Zola (Giveaway)
9:24 AM Posted by Pink Lemonade Liz
Don't you just love all the great bottled juices and smoothies at the market? The choices seem to be endless - you can get juices, pomegranate for your heart, blueberries for overall health, blends of red berries, veggies juices that taste like fruit juices. Then there are the smoothies - with additives for every need, energy, power, immunity - the juice and smoothie section at my local Whole Foods is bigger than the milk section! It seems that most of the "new" bottled juices and smoothies are just a re-work or something that's already out there. Until now...Zola is an amazing line of juices and smoothies made from the Brazillian Acai berry. The acai berry is an exotic berry grown in the Amazon rainforest. It has 60% more antioxidants than pomegranates and 500% more than blueberries!
Sure, you've heard lots about Acai berries and their weight loss properties, but Zola is about something else... Health. Zola juices are packed with antioxidants, rich in omega fatty acids and are naturally energizing.
I recently got a chance to interview Chris Cuvelier, Founder and President of Zola to ask him a few questions about the products. Here's our interview:
Liz:
How did you discover the Acai berry and it's benefits?Chris:
As a consultant to the juice and smoothie industry for 10 years, I had sampled fruits from all over the world but had never found anything quite like açaí. After trying it, I decided to go to Brazil and sample it from the source. After my first trip, I was hooked! Açaí berries are not only delicious, but contain antioxidant benefits and natural energy boosts that inspired me and my partners to create Zola – the world’s first açaí superfruit juice.
Liz:
What benefit does the Acai berry provide?
Chris:
Açaí has been shown to have powerful antioxidant properties thanks to a high level of anthocyanins, pigments that are also present in red wine. Independent ORAC testing by Brunswick labs confirmed açaí to have 500% more antioxidants than blueberries and 60% more than pomegranates, and according to the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) açaí has remarkable contents of several essential minerals – calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc, showing that açaí is the true superfruit. Açaí also contains omegas 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids.
Liz:
Is Brazil the only place Acai berries are found?
Chris:
Mainly in Brazil, but they are found in other parts of the Amazon rainforest. The Amazon has specific growing conditions that are essential for the açaí berry to grow.
Liz:
What makes Zola different from other bottles smoothies that contain Acai berries?
Chris:
A couple of things. First, Zola not only contains the powerful açaí berry, but we also blend in other Brazilian superfruits – fruits that not only taste great, but also naturally contain an exceptional amount of nutrients. Some of the other fruits we use in our smoothies that you won’t find in any other commonly available smoothies are Cupuaçu, Graviola and Caja Fruit. And Second, Zola only uses the highest grade of açaí pulp, açaí especial, in all of our juices and smoothies. The Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture has formalized an age-old Amazon wisdom (the thicker the açaí pulp, the more nutrients it contains) by defining the grade of açaí according to the amount of açaí fruit pulp it contains: Açai “popular” (lower grade) must contain at least 8% pulp, açaí “medio” (middle grade) at least 11% pulp and açaí “especial” (special grade) a minimum of 14% pulp.
Liz:
I've seen Acai berries in both the frozen food section of my supermarket and in other juice beverages, why are the Acai berries in Zola better for me?
Chris:
Well, you won’t see the actually açaí berry anywhere outside of the Amazon and close surrounding regions. The açaí berry is so delicate that it needs to be harvested, processed and frozen within 72 hours of harvest or it could lose up to 90% of its nutrients. Because of this, Zola controls our supply from tree to bottle to ensure that we uphold the strictest and safest handling practices. We can’t speak to all other açaí products available, but we can tell you that all Zola products contain the highest grade of açaí available, açaí especial, and we control supply from tree to bottle to ensure the highest quality and nutrients possible.
Liz:
I've seen many claims that Acai berries provide energy - are they a safe alternative for those of us that are sensitive to caffeine or restricted from it for medical reasons?
