Myth or miracle? I was introduced to Noni juice by a friend, and I thought I’d add it to the gear test because there is a lot of controversy surrounding this product’s ability to fulfil its claims.

I was intrigued because I have it on “good authority” that Noni juice makes you feel great, can heal skin problems and gives the drinker extreme amounts of energy.

Although Noni has a very strong fruity pallet, there is a pungently cheesy undertone that puts a lot of people off on their first try. I stuck with it and found it to be very much an acquired taste.

The other reviews I have read range from the devoted to the purely sceptical. I found that, placebo effect or not, the beverage seemed to give me an ongoing supply of energy over a gruelling shoot (see Lydia Hearst in the Hot Issue) and then on a ten day camping trip in the rain. I’m a fan, but you yourself must decide if it’s sacred fruit or snake oil.