Aloe vera drink boasts chewy goodness

It’s not very often that you have to chew while drinking a beverage. But today you do, and it’s a good thing.

By Michael Austin

For Sun-Times Media

If you closed your eyes and took a sip of Foco Aloe Vera Drink Muscat Flavor, you might think you were drinking Concord grape juice. But then the clear chunks of aloe vera gel come plowing in. They don’t change the taste but they are a textural sensation. Slightly chewable, the chunks also are irresistibly swallowable without chewing. The drink is sweet but also refreshing, especially when it is ice cold. Don’t drink it for health reasons — it’s probably not that healthy. Just drink it because it’s tasty. Pick up an 11.8-ounce can (99 cents) and pair it with a ready-to-eat Pork Wang Mandoo dumpling ($2) at Joong Boo Market, 3333 N. Kimball. — Michael Austin