Success of Turkey & Gravy spawns more unique sodas

| Tuesday, November 09, 2004

Associated Press

SEATTLE (AP) — Jones Soda Co. takes the idea of a liquid diet to a new low. How does Green Bean Casserole Soda strike you? And how about an aggressively buttery-smelling Mashed Potato Soda?


Even the creators of the fizzy concoctions at this small Seattle soda company can hardly stomach the stuff. But last year's unexpected success of the Turkey & Gravy Soda means another round of bizarre food-flavored soft drinks. As an added bonus — they're calorie-free.


This week Jones Soda Co. launches a full meal deal of five Thanksgiving soda flavors, from the bile-colored Green Bean Casserole to the sweet — but slightly sickly — Fruitcake Soda. Last year's Turkey & Gravy is also back on the menu.


If you think it sounds less than appetizing, you're not alone.


"Oh, man, I can't drink that!" cries out company chief executive Peter van Stolk, after pouring himself a drink of mashed potatoes.


To banish the buttery aftertaste, he recommends a chaser of Cranberry Soda, the only one of the bunch that doesn't make you want to pick up a toothbrush.


Drinking last year's Turkey & Gravy was no picnic, either, but that didn't stop people from clamoring for it, pushing bidding on auction site eBay Inc. up to $63 for a two-bottle set.


This year Jones plans to produce up to 15,000 five-packs of the 12-ounce bottles, which come complete with utensils (a straw and a toothpick). The sodas may not be as satisfying as a real holiday meal, but they can boast being both calorie- and carb-free, not to mention vegan and kosher.


Beginning Thursday, they'll be on sale at some Target Corp. stores and at other retailers for between $14.95 and $16.95. Proceeds will benefit Toys for Tots.