Review: Minute Maid - Hibiscus Aguas Frescas

Minute Maid Hibiscus Aguas Frescas is a non-carbonated beverage that is the brand's take on Mexican hibiscus iced tea, called agua de Jamaica in Spanish.

A 16-oz can retails for approximately $1.49, but I received this courtesy of the Coca-Cola Company.

The Hibiscus Aguas Frescas had an aroma that was strong and fruity, with a sweetness you could almost smell.

I was surprised to see the light pink color of the Hibiscus Aguas Frescas when I first poured it into my cup. Living in Los Angeles, I'm familiar with the typical preparation found at taquerias that is deeply purplish red in color, so much so that it almost appears opaque due to the dark pigment.

Mexican hibiscus iced tea is typically quite tart in flavor, akin to cranberry juice with more of a tannin mouthfeel and some floral notes. The Minute Maid Hibiscus Aguas Frescas was only mildly tart on the other hand, with more emphasis on the sweet aspect of this sweet and sour beverage.

The Hibiscus Aguas Frescas was very sweet upon initial taste, and I personally found it to be cloying due to the use of sucralose. The artificial sweetener aftertaste is not too overpowering (I personally find sucralose to be the least offensive artificial sweetener), but it definitely detracts from the drink overall. I think the Hibiscus Aguas Frescas would have been more successful had Minute Maid just opted for a less sweet beverage and forgone the sucralose entirely.

In all, I found the Hibiscus Aguas Frescas to be a letdown. This might be due to my familiarity with Mexican hibiscus iced tea, which is usually richly tart and intense, but this just tasted like a watered-down version that was artificially over-sweetened.

By Renee.

Nutritional Info - Minute Maid Hibiscus Aguas Frescas
Serving Size - 8-oz / half a can (240mL)
Calories - 45 (from Fat - 0)
Fat - 0g (Saturated Fat - 0g)
Sodium - 55mg
Carbs - 11g (Sugar - 10g)
Protein - 0g