Tru Blood: The Synthetic Blood On HBO's True Blood

“Friends Don’t Let Friends Drink Friends”, is one of the catchy slogans for Tru Blood, the “synthetic blood nourishment beverage” vampires enjoy on the HBO series, True Blood. As described in the series, Japanese scientists invented the synthetic blood several years ago, which allowed vampires to come out of their coffins, into the mainstream living among the mortals. Vampires no longer have to kill humans to survive. Instead.. there’s Tru Blood.

Because the show has become such a sensation, viewers from across the globe have been asking about Tru Blood. They want to buy it. They want to taste it. They want to know more!

I’ve researched the topic and would like to share the Top 5 Things a mortal should know about Tru Blood.

1) Can you buy Tru Blood?

Yes and No.

Per HBO, the “The Tru Blood drink has been 'de-fictionalized' and has emerged into reality as a delicious blood orange carbonated drink.” The Tru Blood drink is packaged in an exact replica of the 14 oz. bottle design seen on the True Blood series.

The carbonated drink is “slightly tart, lightly sweet and subtly carbonated.” You can order a 4 pack for $16 or a 24 pack cases for $96. They also sell matching drink and shot glasses. (Visit HBO.com for more info.)

You can not buy the blood substitute- Tru Blood our favorite vampire drink in the show.

Before the show aired, HBO sent promotional vials of a substance marked TB, which, per Internet chatter, included this marketing tagline:

"Tru Blood is pure, a substitute for the real thing. It will forever alter the way we live and interact with the human world. You are one of the first to receive a sample and become a pioneer of this eminent change. We invite you to become willing participants on this journey and tell others of our kind what you think of the product. IT HAS BEGUN."

There is a website, trubeverage.com, where you can learn more about the beverage, the different blood types, view the print ads and order promotional items.

2) What do the different Tru Blood, blood types mean?

There are four blood types, each with its own unique flavor. Type O is strong to the point of ruthlessness. Type A is light and delicate. Type B is aggressive and energizing. Type AB is smooth and refined.

On trubeverage.com you can take a short survey and the website recommends the right blood type for you. How often do you get the urge?

3) Chilled or room temperature?

Like human blood, Tru Blood is best enjoyed at room temperature or warm. Have a microwave handy.

4) Can I see the Tru Blood ads?

Yes, the Tru Blood video ads are available on You Tube. The Tru Blood print ads can be downloaded from the trubeverage.com website.

There are four slogans: “Friends Don’t Let Friends Drink Friends”, “All Flavor, No Bite”, “Real Blood is For Suckers”, and “Suck This”. I would have loved to be in the creative brainstorming session that delivered these. Great job!

You can also download Tru Blood screensavers, wallpaper and IM buddy icons.

5) If I can’t get Tru Blood, what are my options?

Since humans have many other options than blood, your choices are endless. However, you may want to check out the Merlotte’s Bar Book on the HBO True Blood fan website. You can find True Blood inspired recipes such as the Vampire Kiss Martini, Classic Vampire, Blood Bath and the Fang Banger.

Also check out the True Blood Fan Store on Amazon.com.