On the hunt for non-mainstream sodas
 

If anyone in the Philly area knows a place where I can buy "Hansen's Natural Sodas," I'd be much obliged. Trader Joe's used to carry them, but now have cut everything but the diet varieties (yecch) and now claim that they can't even special-order the standard flavors. I'm hooked on their Mandarin Lime and Kiwi Strawberry, but don't want to pay twenty bucks a case for shipping charges.

(Trader Joe's is losing cool points with me RAPIDLY. I've talked with people who've confirmed that their California stores carry all six flavors of Reed's Ginger Brew, including the Spiced Apple variety I love; the local stores carried only one flavor, and have since dropped THAT. Whole Foods carries all six, at least, though they don't carry Hansen's; Zagara's has the Apple Brew, but wants $5.29 for a four-pack (as compared to $3.49 at Whole Foods), and were unreceptive to the idea of carrying Hansen's. Oy.)

vsp, try this place:

Epp's Beverage
79 West Ridge Pike (Limerick)
610-489-7555

I don't know for certain if they carry Hansen's, but they carry Moxie of all things, so it's worth a shot.

Have you tried Spaz? They're near you, aren't they? Mebbe they can order it in for you by the case.

I tried Spaz, and got an apologetic Never Heard Of It response. Great Pumpkin (local Bohemian grocery store) is trying to special-order it for me, but I'm wondering if anyone around here has it on-the-rack.

I'm familiar with the Great Pumpkin ... didn't think of them though.

Hey, is that little deli still on Nield St? (Nield Street Deli) ... they used to have a lot of variant soda's on the shelves.