North America was the second top region for energy drinks launches during a recent one-year period, with Europe as the leading region. Approximately one-fifth of global energy drink launches are released in North America. However, price differences between North America and other regions lead to a larger and dominant North American share for energy drinks sales value.

The new EDGE™ packaging format was developed using sustainable cardboard tubes that are similar in size to the iconic "slim can" energy drinks, the pieces inside individually flow-wrapped for stability, freshness & portability, adding value to every piece.

PLT markets more than a dozen water-dispersible and water-soluble solutions, primarily botanical ingredients across key health categories. At IFT, PLT will be focusing on three major health and wellness segments: energy, active nutrition and stress/mood management.

Prepared Foods interviews Rachel Yarcony, founder and CEO of myAir, Ltd. Yarcony pioneered the myAir system, an AI-driven personalized platform that combines advanced technology with functional ingredients to offer tailor-made nutrition that “enhances stress resilience.”

Ingredients that affect gut health are characterized as prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, and newly defined “postbiotics.” Ongoing research is elucidating the mechanisms by which these ingredients confer health benefits, demonstrating how trending ingredients such as fiber affect the gut microbiome on a molecular level, by interaction with microorganisms either directly or within intestinal cells. 

Mounting research into causes of dementia and cognitive decline have produced the recognition that two of the potentially modifiable risk factors into these conditions are diet and exercise. In a recent study at King’s College, London 418 adults age 65 and up were tested every two to three years over a 12-year period. Results revealed that cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s Disease were linked to levels of neural stem cell death. Importantly, underlying which was low levels of vitamin D, carotenoids, and lipids

Tate & Lyle used this year’s SupplySide West 2022 to showcase ingredient innovation, its formulation expertise, and commitment to making food healthier and tastier.  

Thanks to years of scientific research, Montmorency tart cherries have broken out of the pie shell and onto the "superfruit" stage.

Each bottle of Way Better Water Drink contains one of the two recommended doses of sterol, providing a convenient way for consumers to increase their sterol consumption.

Phenolaeis, supplier of sustainable Palm Fruit Bioactive Complex (PFBc), is now creating functional coffee with added wellness benefits plus a smoother taste and mouthfeel. 

Florida Food Products’ expanded health and wellness portfolio includes its natural L-theanine. Derived from the leaves of green tea, L-theanine is an amino acid associated with multiple health benefits, from improved focus and sleep1 to decreased blood pressure and promoted relaxation. FFP’s natural L-theanine is an ideal ingredient solution for a wide range of health and wellness applications including beverages, foods, supplements, nutraceuticals, and more.

Gums and hydrocolloids are a diverse collection of polysaccharides that create gel-like formations when in contact with moisture. They are extremely versatile, improving texture, mouthfeel, and physical appearance in foods and beverages. Gums can be used to increase viscosity levels or benefit flow. They are especially prized for increasing stability in an ingredient matrix.

Looking at the position fibers and gums are playing in everyday foods and beverages reveals product developers paying closer attention to these key ingredients for their dual functions as both texturants and nutraceuticals. This has become especially evident where those two functions merge—in plant-based products designed to mimic meat and dairy.

Ingredion Incorporated’s new NOVATION® Indulge 2940 starch expands the company’s line of clean label texturizers. New NOVATION® Indulge 2940 is the first non-GMO functional native corn starch that provides a unique texture for gelling and co-texturizing for popular dairy and alternative dairy products and desserts. 

Jungbunzlauer announced the groundbreaking for the first stage of this multi-year project, which is supported by $4.8 million from the Invest Ontario Fund.

The increasing global focus on healthy nutrition means that more and more consumers are searching for guilt-free indulgence. However, worldwide market research has shown that for many this remains a challenge. For example, one-fourth of US consumers, always or most of the time, feel guilty when snacking.

This month's Form+Function collection includes shakes for diabetic diets, immunity and protein snacks.

Catalina Crunch® announced the expansion of its line of Keto-Friendly Sandwich Cookies. Inspired by classic favorites, the cookies are now available in four decadent varieties, with Vanilla Creme, Peanut Butter, and Chocolate Mint joining the original Chocolate Vanilla.

GURU’s new Peach Mango Punch is made with a blend of natural ingredients that help increase focus and brain performance.

The 2oz shot was formulated in collaboration with the Denver Broncos' in-house chef and is a proprietary blend of organic beets, orange juice, coconut water, ginger, and lemon juice designed to support peak performance. 

Crafted with invigorating organic ingredients, each 12oz ready-to-drink AWAKE+PROTEIN latte is fortified with 10g of plant-powered protein and 200mg of Lion's Mane mushroom extract, a nootropic clinically proven to support cognitive function.

From lactic acid fermentations of produce (such as kimchi and sauerkraut), to fermenting of dairy (cheese, yogurt, etc.), to the curing and smoking of fish and meat are all proven, effective methods and technologies humans have relied on through the ages to alter the intrinsic properties of foods and extend their consumability.

The facility spans as many as 50 acres of land and is expected to not only generate more employment but also more indirect opportunities for others, including farmers.

