These are not the tastes you're thinking of. As a matter of fact, there's an after-taste with all three of these brands I tested. Not necessarily a bad after-taste, but one to make you do a double-take as you sip. It's almost like that really familiar "diet soft drink" taste.
I skipped down the aisles of the new Meijer store in my neighborhood, completely in awe of their awesome selection. We're a Kool-Aid family, so, of course that's always on the list when we're out. Along with a few containers, I decided to try out a bottle of Mio, and two of Kool-Aid Liquid. I chose Mango Peach for Mio, and Cherry and Grape for Kool-Aid. Thinking it was like a syrup in the bottle to be diluted, I tossed the three into my cart. Boy, was I wrong. It's a concentrated liquid with a hint of familiarity in each squirt.
Finally, the Mio Mango Peach. Double the aftertaste. This one was my least favorite. I ended up handing it off to another family member. Of course, there's the sugary after-taste. Then, there's this....awkward peach flavor that tastes a touch wooden. Almost like you're sucking on the leftover juice of a peach popsicle. It wasn't as sweet as the Kool-Aid Liquids, but had enough flavor to be somewhat satisfactory. Two squirts, a stir, and it's partially acceptable.
All in all, I'll probably be buying the Kool-Aid Squirts. Since Mio has other flavors to choose from, maaaybe I'll give them a shot at a later time. The after-taste reminds me a lof of drinks like Crystal Light, and the fizzy juice drinks at Walgreen's. So, it's not really a bad sugary after-taste, but it's one that not everyone will love. For added yum, I highly suggest a tiny squirt in a soda like Sierra Mist or Sprite. It's actually pretty dang good.