Chris:
The energy that you get form a bottle of Zola Açaí Superfruit Juice comes from the authentic Brazilian recipe that we follow – we add a touch of organic Guaraná seed to the juice for sustained energy. Each serving of Zola Superfruit juice contains 24mg (about the amount found in a cup of green tea). It is a source of caffeine, but the caffeine from the organic Guaraná seed is released slowly; therefore, it provides sustained energy and not a high and low.
Liz:
I've noticed some of your smoothies are organic, but some are not - why aren't the all organic?
Chris:
All of our smoothies are 70% organic. Because we are using such cutting edge Brazilian Superfruits in our blends, they are not yet recognized by the USDA to be organic, although they are all grown pesticide-free. We are working through that right now and hope to obtain certifications soon.
Liz:
Your company gives back to it's communities in Brazil, explain how Zola is helping.
Chris:
At Zola, social responsibility is a huge focus – we wanted to create programs that would give back to the communities from which we are harvesting our fruits. We created a unique program, Project Zola to empower the people in local communities through partnership and sustainability. Project Zola generates financial and educational support which is directed to the local communities that produce and harvest Zola’s açaí. Project Zola focuses on building community infrastructure, improving quality of life and protecting the environment with specific and tangible goals in a 100% transparent environment. Zola promotes sales of Amazonian Project Zola products that are sold with the support of Zola’s retail partners in North America, which not only generates financial support but also creates a sense of pride for the local people. In fact, Zola was able to completely fund Escola Acaimu in 2007 and will continue to support such as this in the future. Zola is also a huge proponent of sustainable farming and works only with partners who are aligned in this commitment.
In case you'd like to learn even more about Zola, here'a a video to give you a better feel for Chris and his company, including PROJECT ZOLA:
We have an assortment of these yummy juices and smoothies for one lucky reader!
There are several ways to enter - here are the rules:
* Pop on over to Zola and explore their website - then come back and leave us a comment. Let us know which you think your favorite flavor might be or why you thing Zola is a great company.
* Become a follower on Twitter. Leave me a comment to let me know your twitter name (if you are already a follower, leave me a comment with your twitter name) - if the twitter link isn't working - it is a twitter problem, not our link so please keep trying!
* Become a fan on our new Facebook page. Leave me a comment to let me know your Facebook name.
* Subscribe to our RSS Feed or sign up to receive Pink Lemonade by Email. Leave me a comment to let me know you. If you are already a subscriber, leave me a comment and let me know.
* Blog about our contest on your blog. Leave me a comment with your post url.
* Place our widget on your blog (it's toward the bottom of this page in the far right column - just click "get widget" at the bottom of the widget [under the heading "Grab our Widget"]). Leave me a comment with your site url.
There you have it! Six very simple ways to enter our contest - how easy is that? Complete rules can be found on our Contest page.
This contest ends Sunday, May 3rd at 11:59pm (pdst) so don't wait - make sure you've gotten all six entries before it's too late! Please note: entries received after the cutoff time will be deleted prior to drawing a winner.
Posted by Liz of Pink Lemonade
Featured Weekly on Posh Mama Online Magazine
April 27, 2009 11:31 AM
the tropical blend sounds really good. amsbolda@hotmail.com
April 27, 2009 11:32 AM
I follow on twitter. 1amypugmire. amsbolda@hotmail.com
April 27, 2009 11:32 AM
I"m a fan on facebook. amy bolda pugmire. amsbolda@hotmail.com
April 27, 2009 11:32 AM
I subscribe. amsbolda@hotmail.com
April 27, 2009 11:32 AM
I have your button. amsbolda@hotmail.com
April 27, 2009 11:38 AM
Yum, I love Zola! www.ilikegranola.com.
April 27, 2009 3:07 PM
the tropical blend looks delicious!
April 27, 2009 3:08 PM
follow on twitter @misaacmom
April 27, 2009 3:09 PM
subscribed via google reader
April 27, 2009 3:33 PM
I love Zola. I'm glad the word is getting out on it.
