Sharelle Klaus, mother of four, created DRY Soda, a nonalcoholic alternative to soda and bottled water that expectant mothers — or anyone abstaining from alcohol — could enjoy in upscale restaurants or at home.
Q What prompted you to invent DRY Soda, and how did you come up with the name?
A I was inspired to invent DRY out of a need I saw in the marketplace. I am the mom of four kids and a food lover, and during my last pregnancy, I was frustrated that there was no nonalcoholic beverage sophisticated or special for me to drink when eating out — I wanted something that would enhance my meal and make the meal a unique experience. My husband could choose from $20,000 worth of wine, but I only had the option of generic cola or iced tea. So I created DRY. I actually came up with the recipes in my home kitchen, going through more than 1,000 tests of each one.
DRY refers to less sweet in wine vernacular, and was perfect, as I really wanted to lower the sweetness in our line of sodas, and vary the acidity levels, like wine.
Q How is DRY Soda catching on? And, are there many products that are in direct competition with DRY?
A DRY has taken off far more quickly and dramatically that we projected and we realize that the market really did need a modern alternative to the current offerings. We are currently available west of the Rockies and nationwide online. There are a few juice-based sodas that we are often put in the same group with, however we are the only soda made from natural extracts and feature such low calorie contents (50 to 70 calories for the entire 12 oz. bottle, depending on the flavor).
Q How does it feel to see or hear about someone ordering or buying DRY Soda at a restaurant or grocery store?
A It’s still surprising and thrilling to me. It’s hard for me not to go up and ask people about it or how they like it, although sometimes I do. It’s fun to overhear their positive reactions seeing people enjoy it.
Q What do your children think of their mom inventing DRY Soda?
A They like knowing that they were there at the beginning taste testing, and feel a sense of ownership over how the flavors taste. It’s been a really fun process for them to watch.
Q Do you plan on adding any additional flavors? [DRY soda flavors: Lavender, Kumquat, Lemongrass and Rhubarb.]
A We are hoping to launch two additional flavors in late 2008.
DRY Soda
» Want more? Visit drysoda.com to order
