Rviita Energy Tea

Caffeinated energy drinks can be an opportune tool to give you the extra kick you need to get through a tough day, but excessive caffeine consumption can also be dangerous. Mitch Jacobsen, CEO of Rviita Energy Tea, witnessed the ill effects of energy drinks when a friend suffered a minor heart attack due to overconsumption. Though his friend recovered, this close call forced Jacobsen to reconsider his own addiction to energy drinks, as well as wonder:
what exactly was in them?

After extensive research, he was inspired to make a better version and Rviita Energy Tea was born. Rviita is the only non-carbonated, naturally sweetened, tea-based energy drink currently on the Alberta market. All of the caffeine in the beverage comes directly from the tea, which has additional health benefits. “Amino acids, tannins and molecules … effectively combine with caffeine to prolong its positive effects, so you don’t get the same crash or quick spike you get from other drinks,” Jacobsen explains.

Approximately six years since first formulating their beverage, Jacobsen, his sister, Karly, and his best friend, Rob Wigg, are now retailing Rviita at major grocery chains such as Safeway, Sobeys and Walmart, as well as Calgary Co-op, Blush Lane, Sunterra Market, Community Natural Foods and others. Since inception, the company has sold almost 850,000 Rviita Energy Tea drinks in flavours such as peach, elderberry and black cherry.

The functional packaging is a big part of the product’s popularity — a pouch-like container that can be flattened and folded when empty.

“The overwhelming positivity we received from the community of people who are happy that there’s a great-tasting, healthy alternative to what’s out there has been really encouraging,” Jacobsen says. “I think that’s what keeps us going.”

$50 for 10-pack
rviitalize.com

What the judges said:
“The packaging on this product makes it stand out from the crowd. It’s lightweight, flexible and packs down small. It is the perfect energy drink for camping and hiking.” -Owen Kirkaldy