April 27, 2009 10:28 PM
I love smoothies, so all the flavors look amazing. This is a great companies because some of those smoothies are as healthy or healthier than fruit! --Michelle, blogattoday (~!at] gmaildotcom
April 27, 2009 10:28 PM
I'm following you on Twitter. I'm @sweepstakesgirl. --Michelle, blogattoday (~!at] gmaildotcom
April 27, 2009 10:29 PM
I tweeted! https://twitter.com/sweepstakesgirl/status/1632583639. --Michelle, blogattoday (~!at] gmaildotcom
April 28, 2009 10:01 AM
Their Acai with blueberry juice sounds so delicious and very healthy too. What I like about their company is they use the highest quality of fruits in their product.
tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com
April 28, 2009 10:02 AM
I am a fan on Facebook.
tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com
April 28, 2009 10:03 AM
I am a subscriber.
tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com
April 28, 2009 7:12 PM
yum - acai with pineapple!
addeviant006 at gmail dot com
April 29, 2009 11:25 AM
I think I might like the Tropical Blend.
April 29, 2009 11:25 AM
I follow you on twitter! (erinlowmaster)
ellybean (at) connected2christ (dot) com
http://www.connected2christ.com
April 29, 2009 11:25 AM
I am a fan on face book. ( Erin Lowmaster)
ellybean (at) connected2christ dot com
http://www.connected2christ.com
April 29, 2009 11:25 AM
I subscribe.
April 29, 2009 11:27 AM
Your button is on the left hand side of my blog.
ellybean (at) connected2christ (dot) com
http://www.connected2christ.com
May 2, 2009 7:04 PM
Their Acai with blueberry juice sounds delicious and very healthy , I like that their company uses the highest quality of fruits in their product.
May 2, 2009 7:07 PM
I would like to try the Acai with Pineapple Juice.
I like that they have a goal of creating products that are "Good for you and Good for the Planet."
Thank you!
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
May 2, 2009 7:09 PM
I follow on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/Janetfaye
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
May 2, 2009 7:14 PM
Facebook Fan - Janet Fri
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
May 2, 2009 7:15 PM
Subscribed by email.
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
May 2, 2009 7:19 PM
I blogged:
http://luckygiveaways.blogspot.com/2009/05/zola-giveaway.html
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
May 2, 2009 7:22 PM
Widget on sidebar:
http://luckygiveaways.blogspot.com/
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
May 2, 2009 7:24 PM
The 'Tropical Blend' sounds 'heavenly'!
Yum! Yum! Yummy!
Thanks for the 'great' giveaway offering and good luck to all!
leandrew_taylor@yahoo.com
May 2, 2009 7:28 PM
I follow on Twitter (My Twitter Username: LT38)!
leandrew_taylor@yahoo.com
Thanks!
May 2, 2009 7:29 PM
Tropical Blend sounds tasty !
May 2, 2009 7:32 PM
The tropical Blend sounds really great, though it was hard to choose!
May 2, 2009 7:38 PM
Became a facebook fan!
LeAndrew W. Taylor
leandrew_taylor@yahoo.com
May 2, 2009 7:42 PM
subscriber
May 2, 2009 7:44 PM
I'm a subscriber via Google Reader!
leandrew_taylor@yahoo.com
Thanks!
May 2, 2009 8:05 PM
Acai with Pineapple Juice sounds good!
braaisjo at gmail dot com
May 2, 2009 8:40 PM
love to try the tropical blend
May 2, 2009 9:52 PM
I would love to try the Acai with pineapple juice. What I love about Zola is they use 100% unfiltered Açaí as our base fruit. Thanks!
lisalmg25 at gmail dot com
May 2, 2009 9:53 PM
I'm following you on Twitter user lisalmg. Thanks!
lisalmg25 at gmail dot com
May 2, 2009 9:54 PM
I'm a fan on Facebook user Lisa Garner. Thanks!
lisalmg25 at gmail dot com
May 2, 2009 9:55 PM
I'm a current email subscriber.
lisalmg25 at gmail dot com
May 2, 2009 9:57 PM
I have your widget on my blog sidebar. http://mowermom.blogspot.com/
Thanks!
lisalmg25 at gmail dot com
May 2, 2009 10:36 PM
Tropical Blend sounds yummy
May 2, 2009 10:36 PM
I'm following you on Twitter. (My Twitter name is @ThriftyJinxy)
May 2, 2009 10:36 PM
I'm subscribed to your RSS feed.
