Did you know real grenadine is predominantly pomegranate juice? Anyone who grew up getting Shirley Temples probably thought it was cherry flavored. 

That is because the best-selling modern brand of grenadine, Rose’s, is primarily high fructose corn syrup and flavorings. It claims to be pomegranate flavored, but if you have had a fresh pomegranate, it doesn’t taste all that similar. 

“Fake” grenadine has been around for 100 years or more, so this isn’t some example of the modern world run amok. But, interestingly, the syrup we all use isn’t the “real” thing. 

The long history of artificial grenadine left room for a resurgence of brands making natural grenadine. And that explosion has happened. 

What’s the point? 

Every industry has constants that seem like a given, but if you keep your eyes open, you might find everyone has been buying the fake version. That is the perfect chance for disruption. You can be the lone reed standing out in a crowd. It might be a niche, but when you find a fraction of a big market to disrupt, that is all you need.

Also, if you get a chance, try a real grenadine; it is well worth having the real deal. Your tastebuds will thank you for an elevated drink experience.