During this year’s IFT Food Expo in Chicago from July 17-19, BENEO will launch a barley beta-glucans product that offers unique health benefits including positive impacts on heart health and blood sugar management.  

With 70% fewer calories and 85% less fat than traditional peanut butter, PB2 Crunchy delivers a slew of functional benefits, including 5g of plant-based protein per serving.

natural bliss introduced two plant-based creamers with functional benefits: Vanilla Flavored Creamer with Prebiotic Fiber and Sweet Almond Flavored Creamer with Protein & MCT Oil.  

The use of tart cherry products to aid recovery after strenuous exercise is becoming increasingly popular – relied on by college and professional athletes, as well as recreational exercisers.  

WTRMLN WTR’s new functional blends are made with watermelon juice, which is a source of naturally superior hydration, and new functional ingredients, such as superfruit acerola juice, sea salt, turmeric, cayenne, hibiscus, ginger juice and tart cherry.

Developed to address key health states such as immune and mental health, energy and focus with the power of mushrooms, Om’s functional beverages are a convenient and nutritious way to upgrade wellness routines.

Riviana Foods Inc. announced the signing of a definitive agreement to purchase the assets of InHarvest, Inc. which specializes in the production, marketing and sale of premium specialty rice, quinoa and grains.

Ardent Mills is conducting both an internal and external search, and the board seeks to announce a new CEO in the near future. 

Available in both Buttermilk and Original varieties, the pancake mixes have 15g of protein per serving and can be made by just adding water.

Drinkable seed nutrition may seem like an unusual concept, but the results of infusing cold-pressed seed oils and seed powders are promising.

Prepared Foods takes a look at new better-for-you drinks and supplements introduced in September 2018.

The company has also added to its lineup of popular breakfast items with four new Morning Bowls that are a good source of protein and packed with flavor.

Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc., the agricultural cooperative owned by more than 700 farmer families, introduced Ocean Spray® Cranberry Seeds, a new innovative, upcycled, and clean-label product harvested from cranberries certified as sustainably grown and offering an array of powerful nutritional benefits to support a healthy lifestyle.

PSILLI™ will use a variety of mushroom types to create five distinct formulations: Brain Boost to support cognitive and immune function; Study Buddy, a Nootropic supplement; Energizer, a natural energy enhancer; Good Mood a mood optimizer and appetite moderator; and Bedtime, for relaxing.

Echo Antioxidant Water™ is simply water infused with hydrogen gas. Hydrogen serves as a powerful selective antioxidant. While other sources of antioxidants, like blueberries, may promote healthy oxidation on a low level, hydrogen selectively neutralizes cytotoxic free radicals, helping eliminate oxidative stress and inflammation.

This all-natural liquid formulation showcases zero calories, no sugar, and no added artificial flavors or ingredients.

MCT fats are becoming a key ingredient in both sports nutrition and weight management products. And that’s for good reason. These medium-chain fatty acids with 8 to 12 carbon atoms have important nutritional benefits.

Prepared Foods profiles new functional foods, drinks and supplements.

Pharmactive Biotech Products, S.L.U., launches Liboost®, a novel botanical extract of Damiana (Turnera diffusa), as the first formulation to help enhance sexual function in both men and women. Its sexual performance boosting capabilities have been confirmed in a consumer study conducted by the company yielding impressive results. 

Consumers today are making mindful choices about their overall health by proactively seeking out tailored, functional solutions customized to meet their individual needs.

Building on her efforts in the White House with her Let's Move! initiative, Mrs. Obama is a Co-Founder and Strategic Partner with PLEZi Nutrition, working behind-the-scenes to guide the company's mission to be a driver of change and a model for how food and beverage brands can support the health of our next generation.

Healthy aging could be defined as staying active and in good health—both physically and mentally—while getting older. Overall, three-quarters of consumers we survey report that healthy aging is “very” or “extremely important” to them. 

Today’s suppliers do more than simply mix a formulation to the customer’s request; they offer guidance and expertise, typically staffing nutritionists, biochemists, and medical experts, as well as experts on regulations. They realize that often the company ordering a premix might not have the knowledge or in-house experience to create a safe and effective blend that includes the appropriate amounts and delivered bioavailability for each vitamin, mineral, or other component.

Now available to consumers after an extensive research and test pilot phase, the smoothie blend comes in two flavors, Moroccan Chocolate and Vanilla Spice, both of which can be customized with up to four boosters: immune support, metabolism, vascular and recovery.

Bigelow Tea continues to transform its offerings with Peak Energy™ Black Tea plus extra L-Theanine and Caffeine, Whispering Wildflowers™ Herbal Tea plus L-Theanine, and Ginger Honey Herbal Tea plus Zinc where each blend provides flavor while featuring ingredients and nutrients with functional benefits.

France’s Lesaffre Group entered the human health market in 2007 with the establishment of Lesaffre Human Care, which quickly became a world expert in fermentation dedicated to the human nutrition and health market. During the following decade, the Lesaffre Group integrated several leaders in human health, including Gnosis Advanced Biotech, Omniabios, and invested in Envera and Intralytix.

GELITA used this year’s SupplySide East to showcase its wide range of capabilities and offerings in better-for-you foods and supplements.