May 2, 2009 11:10 PM
I would like to try the Acai with pineapple juice.
May 2, 2009 11:49 PM
would love to try the tropical first!
i'm
a newbie
May 2, 2009 11:54 PM
i would like to try the acai with pineapple
imjessica(at)mail(dot)com
May 3, 2009 12:10 AM
I'm like to try the Immunity Smoothie.
meredycat*lycos*com
May 3, 2009 12:10 AM
follower.
meredycat*lycos*com
May 3, 2009 12:11 AM
I meant I follow you on Twitter under Meredycat. Sorry.
meredycat*lycos*com
May 3, 2009 1:43 AM
Acai with blueberry juicesounds yummy
May 3, 2009 4:12 AM
Acai with Pineapple would be a good choice for me. Thank you.
May 3, 2009 4:16 AM
I would like to try the Immunity Smoothie
May 3, 2009 4:44 AM
My first choice would be the acai with blueberry juice.
May 3, 2009 4:52 AM
like to try the tropical blend mverno@roadrunner.com
May 3, 2009 5:08 AM
Tropical Blend appeals to me, I'd love to try Zola products. My entire family is trying to be healthier.
May 3, 2009 5:08 AM
Twitter follower cdziuba
May 3, 2009 5:09 AM
subscriber
May 3, 2009 5:09 AM
Facebook fan carol p dziuba
May 3, 2009 5:09 AM
button ceeceeblogger.blogspot.com
May 3, 2009 5:10 AM
Facebook carol p dziuba
May 3, 2009 5:16 AM
Acai with Blueberry looks great to me!
May 3, 2009 5:18 AM
I would love the chance to win, thanks.
erma.hurtt@sbcglobal.net
May 3, 2009 5:19 AM
I am a facebook fan-Hesper Fry
May 3, 2009 5:34 AM
I learned that Zola uses natural whole Guaraná seed powder. This contains natural oils that do not dissolve in water. Nutritionists call this “fat soluble.” As a result, they release their latent energy slowly, and your body processes the oils slowly. Other so-called “energy drinks” use a chemically processed Guaraná extract that is water-soluble. You get an instant lift, but it’s quickly followed by a “crash and burn.”
May 3, 2009 5:49 AM
I would like the Energy Smoothie variety. Zola uses only organic Acai berries, and harvests with no manual contact and triple washes the berries.
May 3, 2009 5:51 AM
I'm following you on Twitter. My ID is @amylou61
May 3, 2009 5:52 AM
I'd pick the Tropical Belend- but I think I'd enjoy them all.
May 3, 2009 7:14 AM
tropical blend sounds yummy
May 3, 2009 7:24 AM
I think the Acai and Blueberry one sounds delish!
alison_luby at hotmail dot com
May 3, 2009 7:33 AM
acai w/ pineapple sounds good
May 3, 2009 7:50 AM
the acai / blueberry sounds amazing
May 3, 2009 8:08 AM
the superfood smoothie sounds like something I need for my health
May 3, 2009 8:20 AM
the Acai/blueberry sounds good to me.
gjsrjs@sbcglobal.net
May 3, 2009 8:42 AM
Acai with Pineapple sound good. garrettsambo@aol.com
May 3, 2009 9:14 AM
I would like to try superfood smoothie
May 3, 2009 9:36 AM
I would love to try (experience!) the Superfood Smoothie. And the Acai with Blueberry Juice sounds divine!
May 3, 2009 9:47 AM
The one with pineapple juice.
May 3, 2009 10:18 AM
I would want to try the original first and then with blueberry!
