Product Review: The one where POM Wonderful slightly pisses off Kelly…
Product: POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice
Website: http://www.pomwonderful.com/
Description (from website): A Taste Unlike Any Other. Slightly sweet. Slightly tart. One sip and you’ll discover a refreshing beverage with it’s own unique personality. But there’s more than great taste inside the bottle: you’ll find more antioxidant power than any other juice in our line. Maybe that’s because the 16 oz. bottle of 100% Pomegranate Juice contains the juice of almost five fabulous fresh pomegranates. Wow.
More good news. 100% Pomegranate Juice:
- contains no added sugars, preservatives or colors
- is a good source of potassium
- is gluten free
- is flash pasteurized to retain both flavor and nutrients
- is available in 8 oz.(limited distribution), 16 oz., 24 oz., 48 oz. and 60 oz. sizes (237ml, 473 ml, 710 ml, 1.4 L, 1.7 L)
- is certified kosher
My Review: I was excited when the friendly people at POM sent me a case of POM Juice to try out and review. I’ve seen the juice in the grocery store but never tried it. When I opened the case one of the bottles was busted (thanks USPS) so the interior carboard was stained a deep reddish purple. I pulled out the cute little bottles that remained and washed them to get the sticky juice resiude off and popped them in the fridge.
POM juice reminds me of a cranberry juice. Cranberry juice if it was thicker and pulpier. It’s sweet and tart (just like the website says). I find it a taste to be savored, not chugged as it’s a strong beverage. Overall I found it to be a good “treat” drink- I kept them in my fridge and would intermittently take small sips throughout the day.
Which brings me to my beef with POM. According to their website and press material, “POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice is the only pomegranate juice backed by $25 million in medical research.” Based on scientific testing, POM Wonderful has higher levels of polyphenol antioxidants, which can neutralize free radicals and minimize the effects of LDL or “bad” cholesterol. According to POM’s research, consistently drinking their products can help cardiovascular and prostate health and help individuals who experience erectile dysfunction.
That’s great. Antioxidants are great. But, when push comes to shove, this beverage is a juice. A high calorie juice. Yes, as most of you know, healthy foods can still be high calorie foods. 8 ounces of POM Juice contains 160 calories and 34 grams of sugar. Its natural occurring sugar (POM does not add any sugar, sucrose, corn syrup or other sweeteners) but still! In addition it has no fiber and no vitamin A, C, Iron, or calcium.
Then on the website today I noticed a little disclaimer:
Maybe it’s just me but this statement completely rubs me the wrong way. I’d rather hear them say “enjoy the juice in moderation as part of a healthy diet”. Or I’d rather hear them give solutions for getting the most bang for your caloric buck. You know, suggestions like:
- Mix ½ and ½ with water to extend your enjoyment of POM Juice!
- Mix with seltzer water to increase to volume , add some bubbly fun, and extend the time you can enjoy your POM!
The dismissive way they address us with their “dieting” statement and their lack of suggestions or support just well… pisses me off a little bit and I have a feeling might irk some of my fellow weight loss bloggers too. Not a smart marketing move on POM’s part, especially with them trying to conduct outreach to weight loss bloggers.
Will I Continue Using/ Would I Purchase: No. I like the taste but the combination of the caloric count, sugar level and dismissive statement on their website have left a more sour than tart taste in my mouth.
Where to Purchase: POM Store Locator
Alternative suggestions: Looking for a sweet/tart beverage that takes up less of your daily caloric budget? I suggest the following!
- Ocean Spray’s Diet Cranberry Spray- It’s refreshing and crisp. It’s made with real cranberry juice. It’s an excellent source of Vitamin C. And it’s only 5 calories per 8 oz. serving. What does all of this mean? Well, it means that Diet Cranberry Spray is the perfect choice when you need a break from diet soda. And, let’s face it, we all need one of those from time to time.
- Ocean Spray’s Sugar Free Drink Mixes- Thirsty? Watching your calories? On the go? All three? Ocean Spray® Sugar-Free Drink Mixes are the perfect drink for you. Deliciously convenient and deliciously low in calories, it gives plain old water a boost of authentic, real fruit flavor, with just 5 little calories and 100% Vitamin C. Plus, it comes in these six great flavors: Cranberry, Cranberry Grape, White Cranberry Peach, Cranberry Pomegranate, Cranberry Lemonade , Ruby Red Grapefruit. Note: I’m living off Cranberry Lemonade now! It’s delicious!
- Ice water with slices of lemons/limes/oranges. Refreshing! Pretty! Very, very, very, very low calories!
UPDATE: POM RESPONDS
The POM Blogger left a comment stating:
Kelly,
Thank you for the feedback. I know a lot of people love our Diet POM Tea and zero calorie pills as an alternative to the juice. Both have the same amount of antioxidants as an 8 oz. bottle of juice. We also have favorable diabetes research on our site for those interested.
Thank you all for the feedback.
POM Blogger
I do not like how it says “it will not make you fat.” Well, if you drink enough of it, it will! Plus, if you have diabetes or PCOS or anything with insulin problems, that will stay on you as fat! Yeah I do not like the juice whatsoever.
Hey, I’ve found that adding half a bottle of the juice to my morning smoothie is a nice way to enjoy it. I, too, find the juice a little strong and the calorie count a tad high, but when I use it in my smoothie I can get the antioxidant benefits without the high caloric downside (mostly cause I’m using only half the bottle.)
I noticed the high calorie and sugar counts too, but thought I’d give it a try anyway. I liked the taste, but I agree with you – you can’t chug it – it’s better sipped throughout the day. And to me, the calories just aren’t worth it. I’d rather eat a real pomegranate! (probably cheaper too!)
And their statement???? Is more than a little arrogant on their part. A little demeaning too. I won’t be purchasing this product anymore either.
Thanks for sharing!!!
Yeah, I get that there probably aren’t many fatties who got that way from POM, but darn!
Kelly,
Thank you for the feedback. I know a lot of people love our Diet POM Tea and zero calorie pills as an alternative to the juice. Both have the same amount of antioxidants as an 8 oz. bottle of juice. We also have favorable diabetes research on our site for those interested.
Thank you all for the feedback.
POM Blogger
I really liked the POM yet I also ADORE your honesty here and you have a great point that alll things will indeed in excess add on the pounds.
Enjoyed your review. I also do not like the terminology “will not make you fat”. Seems a bit unprofessional.
The moderation statement would be a good one to bring up. You can’t drink it endlessly and expect not to gain weight. Calories are calories. Personally, though, I would rather have a high calorie juice (and control my intake) than a diet one with chemical sweeteners.
Love your honest assessment of the juice! And yes, that statement is somewhat offensive and dismissive in my opinion. I work hard to shed the pound and am not going to put them back on via a liquid. No thank you.
Yes. I have the POM bottles in fridge and don’t really like the taste. Thank you for being so blunt about it.. Was going to use in recipes for salad dressing or something.
That’s neat that POM responded to you.
My box was also busted when I received it (weird!) and I too savored mine. I liked mixing the juice with calorie-free club soda and a lime wedge. Perfect spike of antioxidants without too many calories!