International: PepsiCo announced the launch of Driftwell, a new drink intended to help customers relax and unwind before bedtime.
As a result of an internal competition initiated last year by CEO Ramon Laguarta and also with the idea of Pepsi employees, the beverage giant made it into reality.
“I think we’re launching this at a time when there’s more consumer interest than there previously was, given everything that’s going on from a macro perspective,” said Emily Silver, vice president of innovation and capabilities at Pepsi’s North American beverages unit.
The enhanced water drink contains 200 milligrams of L-theanine and 10% of the recommended daily value of magnesium. A few studies have suggested that L-theanine can improve sleep quality and can help reduce the physical symptoms of stress.
“From a scientific and regulatory perspective, we feel really good about making that claim around L-theanine. Specifically, we have safety in clinical data to prove that it works,” Silver added.
The drink comes in 7.5-ounce mini cans and just one flavor: blackberry lavender. Driftwell will be available nationally in December on e-commerce platforms, and by the first quarter of 2021 in grocery stores.