Thanks
Sarah
believedreamcourage (at) gmail.com
May 3, 2009 10:25 AM
I'd most likely love the pineapple one. It's one of my favorite fruits. :D
lilnamekangelivy[at]aol[dot]com
May 3, 2009 10:48 AM
would love tropical blend, yum
May 3, 2009 11:30 AM
I would pick the Tropical Blend.
May 3, 2009 11:31 AM
Superfood smoothie.
john ferris
guapo1317@live.com
May 3, 2009 11:51 AM
Acai with pineapple
May 3, 2009 11:54 AM
I think that the Berry Blend Antioxidant smoothie would be my favorite flavor. Hard to say though...they all sounds tasty.
May 3, 2009 12:01 PM
I'd like to try their Acai with blueberry juice.
Thanks for the giveaway!
email in blogger profile.
May 3, 2009 12:14 PM
Wow, they all sound delicious!! I'd like to try the Antioxidants, Omegas, and Energy with blueberry juice!!
Thanks for a nutritious giveaway!
hi_joan_elliott@hotmail.com
May 3, 2009 12:33 PM
Acai with blueberry sounds great. Two of my favorite flavors.
aal1959(at)gmail(dot)com
May 3, 2009 12:35 PM
Tropical blend..yum
May 3, 2009 12:37 PM
I subscribe by email
May 3, 2009 12:47 PM
Acai with pineapple sounds yummy :)
May 3, 2009 12:53 PM
I find it amazing that their smoothies can be healthier than fruit itself!
May 3, 2009 1:19 PM
The Tropical Blend sounds really good.
May 3, 2009 1:42 PM
all the blends sound so good, and who would not like a drink that will keep you health?
May 3, 2009 2:09 PM
Acai with pineapple sounds terrific but I would like to see it with more different fruits ex raspberrys.strawberries, peaches
May 3, 2009 2:26 PM
Acai with Pineapple would be just one of my choices!
May 3, 2009 2:26 PM
I'm following you on Twitter (slmiresse)
May 3, 2009 3:23 PM
Tropical blend, wow! skyxsky27[at]gmail.com
May 3, 2009 3:24 PM
Following you on Twitter,id-skyxsky27, skyxsky27(at)gmail.com
May 3, 2009 3:25 PM
Subscriber! skyxsky27(at)gmail.com
May 3, 2009 4:28 PM
I'd go for the energy smoothie. sharonaquilino(At)hotmail(dot)com
May 3, 2009 4:53 PM
Tropical Blend sounds great!
May 3, 2009 4:56 PM
subscriber
May 3, 2009 5:25 PM
I think I'd like the acai with pineapple
May 3, 2009 5:29 PM
I'd love to try the pineapple one :)
May 3, 2009 5:30 PM
I would love to try the tropical blend.
May 3, 2009 5:34 PM
I would love to try the Energy Smoothie. But all of the flavors sound wonderful to me.
Thank you so much for offering this wonderful contest.
May 3, 2009 6:19 PM
The Superfood Smoothie sounds great.
clarkmurdock@yahoo.com
May 3, 2009 7:32 PM
i think i'd like the immunity smoothie.
May 3, 2009 7:32 PM
i think i'd like the immunity smoothie.
May 3, 2009 8:12 PM
pineapple :) Thank you for sponsoring this awesome giveaway and 4 the entry:)
May 3, 2009 8:55 PM
Acai with blueberry juice must be great!
May 3, 2009 9:04 PM
I would like to try the tropical blend.
donna444444@yahoo.com
May 3, 2009 9:05 PM
I am a subscriber.
donna444444@yahoo.com
May 3, 2009 9:06 PM
I follow on twitter.
donna444444@yahoo.com
May 3, 2009 11:00 PM
The Açaí with Pineapple juice looks very tasty!
May 3, 2009 11:01 PM
I became your Facebook fan under the username Lily Kwan.
May 3, 2009 11:02 PM
I subscribed by email.