Guaraná Antarctica

Guaraná Antarctica is the most popular guarana-flavored soft drink in Brazil, created in 1921 by Companhia Antarctica Paulista, now part of Ambev. The drink is also available in Portugal (competing with Guaraná Brasil brand), Spain, Honduras, and the United States. The drink is produced only in three countries - Portugal, Brazil, and Japan.

It is the official sponsor of the Brazilian national football team. One of its 2006 commercials featured Argentine football player Diego Maradona finding himself wearing the yellow jersey of the Brazilian team and singing the Brazilian national anthem before waking up and proclaiming it was a nightmare. This caused considerable controversy in Argentina.

Another controversial commercial from Guaraná Antarctica was a TV spot showing the guarana berry plantations in the Amazon region while a narrator explained the basics of the process of producing Guaraná Antarctica. By the end of the spot the narrator turns to the audience and says: "Now ask our competitors to show you their plantations...", an indirect attack on Coca-Cola.

Guaraná Antarctica has a caffeine content equivalent to, or more than, most energy drinks. The guarana berry has two to three times the caffeine of a coffee bean.

The drink has made inroads in the U.S. as a result of the energy drink craze. 6-packs are sold in most major cities, though they can be difficult to find. The taste is mild, slightly apple-like, with a distinct berry after-flavor. Several websites sell guarana products to the US. Guaraná Antarctica is by far the most popular form of the drink.

Nutrition facts

Calories 140
Total Carb. 35 g 12%
Sugars 35 g
Protein 0 g 0%
Total Fat 0 g 0%
Sodium 20 mg 1%

Ingredients

Carbonated water, sugar, (E150d) caramel (color), citric acid, (E211) sodium benzoate (preservative) and (E202) potassium sorbate (preservative), ascorbic acid (antioxidant), guarana extract and natural flavors.

See also

*List of Brazilian dishes

External links

* [http://www.guaranaantarctica.com.br Official site]
* [http://www.guaranapower.org Guaraná Power]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ID04Mb7-mTk Maradona commercial on YouTube]