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**Crayons beverage company of the US has launched what is claimed to be “the first and only all-natural line of FUNctional drinks” designed specifically for children and teenagers.

**The new drinks are being unveiled at the Natural Products Expo East, held in Boston on 16-18 October.

Each Crayons FUNctional juice drink uses a special blend of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre to offer a range of specific benefits, including:

1. Multi-vitamin total body support

2. Calcium-boosting bone health

3. Antioxidant well-being

4. Immunity support

5. Afternoon pick-me up

6. Simple refreshment.

The drinks are made with 30% real fruit juice, sweetened only with organic cane juice, and are said to contain 30% less sugar and carbohydrates than most other juice drinks – totalling just 90 calories per 8oz (237ml) serving.

Ron Lloyd, CEO of Crayons, said: “As a parent, I'm thrilled to finally have a healthier beverage option for today’s active kids.

“Crayons All Natural FUNctional Fruit Juice Drinks provide parents with a nutritious and delicious choice that makes all other juices and/or fruit juice drinks obsolete. No other kids’ beverage compares to our combined level of fun and function.” * Colourful graphics * The new FUNctional line is intended to build on the success of Crayons’ existing juice drinks for kids and teens, introduced in 2007. FUNctional drinks contain the same bold fruit flavours, and are packaged with the same colourful graphics in environmentally friendly 8oz aluminium cans.

The drinks are expected to retail at or below $0.99 per can, and will be available in single cans and a x4 multipack. The six flavours are:

1. Blueberry-Raspberry RAZZICAL, formulated with three essential antioxidants.

2. Fruit Punch 3PM, an “afternoon pick-me-up” containing B vitamins for energy and fibre equal to two cups of grapes.

3. Tickled Pink Lemonade THIRST-C, “The Quencherator,” combining vitamin C with traditional refreshment.

4. Watermelon & Wild Berries BUFF BONZ, with vitamins plus calcium to support sound muscle and bone development.

5. Kiwi Strawberry SUPER-V, a multi-vitamin beverage.

6. Outrageous Orange Mango D-FENSE, an immunity support drink with vitamins, zinc, and as much fibre as an orange.