POWERade's Option Really Turns To ZERO

There's a dizzying array of "sports drinks" on the market currently, with Coca-Cola and Pepsi trying outdo each other at every turn. Recently, Pepsi launched G2, a "lighter" version of Gatorade, and Propel Fitness Water, a lower-calorie Propel. I tried both of these and while they're fine, I just don't see the point of having yet another lower cal version that removes the sugar and adds crap sweetener so it can be marketed as more of a "diet" product. Coke's POWERade Option was one of my favorite beverages to drink—that is when I could find it. Of course now that I finally located an outlet for my Option, Coke's gone and screwed it up by replacing that product with POWERade ZERO. Let me get this straight: Coke decided to remove the 10-calorie Option for zero calorie ZERO? I was worried that those 10 calories would really go to my hips. Also Option was a clear liquid which was enough of a tip-off to me that it was low-cal. I get it. Note to Coke: a gigantic "ZERO" on the label is not going to get me to keep buying this stuff. Geez, Louise. A taste comparison unveils that the ZERO is much sweeter tasting because of the addition of some type of fake sweetener with about 30 letters in its complete name. Option had a nice mild taste. The best thing about POWERade ZERO is that the label is nicely designed, with the white against the now-colored liquid shining brightly. If you're interested, ZERO comes in mixed berry (blue), grape (purple), and strawberry (red). So Coke, I want my Option back. And cut it with the "zero" on all your labels. We ain't stupid.

http://us.powerade.com/#/drink/zero