Capri Sun in Cans: A Convenient and Portable Juice Option
For decades, Capri Sun has been synonymous with the iconic foil juice pouches that allow kids and adults alike to conveniently sip juice on the go. While the distinctive pouches remain popular, Capri Sun has also expanded their product line to include ready-to-drink juice in cans.
Capri Sun launched its first canned juice offerings in 2016. The convenient new packaging provides an appealing alternative to plastic bottles and gives customers another way to enjoy the popular Capri Sun flavors.
The History of Capri Sun
Capri Sun was first introduced in Germany in 1969 by Hans-Peter Wild. Inspired by silver pouches used to store liquids on NASA space flights, Wild saw an opportunity to create a unique juice packaging that was shelf-stable and portable.
The foil and plastic Capri Sun pouches were an immediate hit with consumers when they launched in Europe. The brand reached the U.S. market in 1981 and soon became the top pouch drink brand in the country.
Over the years, the pouches have featured fun straw designs and licensed characters to appeal to kids. The brand has also continued to innovate by introducing new flavors and product lines beyond just juice, like water and sports drinks.
The Launch of Capri Sun Canned Drinks
For many years, Capri Sun only produced its signature pouched drinks. But in 2016, the company decided to enter the growing market for convenience-oriented canned beverages.
Capri Sun debuted its first canned juice drinks in the U.S. that year. The 8-ounce slim cans mirrored the on-the-go appeal of the pouches in a more traditional can format.
The canned drinks were targeted at teens and young adults looking for a portable and quick drink option. The launch included trendy flavors like Pomegranate Blueberry and Orange Mango to appeal to older consumers.
Capri Sun Canned Drinks Today
Capri Sun cans are now available across the U.S. at major retailers like Walmart, Target, Amazon, and convenience stores. They provide consumers with another way to enjoy the popular Capri Sun flavors.
The lineup of canned options has expanded since the initial launch to include:
- Fruit Punch
- Strawberry Kiwi
- Orange
- Lemonade
- Raspberry Lemonade
- Grape
- Apple
In addition to the 8-ounce slim cans, some flavors are also now sold in larger 12-ounce cans. However, the convenient slim cans remain the most popular format.
Benefits of Capri Sun Canned Drinks
Drinking Capri Sun in cans offers several advantages that appeal to many consumers:
Portability
Like the pouches, the slim 8-ounce cans are designed to be easily portable for on-the-go drinking. They can be tossed into a lunch box, backpack, or purse.
Resealability
The cans have resealable lids, allowing you to close up and save the remainder for later. This gives them an advantage over plastic bottles.
Convenience
The canned drinks require no preparation - just open the tab top and drink. Their grab-and-go simplicity makes them convenient.
Familiar Format
While not as unique as pouches, cans have a familiar, comfortable format that consumers know and trust.
Recyclable Packaging
The aluminum cans are endlessly recyclable, giving the product an eco-friendly profile.
Shelf Stability
Unlike bottles, the canned drinks can be stored at room temperature until opened.
Drawbacks of Canned Capri Sun
However, there are some downsides associated with drinking Capri Sun from a can rather than a pouch:
Less Unique Personality
The fun, squeezable pouches are iconic for Capri Sun. Plain aluminum cans seem mundane by comparison.
Higher Price Point
The canned drinks cost a bit more than the pouches. The 12-packs retail for $3-$4 compared to $2-$3 for a 10-pack of pouches.
Less Visual Appeal
Kids in particular may be less enthralled with canned drinks versus the see-through, character-adorned pouches.
Potential Can Taste
Some complain the cans impart a metallic taste not found in the pouches.
Less Hygienic
Unlike self-contained pouches, reusable cans may feel less clean to some after multiple openings.
Packaging of Capri Sun Canned Drinks
The packaging of the Capri Sun cans includes the following key elements:
Slim 8-Ounce Cans
The slim, sleek 8-ounce cans are designed for portability and easy storage in bags, lunchboxes, etc.
Full Wrap Shrink Sleeve Labels
Vibrant full-body shrink sleeve labels showcase fun Capri Sun graphics.
Resealable Pull Tab Lids
The quick twist reclose lids allow consumers to reseal an opened can.
Nutrition Facts
A nutrition facts panel is included on the back label stating serving size, calories, sugar content, etc.
Ingredient List
The ingredient list highlights that the drinks are made with real juice and free of artificial sweeteners and flavors.
Capri Sun Logo
The iconic Capri Sun logo featuring a sun wearing sunglasses reinforces the playful brand identity.
How Capri Sun Canned Drinks Are Made
Capri Sun canned beverages go through a detailed production process that includes:
Juice Blending
Real fruit juices are blended together in large tanks based on each flavors unique recipe.
Mixing in Other Ingredients
Additional ingredients like water, natural sweeteners, vitamins, etc. are mixed into the juice blends.
Pasteurization
The juice is pasteurized by quickly heating it to a high temperature to kill any potential pathogens.
Filling Cans
The pasteurized juice is pumped into empty slim aluminum cans on a high-speed filling line.
