How to Choose the Best Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Beverage

Your Guide to buying the best RTDs

Overview

Ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages are an excellent option for those looking for a convenient and delicious beverage. RTDs come in a variety of flavors, styles, and sizes, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for an energy drink, coffee, tea, or something else, there's an RTD out there to suit your needs. This buying guide will provide an in-depth look at the different types of RTDs, their benefits, and the factors to consider when purchasing them.

Key features

  1. Form Factor - How the RTD is packaged, such as can, bottle, or pouch.
  2. Alcohol Content - RTD beverages can contain up to 20% alcohol, so it is important to know how much alcohol the RTD contains.
  3. Flavor - RTD beverages come in a variety of flavors, so it is important to make sure the RTD you are buying is the one you want.
  4. Price - RTD beverages can range in price, so it is important to compare prices between different brands.
  5. Ingredients - Check the list of ingredients on the label to ensure you are not consuming anything you do not want in your drink.
  6. Carbonation - Some RTD beverages are carbonated, so it is important to know if the RTD you are buying has carbonation or not.
  7. Calories - Check the number of calories on the label to understand how many calories you are consuming.
  8. Serving Size - Make sure to check the serving size of the RTD you are buying to ensure it is the size you are expecting.
  9. Sugar Content - Check the sugar content of the RTD to know how much sugar you are consuming.

See the most popular RTDs on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Portability & Convenience - Ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages are pre-mixed and pre-packaged, so they are easy to grab and go. They require no additional preparation or mixing, so they are a convenient and time-saving option.
  • Variety of Flavors - RTDs come in a wide variety of flavors, from classic sodas to new and innovative combinations. This gives consumers the chance to explore new taste experiences and find the perfect beverage for their taste.
  • Shelf-Stability - RTDs can be stored at room temperature for extended periods of time, making them a great choice for stockpiling and long-term storage.
  • Consistent Quality - RTDs are made to exacting standards and the recipes are carefully monitored for consistency, so you can expect the same taste every time you enjoy a RTD.
  • Low Maintenance Requirements - RTDs require no mixing or preparation, so they require minimal maintenance when compared to other beverage options.

Cons

  • Cost: RTDs can be costly, depending on the brand and type of RTD that you purchase.
  • Alcohol content: Some RTDs contain alcohol, which may not be preferred by all consumers.
  • Nutritional value: RTDs do not typically provide a high nutritional value, as many of them are not fortified with vitamins or minerals.
  • Flavor profile: The flavor of RTDs can vary greatly, and may not suit everyone's taste.

Best alternatives

  1. Kombucha - a fermented tea known for its health benefits and slightly sour taste
  2. Mocktails - a non-alcoholic drink made with a combination of juices, syrups, and other flavorings
  3. Smoothies - a blended drink made with a base of fruit, milk, or yogurt, and other ingredients such as nuts, seeds, and protein powder
  4. Flavored Water - water with added flavorings and sweeteners, such as fruit juice or sugar syrup
  5. Iced Tea - a cold beverage made from brewed tea, often flavored with herbs and spices
  6. Soda - carbonated water with added flavoring, often containing sweeteners such as sugar or high fructose corn syrup

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • RTD - Ready-to-drink beverage that comes in a premixed can or bottle.
  • Ice - Ice can be used to cool down RTDs.
  • Cup - A cup or glass is needed to pour RTDs into.
  • Straw - A straw is needed for convenience and hygiene.
  • Cooler - A cooler can be used to keep RTDs cold if outdoors.
  • Cocktail Mixers - A variety of cocktail mixers can be used to make RTDs more complex and flavorful.

Common questions

  1. What is an RTD? An RTD (Ready To Drink) is an alcoholic beverage that comes pre-mixed and is ready to be served without any additional preparation.
  2. What types of RTDs are available? RTDs are available in a variety of styles, including cider, wine, spirits, and pre-mixed cocktails.
  3. What are the benefits of RTDs? The main benefit of RTDs is that they are convenient and ready to drink with little to no preparation. They also come in a range of flavours and are easy to transport.
  4. What should I consider when choosing an RTD? When choosing an RTD, you should consider the ABV (alcohol by volume) content, flavour, ingredients and price.
  5. Are RTDs healthier than other alcoholic beverages? No, RTDs are not necessarily healthier than other alcoholic beverages. The nutritional content of an RTD will depend on the ingredients used.
  6. Can RTDs be served over ice? Yes, RTDs can be served over ice as long as they are not carbonated.

Trivia

Did you know that RTDs have been used as a tool of diplomacy? A classic example is during the Cold War when the United States presented the Soviet Union with RTDs as a sign of goodwill. According to news reports, the Soviet Foreign Minister, Andrei Gromyko, enjoyed them so much that he asked for more to be sent! The gesture ended up being seen as a sign of friendship and a small step towards easing tensions between the two superpowers. Source: https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/22/us/cold-war-ready-to-drink-drinks/index.html

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.