Soda Shaq Orange Cream Soda

"Hey Kobe, how's my orange
cream soda taste?"

Remember when Shaq came out at the All-Star Game and danced with the Jabbawockeez? I do. It was just another example of Shaq's awesomeness. The man has some serious moves.

Following Shaq's Vanilla Cream Soda is the Orange Cream Soda. Despite a lackluster performance for the vanilla, I still have high hopes for the orange cream. Pouring it from the gigantic, Shaq-sized can, there is an orange tint to a light tan soda that lacks bubbles but not a distinct aroma. The odor is a creamy orange, not an orange, but the exact flavor of an orange cream candy. I'm giddy.

The first sip is generous and strikes with a solid orange cream sweep of the taste buds. Each additional sip loses a little of that power but the light feeling of Shaq's soda is a benefit here. The refreshing lightness and the tan color make it a unique flavor in the orange cream spectrum, one that is quickly finding its way from the can and into my stomach. The soda is not filling and worthy of a try because it is a new experience, one I might not routinely repeat, but something that might befit other soda enthusiasts.

Overall Taste - 6.5 - The orange stands out and it is light, making it a refreshing drink that's not too sugary, not too sweet and definitely not filling.
Fizz Factor - 4.0 - Just like the other Arizona beverages there isn't much bubble to this soda, but in this case, it doesn't negatively affect the taste.
Appearance - 7.1 - The orange tint is unique and you got to love Shaq's smile on the can.
Flavor - 5.0 - A pleasant surprise! A light but creamy orange soda.

From the company: 8oz has 90 calories, 24g of carbs, 24g of sugar, and 0g of protein.

Soda Shaq Vanilla Cream Soda

Shaquille O'Neal. Four-time NBA Champion. Rapper. Actor. Soda Entrepreneur.

"Do you think Shaq got rich playing in Orlando?"
                                          

When I first heard of Shaq's new soda my mind exploded. Literally, BOOM! I love Shaq and really, who doesn't? I've never met him but from what I've seen on television, he appears to be a fun guy. His intensity as an athlete is off the charts. He was a Celtic. Due to all these reasons I wanted to try the soda badly, to plaster this former baller's face all over the blog and combine two things I love: carbonated beverages and basketball.

Shaq Cream Soda is made by Arizona and comes in four flavors: vanilla, orange, strawberry and blueberry. Beginning with the vanilla, this week will be devoted to the entire line-up of Shaq Soda. Starting with the cans, Arizona has outdone their colorful, and large, cans with a design inspired by the man himself. Shaq's face graces each can and it appears that there are 8 different face contortions to choose from. A Shaq for every flavor. Right from the start, even before you sip the beverage, you are already smiling.

For those of you who regularly read this blog, you may remember Cream Soda Week and using those cream sodas as a baseline I can truly say that Shaq's vanilla cream lacks intensity. It lacks that vanilla flavor. Combine this with a low amount of carbonation and you get a soda that is plain. I can't say the soda is bad though. It could be marketed as a lighter cream soda but not lighter on the calorie count. Each can contains 24oz and 270 calories, comparable to a 24oz Pepsi or Coke.

Despite the drawbacks, I still give a strong recommendation to try this soda. Like I said, it is not bad at all. It's just...light. Me? I want a creamy vanilla cream. Thick and lip-smacking. But maybe there are some who like a hint of vanilla from a soda that doesn't fill you up. If that is you, go out and get a can today.

"I am...Kazaam!" - Shaq

Overall Taste - 4.0 - Not a very strong vanilla but you can taste it.
Fizz Factor - 4.0 - Like the Cherry Lime Rickey, Arizona doesn't go crazy with the bubbles.
Appearance - 7.0 - They're getting a 5 just for the can design. It was so much fun to open my fridge and have 4 Shaqs looking back at me.
Flavor - 3.5 - Not the best vanilla cream soda...but an interesting one. Something to look for if you are out and about.

From the company: 8oz has 90 calories, 24g of carbs, 24g of sugar, and 0g of protein.