What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (Seed Extract).

Why We Slipped Grape Seed Extract Into Your Perk Energy (And Why You’ll Thank Us).

Including grape seed extract in our drink wasn’t just a decision—it was an odyssey. We debated how to craft something that’s not only delicious but also makes people feel like they’ve done something productive with their day. And so began our deep dive into the wide world of functional ingredients. We considered all the usual suspects: turmeric (too trendy), chia seeds (too floaty), and acai (too hard to pronounce). Then someone whispered, “What about grape seed extract?”

At first, we dismissed it as the kind of thing you’d find on a list of “Top 10 Superfoods You’ve Never Heard Of,” alongside bee pollen and spirulina. But the more we researched, the more we realized we’d struck gold—or, in this case, a very purple kind of magic.

Let’s start with the science. Grape seed extract is rich in something called oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (or OPCs, which should have been the name of my garage band). These antioxidants are like tiny bodyguards, protecting your cells from free radicals—the microscopic hooligans that contribute to aging, inflammation, and a host of chronic diseases (Shi et al., 2017).

Research also suggests that grape seed extract can improve circulation by strengthening blood vessels and reducing oxidative stress (Forester et al., 2010). That’s good news for your heart—and, incidentally, for us, because nothing says “functional beverage” like the promise of a healthier cardiovascular system.

But the benefits don’t stop there. Studies have linked grape seed extract to improved skin health, thanks to its ability to support collagen production and reduce UV damage (Schauss et al., 2010). We loved the idea of creating a drink that could satisfy cravings and help people glow.

Now, you might be wondering, “What does grape seed extract taste like?” The answer, unsurprisingly, is “not great.” It’s bitter, earthy, and vaguely medicinal—more akin to a punishment than a perk (pun intended). We had our work cut out for us.

After countless attempts (including one batch that tasted alarmingly like old pennies), we found the perfect balance. We blended the grape seed extract with the classic Perk flavors. The result? A drink that tastes so good, you’d never know it’s doing something healthy for you.

Every time you take a sip of our drink, you’re not just quenching your thirst—you’re supporting your body in ways you didn’t even realize. Grape seed extract helps promote:


Heart Health: OPCs are known to support healthy blood pressure and reduce inflammation, keeping your ticker in tip-top shape (Forester et al., 2010).


Radiant Skin: Grape seed extract’s antioxidants work overtime to combat UV damage and support collagen, helping you look as good as you feel (Schauss et al., 2010).

Energy and Focus: By improving circulation, grape seed extract may help your brain get more oxygen, which means better focus and less of that afternoon slump (Carini et al., 2016).

We live in a world where people are constantly looking for shortcuts to better health. Grape seed extract isn’t a shortcut—it’s a smart step forward. Including it in our drink felt like the right thing to do, not just because it makes our product healthier, but because it makes us feel like we’re contributing to something bigger.

And really, isn’t that the dream? To make something that’s not only delicious but also genuinely good for people?

So, the next time you sip your Perk Energy, think of those tiny grape seeds, once destined to be discarded, now transformed into a little powerhouse of health. It’s proof that even the most unassuming things can have incredible potential.

And if, after all that, you still don’t care about antioxidants, heart health, or glowing skin, at least know this: you’re drinking something delicious. Everything else is just a bonus.

References
Carini, M., Aldini, G., et al. (2016). "Neuroprotective Effects of Grape Seed Extract: Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties." Frontiers in Pharmacology.
Forester, S. C., et al. (2010). "Effects of Grape Seed Extract on Blood Pressure Regulation." American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Schauss, A. G., et al. (2010). "The Impact of Grape Seed Extract on Skin Elasticity and Hydration." Dermatologic Therapy.
Shi, J., Yu, J., et al. (2017). "Health Benefits of Grape Seed Extract: A Review." Journal of Functional Foods.