Quite the opposite.
Why does it taste like artificial sweeteners?
My first bit of bad news is that it tastes like artificial sweeteners. I’m one of those people who just CANNOT when it comes to fake sugars. Believe me, I wish I could. But the taste absolutely disgusts me.
The label doesn’t list any artificial sweeteners, however. Which made me feel a tiny bit crazy. It DOES include “malic acid,” which is sometimes added as a stabilizer for sugar substitutes. So I don’t know what is going on. The Tamarind flavor lists “stevia” in the ingredients. But the Strawberry just lists “cane sugar.” Make it make sense.
Light fruit flavor
Anyway. The fruit flavor is light and not unpleasant. It’s not an overwhelmingly strong strawberry taste, but it is distinct. Not tangy. It’s moderately sweet. It just doesn’t taste richly of fruit juice. But then, why would it? The bottle says 1% juice. It’s flavored soda, not sparkling juice. Natch.
(For a fruitier soda, check out my review of Sprouts Organic Italian Pomegranate Soda.)
Make a cream soda, why dontcha?
I enjoyed my Strawberry Jarritos even more as a cream soda. I added a splash of heavy cream (you can also use half-and-half) and some ice. It tastes vaguely like strawberry ice cream, and the (alleged) “fake” sweetener flavor is less noticeable. The fizz makes a creamy foam at the top. Delicious.
History of Jarritos Sodas
Jarritos means “little jug” in Spanish (a nod to traditional Mexican clay beverage pots), and the soda company started in Mexico City in the 1950’s. They currently offer 13-ish flavors of soda worldwide. Branded “the official drink of tacos,” it’s a popular pairing with Mexican food. Now you know. Knowledge is tasty, too.
(Need some tacos to go with your Jarritos? Here’s my review of Don Miguel’s Mini Tacos.)
Ingredients in Jarritos Strawberry Soda
Here are the ingredients from the label:
- Carbonated Water
- Cane Sugar
- Fruit Juice and Vegetable Juice (for color)
- Citric Acid
- Natural Flavor
- Malic Acid
- Potassium Sorbate (as preservative)
It’s a bummer to see preservatives make this list. But it’s nice that there aren’t any artificial colors or flavors.
Made in Mexico.
Nutrition Facts
Since this soda has been described elsewhere as lightly sweetened, I was surprised to see the amount of sugar in this soda. It isn’t higher than other sodas. But it isn’t particularly lower, either.
Anyway. A serving is one 12.5 ounce bottle and contains 140 calories. You get 0 grams fat and 0 grams protein. It’s not a meal, ya know. There are 35 grams total carbohydrates, all of which are “added sugars.” You get a snivel of sodium, with 1% your daily value.
Price and Servings
My bottle cost a frugal $1.59 at my local Publix. But you can get this for a “frugaler” $3.99/4 pack at Target. Be the frugalist froog.
Shelf Life
Couldn’t find a “best by” date on my bottle. There was something stamped near the top, but I didn’t find an actual date. I tried.
Dramatic Conclusion
If you don’t mind a slight “artficial sweetener” taste, then you might love this soda. It wasn’t for me — I couldn’t get the aftertaste out of my mouth. It’s a gorgeous color, but may not be “fruity” enough for some folks. Despite what you may have heard, it’s heckin’ fizzalicious. And sweet.
The Awesome-o-Meter rates this Jarritos Strawberry Soda a “Meh.” Stay tuned for a review of the Tamarind flavor.
The End.
More Reviews You Might Like (or Hate)
Check out these other reviews I’ve written. Or don’t. That’s fine, too:
