Cactus Is the New Coconut
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Pricklee Cactus Water Is Making a Splash
stress in rats that is caused by alcohol consumption. This could be because cactus water is packed with antioxidants! Another reason for its popularity is that cactus water looks as good as it tastes. The drink’s pink tint comes from betalain pigments also seen in beets. These pigments have anti- inflammatory properties, which help reduce swelling, especially after a hard workout.
Do people actually like coconut water? That question prompted five pharmacists to shift their career focus from health care to a brand-new product — cactus water. Cactus water is thriving against coconut water. About 15 years ago, coconut water entered the beverage industry as a healthy, electrolyte-fueled, low-sugar drink alternative to overly sweet juices, sodas, and even water. It’s been seen publicly enjoyed by celebrities, athletes, and politicians. In that time, the coconut water market size rose to $1.1 billion in 2019, and it’s expected to rise to $3.2 billion by 2027. However, real nutritional benefits may be why cactus water is rising in popularity. For one, cactus water has nearly half the sugar content of coconut water. Second, several studies have suggested that cactus water isn’t just good for hydration — it’s also good for lowering inflammation and blood sugar, and it can help you recover after a hangover. That’s right: A 2013 study published in the journal Experimental and Toxicologic Pathology suggests that prickly pear cactus can help reduce oxidative
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Speaking of a workout, apparently cactus water can even provide an energy boost before you start your gym session. Nikki Ostrower, nutritionist and founder of NAO Wellness, says, “Prickly pear has taurine, a powerhouse antioxidant that gives us a plethora of energy to enhance athletic performance and cognitive function.” Of course, this evidence gained public attention after the rise of Pricklee cactus water, but how in the world did they decide to pursue cactus water in the first place? The Pricklee Story When Mo Hassoun traveled to visit his childhood home in Lebanon, he was reminded of summers spent drinking cactus water with his grandmother. He came back home to Boston and shared the drink with his four close friends, who were fellow students and aspiring pharmacists. When Mo promised them it tasted like watermelon and bubblegum, they didn’t believe him — until they tried it for themselves. They instantly knew they’d stumbled onto something special and began researching the health benefits, discovering many of the facts mentioned here. They saw this as a clear sign that cactus water was delicious, and it could turn the coconut water industry upside down. That bold attitude led the five of them to create unique online and in-person marketing campaigns, including a loyalty membership program called the Anti-Coconut Club, and run around Boston in cactus costumes, passing out free cactus water. In just one year, their five-person team — completely new to the world of consumer packaged goods — figured out the logistics, ingredient sourcing, flavor development, branding, and manufacturing all before launching their first cactus water product. “The concept of cactus water in 2021 is absolutely bubbling up,” Kun Yang, CEO and co-founder of Pricklee, told Thrillist. “Vanessa Hudgens launched her cactus water in April ... People are really looking for plant-based hydration, and cactus water is something new to add to their diet.” Cactus water might have paved the way for new plant water entrants, but for now, thanks to the bold career shifts, marketing strategies, and research efforts of Pricklee’s founders, it looks like cactus water is here to stay.
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