Before launching redesigned cans and a new flavor, Crunchy Hydration faced a common CPG challenge: how to know which packaging, flavor, and claims would truly resonate with consumers. Rather than guessing, they turned to consumer testing to measure sentiment to multiple designs, flavors, and on-can claims. This pre-launch validation gave the team actionable insights to guide decisions with confidence – helping them move forward strategically while reducing risk.
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Crunchy Hydration was preparing to launch a redesigned can and introduce a new flavor – Ginger Peach – but had no data to confirm these changes would resonate with consumers. Launching without validation risked wasted production and missed sales opportunities.
The team needed a clear, data-driven approach to make confident decisions about packaging design, flavor, and on-can claims before going to market. Pre-launch product validation was critical to de-risk the launch and maximize the impact of their new product introduction.
"I didn’t want to change our packaging again, but our designer wanted to make updates. Swytchback allowed us to validate their gut instincts with actual consumer feedback, which made the decision so much easier!"
- Megan Riggs, CEO & Founder of Crunchy Hydration
We focused on Gen Z and Millennial women, examining the brands they currently purchase, know, and would consider trying. This approach provided a holistic view of their shopping habits, preferences, and decision-making patterns for pre-launch product validation.
Total Respondents
Minute Survey
Can Designs Compared
Claims Tested
Flavors Tested
Multiple packaging designs were tested with real consumers to determine which version would stand out on shelf and communicate the brand message effectively. Packaging design testing measured attention, appeal, and purchase intent for each option.
Insights from this testing revealed which visual elements grabbed attention and resonated with their target audience. By validating packaging before production, the team could make informed design decisions that increased the likelihood of consumer engagement and sales.
Crunchy Hydration presented several flavor concepts to consumers to understand preferences and likelihood of trial. Flavor concept testing used the research methodologies MaxDiff and TURF Analysis to highlight the strongest options.
These insights helped identify the flavor most likely to succeed in the market, giving the team confidence in the new SKU. This pre-launch validation ensured the chosen flavor would appeal to the largest possible audience and support long-term growth.
Various on-can claims were tested to determine which messaging would clearly communicate product benefits and drive purchase intent. Claims testing measured consumer reactions to various claims and highlighted which statements created the strongest connection.
This approach allowed the team to finalize messaging that resonated with consumers and aligned with brand positioning. By validating claims before launch, Crunchy Hydration reduced risk and optimized the chances of success in the market.
With insights from packaging, flavor, and claims testing, Crunchy Hydration could make data-driven decisions that minimized risk and maximized potential impact. Pre-launch consumer testing provided a roadmap for finalizing designs, flavor selection, and claims.
This structured approach allowed the team to move forward with confidence, ensuring each element of the launch was backed by real consumer feedback. Data-driven decisions like these helped set the stage for a successful product introduction.
Crunchy Hydration gained clear, data-backed guidance for their new flavor, deciding to swap the original Ginger Peach launch for Pineapple Coconut. Insights from consumer testing also informed their redesigned cans, updated website, and refreshed pitch decks – laying the foundation for a successful launch with Thrive Market.
The validated packaging, flavor, and claims led to a smooth product launch, faster adoption in stores, and strong early sales growth. Just three weeks after launch, Crunchy Hydration saw 132% faster growth with the new Pineapple Coconut flavor and secured placement in Kroger and Wegmans ahead of the planogram reset due to high demand.
By leveraging consumer insights, the team launched with confidence, optimized shelf impact, and validated demand before the product even hit the market. Check out their winning flavor, live now.
"I used to think market research was too expensive for a startup, so I did it all in-house. Swytchback made it approachable, affordable, and incredibly impactful – it was a true game changer for us." - Megan Riggs
Pre-launch consumer testing is a critical step for CPG brands looking to minimize risk and make informed decisions. By validating packaging, flavor, and claims before production, brands reduce uncertainty, optimize messaging, and increase the likelihood of a successful launch.
Consumer testing provides actionable insights and creates confidence across teams and stakeholders. Swytchback’s platform makes it easy for brands to conduct targeted, visual-first testing and turn insights into clear, data-driven decisions.
Don't just take our word for it. Hear Crunchy Hydration’s founder, Megan Riggs, explain what she learned from consumer testing – from picking the winning flavor to finalizing packaging and claims before launch – and the fun that was had along the way.
Founder, Crunchy Hydration
Our mobile-first, visual survey format delivers fast, affordable, enterprise-level insights – so you can confidently launch your next flavor, design, or concept.
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