Seaming
The filled cans are sealed shut with a microscopic crimped seam edge to prevent leaks.
Pressure Cooking
The sealed cans are pressure cooked to further sterilize the contents for a long unrefrigerated shelf life.
Cooling
The cans are brought down to room temperature through cooling tubes.
Labeling
Shrink sleeve labels detailing the brand, flavors, etc. are applied to the cans.
Case Packing
The finished cans are packaged into boxes and transport cases ready for shipping.
Where to Buy Capri Sun Canned Drinks
Capri Sun cans are sold at most major retailers where you may purchase groceries or beverages. Good places to find them include:
Grocery Stores
Large supermarket chains like Kroger, Safeway, Publix, etc. typically stock Capri Sun cans.
Warehouse Clubs
Warehouse stores like Costco and Sams Club often sell multipacks of the canned drinks.
Convenience Stores
Grab individual cans at convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Wawa, Circle K, and QuikTrip.
Online
Shop major retailers online like Walmart.com and Amazon.com. Capri Suns website also lets you order cases directly.
Vending Machines
Look for Capri Sun canned drinks stocked in vending machines in locations like schools, offices, etc.
Factors Influencing the Price of Capri Sun Cans
Several key factors impact the retail pricing of Capri Sun canned beverages including:
Ingredient Costs
The prices of real fruit juices fluctuate based on crop yields, demand, and other factors.
Manufacturing Expenses
Costs for materials, labor, transportation and overhead are considered when pricing the drinks.
Packaging
Aluminum cans and printed shrink sleeve labels add to the production costs.
Retailer Margins
The price accounts for the retailers desired profit margin for each item sold.
Branding
As a well-known brand, Capri Sun can command a premium price for its canned drinks.
Volume Discounts
Large bulk orders may receive discounted wholesale rates that lower the per-unit price.
Promotions
Special sales pricing or coupons lower the price during promotional periods to attract sales.
Location
Prices can vary by region depending on distribution costs, competitive pricing factors, etc.
Capri Sun Cans Nutrition Information
Capri Sun provides the following key nutrition facts for a typical 8-ounce can:
100 calories
The slim cans are designed to be a lighter drink option, keeping calorie content around 100 per serving.
25-35g of sugar
The drinks get their sweetness primarily from fruit juice concentrates, along with some added sugar.
10-15g of carbohydrates
Carbs come largely from the fruit juices and added sweeteners.
Vitamin C
The real juices provide a source of immune-boosting vitamin C.
No artificial sweeteners or flavors
Capri Sun contains no artificial or synthetic ingredients.
How to Open and Drink Capri Sun Cans
Enjoying Capri Sun in a can is quick and easy:
1. Pull Tab to Open
Locate the pull tab on top of the can and lift it up to puncture a hole.
2. Drink
Tilt the can back towards your mouth and drink the juice from the opening.
3. Close Lid to Save Rest
When done drinking, press down on the tab to reseal the opening until ready to finish.
4. Recycle Can When Empty
Once empty, rinse out the can and place in a recycling bin to be repurposed.
Other Beverages Available from Capri Sun
In addition to their popular juice pouches and canned drinks, other beverage products from Capri Sun include:
Bottled Juices
Plastic bottles with resealable sports cap lids provide another juice format.
Juice Boxes
Shelf-stable juice boxes appeal to school and camp settings.
Sparkling Juices
Fizzy, carbonated fruit juice drinks in cans offer a different sensory profile.
Organic Juices
Their Capri Sun Organic line features juices made from organic ingredients.
Flavored Waters
Refreshing lines like Capri Sun Splash provide lower-calorie flavored waters.
The Future of Capri Sun Canned Beverages
The launch of canned drinks represents an important expansion into a faster-growing beverage segment compared to the more mature pouch category. Capri Sun will likely continue innovating with their canned products by:
- Adding trendy new flavors and ingredients
- Releasing seasonal and limited-edition varieties
- Expanding the product line beyond just juices
- Growing distribution and availability
- Improving packaging sustainability
While pouches built the brands identity, Capri Sun cans offer consumers another convenient way to enjoy delicious juices on the go. The portable, quick-drinking cans provide the great taste of Capri Sun in a grab-and-go format that fits todays active lifestyles.
FAQs
Are Capri Sun cans made from the same juices as the pouches?
Yes, the canned drinks are made from the same real fruit juices and sweeteners as the traditional pouches.
Do Capri Sun cans need to be refrigerated?
No. Like the pouches, the canned drinks are shelf-stable until opened and can be stored at room temperature.
Where can I buy Capri Sun cans in bulk?
Warehouse stores like Costco and Sam's Club often sell multipacks of 12-24 cans at discounted bulk pricing.
Are Capri Sun cans available in non-fruit flavors?
Currently Capri Sun only produces fruit and lemonade flavors in cans. But they may expand to non-fruit varieties in the future.
Are Capri Sun cans gluten-free?
Yes, Capri Sun confirms that all of their canned juice drinks are gluten-free products.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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