IRVING, Texas -- 7-Eleven Inc. is rolling out what it calls a groundbreaking new product with the introduction of its proprietary Fizzics Sparkling Cold Brew Coffee in the first self-chilling cans available to the public in the United States.
During the test launch, the Fizzics drinks are available exclusively at select 7-Eleven stores. Created by the Joseph Co. International Inc., the Chill-Can technology filled with the Fizzics coffee drink is being tested at 15 Los Angeles-area 7-Eleven convenience stores.
The Drinks
The Fizzics Sparkling Cold Brew Coffee drinks are available in three flavors: Regular, French Vanilla and Caramel. Made with 100% Arabica beans and all-natural flavors, the fizzy brew comes in an 8.4-ounce can and contains 50 calories, 10 grams of sugar and less than 80 milligrams of caffeine.
"Because the self-chilling-can technology is so groundbreaking, we wanted to introduce it with a super-innovative beverage," said Tim Cogil, 7-Eleven's director of private brands. "Sparkling coffee sodas met all the criteria. Previously available in some coffee shops, a handful of exclusive canned carbonated brews began showing up last summer. Fizzics will be the first that can be chilled on demand, bringing a new level of convenience to customers who want to enjoy a chilled drink whenever and wherever they are."
The Can
The Chill-Can containers are purchased at ambient temperature and chilled when ready to consume. When activated, the patented technology uses reclaimed CO2 in a process that automatically chills the can and the sparkling coffee beverage inside.
The self-chilling can has been recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency, NASA and the U.S. Army, the company said. Here's how it works:
- Place the can on a flat surface, turn the can upside down and twist the base to activate until a constant hissing noise can be heard.
- Do not handle or touch the can after activation until the hissing stops. The warmth of being held can inhibit the cooling process.
- Do not turn can right side up until hissing stops—about 75 to 90 seconds.
- Once the hissing stops, return the can to an upright position, open and drink.
The patented Chill-Can and its MicroCool technology uses a built-in heat exchange unit in concert with CO2 captured from the atmosphere to create its chilling technology. The Chill-Can is 100% recyclable and does not introduce any new CO2 to the atmosphere.
With nearly 10,000 stores, 7-Eleven Inc., Irving, Texas, is the largest c-store chain in the U.S.
The Joseph Co. International, based in Irvine, Calif., is the developer, manufacturer and patent holder of what it says is the first viable self-chilling beverage can. The company intends to rapidly commercialize the Chill-Can and associated self-chilling beverage packaging containers through private labels and the licensing of the technology to the beverage world.
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