Beverages Based on Värska Mineral Water Born from the Collaboration Between Science and Business

When entrepreneurship meets science, something special happens. This is exactly how the collaboration that began in 2016 between TFTAK and AS Värska Originaal led to the creation of healthy drinks and market success. How were the popular Värska Vurtsvasser, Värska Naturaal Plus, and Värska Well born?

Vurtsvasser – a drink with natural juice and natural mineral water, without added sugar, preservatives, or colorants

The first major collaborative project was the development of a new product category with a healthier profile, different from existing soft drinks on the market. In hindsight, this project can be considered a model example of cooperation between a research institution and a company, where our laboratory capabilities, the skills of scientists and the sensory team, and the vision and experience of the producer were combined.

The biggest challenge for the team in creating Vurtsvasser was finding the right balance between the salty taste of Värska Originaal and various fruit and berry juices to achieve a flavor combination that would appeal to both children and adults.

For Värska Originaal, known as a mineral water producer, entering the mixed drinks market was a new step where effective collaboration with TFTAK’s product developers enabled both parties to fully utilize their expertise.

As part of our first joint project, we developed prototype products in our laboratory. Once we had a product series – apple, blueberry, blackcurrant, blackberry, and raspberry Vurtsvasser – that we liked ourselves, we wanted to be sure the target audience liked it too. TFTAK scientists conducted various consumer tests – for example, to gather feedback from children, we used different facial expression images; to hear from recreational athletes, we took prototype products to training sessions, etc.

This product line is a positive alternative to high-sugar soft drinks. As such, Värska Vurtsvasser has secured a firm place in the shopping baskets of families with children and other health-conscious consumers.

Naturaal Plus – near water drink based on natural mineral water enriched with vitamins and minerals

Following the collaboration on Vurtsvasser, new exciting product categories were

developed. Work on near water drinks was carried out in parallel and continued even during challenging times. “One vivid example I remember is how, during the early days of the pandemic, we tasted freshly produced samples in a residential parking lot in Tallinn and discussed the flavor properties of the prototype product. There were many masked meetings at the time, but all necessary evaluations were completed nonetheless,” recalls Rain Kuldjärv, head of TFTAK’s functional foods and beverages group.

The idea behind Naturaal Plus was born from the desire to offer the market something new in both composition and taste experience. Special attention was given to sugar content – Naturaal Plus products contain only 3.5% sugar. Additionally, the Naturaal Plus series has a very interesting flavor profile – for example, the unique combination of aloe vera and yuzu, which we recommend everyone try for themselves.

The Collaboration Continues: Värska Well and Värska Magnesium

A recent collaboration resulted in the vitamin drink series Värska Well, where the renowned Värska mineral water is balanced with natural minerals and vitamins.

Also created through joint efforts was Värska Magnesium, which was awarded the People’s Favorite title in the 2025 Best Estonian Food Product competition. The drink contains only natural mineral water, magnesium citrate, and carbon dioxide. Magnesium water helps to restore energy and revitalizes the body with essential minerals, including magnesium.

Good collaboration leads to award-winning results

For example, Värska Vurtsvasser received the Nielsen award for “Best New Non-Alcoholic Product 2019”; Värska Naturaal Plus with goji and cranberry was named “Oma Maitse Favorite 2021” and received the title of “Best Estonian Non-Alcoholic Drink 2022”; Värska Magnesium was awarded both the People’s Favorite and Best Non-Alcoholic Drink titles in the 2025 Best Food Product competition.

Rain Kuldjärv: “When planning the development of drinks, our goal is always to create the best beverage in terms of both composition and taste, one that captivates consumers with its functionality and excellent flavor experience. The recognition received and feedback from consumers have delighted us and confirmed that we have met our ambitious goals. We will strive to maintain a high standard in the future as well, and the basis for that is the excellent collaboration between the Värska and TFTAK teams!

The key to successful collaboration is not only professionalism but also the interpersonal synergy that makes the process smooth and enjoyable. Shared discussions, trials, and challenges have led to results that delight both the creators and consumers and lay the foundation for continued cooperation.”

The Värska Originaal team accepts the Estonian Food Industry Association’s "Best Non-Alcoholic Beverage of 2025" award. Photo: Estonian Food Industry Association / Erlend Štaub