Dutch Delights: Rivella

Several weeks ago, I showed you a photo of a mystery drink. Well, I am now happy to put you out of your misery and reveal what it is.

What:

Rivella – a carbonated soft drink made from milk whey and herbs.

Why:

Rivella first appeared in the fifties in Switzerland. The company tried to expand by selling the drink to other countries (including the UK and the USA) but were unsuccessful. Now 90% of the foreign sales are in the Netherlands.

Where:

Rivella is found in most places that drinks are available. It comes in small glass bottles (for an individual serving) or larger plastic bottles. I’ve yet to see Rivella in a can but it might be out there!

When:

This drink is available year round but is best served cold on a warm day.

Varieties:

Technically Rivella comes in four varieties: original, low calorie, green tea flavoured and a version made with soy rather than dairy milk extracts. However, I have only ever seen the first two options in the Netherlands.

How Much [Should I Drink]:

I admit Rivella and I played a little staring match for awhile. I would stare at it wondering what it was and if it tasted any good and Rivella would call out something along the lines of “go on, try me…I’m good.” But not even that would convince me that this wasn’t one of those weird disgusting drinks. Luckily, someone I know allowed me to try some of hers before I invested in my own bottle.

The taste is quite similar to ginger ale but with a slightly stronger herbal flavour. I quite enjoy the taste but it is also not something that I would drink on a daily basis.

Pas Op! (Watch Out!):

As I mentioned above, this is technically a drink from Switzerland but due to the high Dutch sales, it is clearly a Dutch favourite earning it a place in Dutch Delights.