“What a truly
refreshing message
in a bottle from
Costco and
TalkingRain.”
Bottles up
—Pat Volchok
Selection is based on the fruit’s quality and its ability
to produce pure pops of flavor and color.
Sucralose, derived from natural cane sugar and
in amounts lower than other top brands, is added
for sweetening. It has no calories or carbohydrates
and is accepted for use as part of a healthy diet by
the American Diabetes Association. Some other
vitamin waters serve up to 32. 5 grams of sugar per
20-ounce bottle. This is nearly the amount of sugar
( 37 grams) found in two Hostess Twinkies™.
Kim ticks off the basics: Kirkland Signature
VitaRain by TalkingRain is kosher certified, filtered
and heat pasteurized, comes in a four-flavor variety
pack of 24 20-ounce bottles and sells for 50 cents or
less per bottle (prices vary slightly by region). This is a
significant savings over national brands (see chart
below). All varieties help maintain body fluid balance, boost essential electrolytes and deliver a shot
of stress-leveling vitamins B3, B5, B6 and B12.
Whether you’re drinking the
new Kirkland Signature
VitaRain by TalkingRain or
Costco’s number-one bottled
water, Kirkland Signature
Premium Drinking Water*,
keep these healthy hydration
facts from TalkingRain in mind.
• Alcohol and caffeine do not
count as healthy fluids. They
are diuretics and can cause
you to lose liquid through
increased urination.
• The more active you are, the
more you need to replenish
lost fluids. Drink at least
eight 8-ounce servings of
healthy fluids daily.
• Kirkland Signature VitaRain
is a great workout choice. It
boosts essential electrolytes
needed for proper fluid balance, cell function and quick
recovery.
• Drink fluids before you actually are thirsty, because by
the time you feel parched
you’ve probably already lost
two or more cups of your
total body water composition.
• Don’t underestimate the
amount of liquids lost from
perspiration. Following a
workout, take two cups of
fluids for each pound lost.
• Your body loses water while
you sleep, so start and end
your day drinking healthy
fluids.
increase metabolism. Dragonfruit, native to Central
and South America, is rich in fiber, vitamin C, minerals and antioxidants. I am wild about this flavor.
Blueberry Pomegranate Multi-V is a natural
fusion of the four B vitamins plus vitamins A, C,
and E. It includes folic acid, magnesium and zinc
(all thought to boost metabolism) in larger amounts
than some national brands. TalkingRain blends
Maine blueberries with northern India and Greek
pomegranates, all loaded with antioxidants.
We end with sunshine-bright Tropical Citrus
Energy. With a mildly sweet, fresh mango/orange
taste, this natural energy tonic has five vitamins (the
four Bs plus C) and ginseng in each bottle. Natural
plant caffeine is added for an extra burst of oomph,
but in a lower dose than a competing brand.
To your health!
Thrilled that none of the flavors serve up an
unpleasant metallic medicine taste, I ask for seconds
and casually mention, “What a nice way to take your
vitamins!” Kim comments, “It is very important for
our members to know that quality vitamin-enhanced water is just one part of a healthier lifestyle, and a great hydration alternative. It should
never take the place of healthy eating or vitamin
supplements.”
It is at this moment that I realize what a truly
r efreshing message i n a bottle Costco and TalkingRain is serving up to all of us. C
Passing the taste test
Finally, we taste. We start with pale pink Kiwi
Strawberry Alert. In addition to the four B vitamins,
Alert is packed with vitamins such as A and E and
minerals, all thought to help with attentiveness and
the regulation of blood sugar levels. The kiwifruit,
rich in vitamin C and potassium, is from New
Zealand, and the strawberries, providing additional
vitamin C and fiber, are grown in California. L abel
comparisons prove that Costco adds 25 pe r cent
more vitamin A and 50 percent more vitam in E
than the two leading brands.
Dragonfruit Strength is a luscious claretred red
with light melon and fresh-picked pear undert ones.
Along with the B vitamins, this functional w ater
includes an amino acid believed to help regulat e the
nervous system and muscles; a natural imm une
system enhancer; and natural ingredients thoug ht to
* Kirkland Signature Premium Mou ntain
Spring Water is available on the East Coast.
A look at the competition
Price at Costco
Savings
Kirkland Signature
VitaRain ( 20 oz.)
44 cents/bottle
51%
Leading national
brand ( 20 oz.)
89 cents/bottle
* Prices based on survey in the Los Angeles area in June 2007; actual prices vary slightly by region.
