The energy drink market has long been dominated by sleek aluminum cans, aggressive branding, and caffeine counts that sometimes veer into the extreme. But a new player, Fruit Slaps, is looking to shake things up—quite literally—with a squeezable pouch format and a fruit-forward approach to energy.
At first glance, Fruit Slaps doesn’t look like your typical energy drink. Packaged in a compact, squeezable pouch, it feels more like a high-end fruit puree than something meant to jolt you awake. But a closer look at the ingredients tells a different story. The drink delivers a respectable 65 mg of caffeine per serving, sourced from guayusa, a naturally occurring plant-based stimulant known for its smoother energy boost compared to synthetic caffeine.
The brand’s debut flavor, Strawberry Lemonade, is bright, sweet, and tangy, balancing the nostalgic taste of childhood summer drinks with a modern energy kick. Unlike some energy drinks that can lean into artificial aftertastes, Fruit Slaps keeps things refreshingly natural, with a fruit blend that actually tastes like fruit rather than candy.
What sets this product apart, beyond its unique packaging, is its more measured approach to caffeine. With 65 mg per pouch—about the equivalent of a small cup of coffee—Fruit Slaps doesn’t hit with the same intensity as a 300 mg canned energy drink, but that’s kind of the point. It’s designed to provide a gentle, sustained boost without the jitters or crash, making it an appealing option for those who want energy without feeling like they’ve mainlined an espresso shot.
Of course, the squeezable format is also a conversation starter. It’s convenient for on-the-go use, whether you’re tossing it in a gym bag, a hiking pack, or just keeping it in your desk drawer for a midday pick-me-up. Plus, there’s something undeniably satisfying about squeezing the drink straight from the pouch—a tactile experience that sets it apart from the usual crack-and-chug routine of traditional energy drinks.
With so many new brands trying to carve out their niche in the already saturated energy drink space, Fruit Slaps is taking a bold approach by rethinking both format and formulation. It remains to be seen whether pouches will become the new standard for energy drinks, but for now, this one is delivering a fresh take on a familiar concept.
And, most importantly, it tastes really good.
