KANSAS CITY — Beverages boasting wellness claims are rushing into retail, including products made for children and toddlers.

The Kraft Heinz Co. is aiming to help hydrate children with the debut of Creative Roots, a new coconut water beverage that comes in four flavors: watermelon lemonade, peach mango, orange pineapple and mixed berry.

“Today’s beverage market is saturated with products promoting great-tasting hydration for adults,” said Rachel Drof, marketing director of Creative Roots. “We identified a need to develop a better-for-you kids beverage with 1 gram of sugar and a taste kids will love. We’re proud to provide a beverage option that parents will want to serve to their kids.”

Gerber, a subsidiary of Nestle SA, is introducing Organic Fruit Infused Water to provide toddlers with hydration. Made with 94% water, organic fruit puree and natural flavors, the beverages come in strawberry and cherry flavors and contain no sugar or calories.

“There are no other products like Gerber Organic Fruit Infused Water in the baby aisle,” said Yanit Belachew, brand manager for Gerber. “At Gerber, we know it's important to provide ways for growing little ones to stay hydrated and establish healthy beverage habits early. We were inspired to add this innovative beverage to our product portfolio to provide parents with another tasty and convenient beverage option to include in their toddler's drink rotation.”

Starbucks Corp. is debuting Teavana Wellness Craft Iced Teas at retail, including Defense: Orange Cinnamon White Tea, Refresh: Blueberry Mint Herbal Tea, and Balance: Watermelon Basil Oolong Tea.

Teeccino is launching two new lines of wellness teas — one featuring adaptogenic mushrooms and botanicals and the other featuring prebiotic herbs and extracts.

Teeccino’s Mushroom Adaptogen Blends come in six varieties: Lion’s Mane Rhodiola Rose, Tremella Tulsi Cardamom, Cordyceps Schisandra Cinnamon Berry, Chaga Ashwagandha Butterscotch Cream, Turkey Tail Astragalus Toasted Maple, and Reishi Eleuthero French Roast.

The Prebiotic Superboost Blends combine roasted chicory root with two plant-based prebiotics, vegan GOS, galacto-oligosaccharide. and organic XOS, xylo-oligosaccahride. Flavors include Macadamia nut, dark chocolate, and Mango Lemon Balm.

"We wanted to bring an elevated level of wellness to our customers.” — Caroline MacDougall, Teeccino

“With our two new categories, we wanted to bring an elevated level of wellness to our customers,” said Caroline MacDougall, chief executive officer and founder of Teeccino. “I’ve always been fascinated by the effects that adaptogenic herbs and prebiotics have on the body, a subject that I’ve been studying over my 40-plus year career. Our goal was to create two lines that are packed with optimal wellness due to the blending of nutrient-rich herbs that are known to nourish, protect and revitalize the mind, body and gut. Our purpose is to stay true to our mission to bring the healthiest herbal coffees and teas to our customers and provide them with beverages that will continue to support their lifestyle by improving digestion, elimination and the immune system.”

RSP Nutrition is entering the ready-to-drink (RTD) category with two new offerings: the Immunity & Hydration Shot and TrueFit Protein Shakes.

“We are excited to break into the RTD category, providing consumers with more unprecedented, convenient beverages that fit their increasingly high performing, on-the-go and active lifestyles,” said Victor Davanzo, founder and chief executive officer of RSP Nutrition. “The RTD market was once dominated by artificial and sugar-laced sports drinks, but clean, organic beverages have a more significant standing in the RTD category today, as consumers demand ‘better-for-you’ options. RSP is now filling a hole in the market for delicious, all-natural beverage supplements that provide a range of unique health benefits all-in-one.”

Heartland Food Products Group’s Splenda Brand is introducing Splenda Diabetes Care Shakes, designed to help manage blood sugar and support the needs of those with diabetes and prediabetes. Available in milk chocolate, French vanilla and strawberry banana flavors, the shakes contain 170 calories, 16 grams of protein and no sugar and are soy-free, gluten-free and suitable for lactose intolerance.

“For decades, people managing diabetes and prediabetes have chosen to make Splenda part of their everyday life,” said Beth Ruge, director of health care professional marketing, nutrition science and professional affairs for Splenda. “As a partner to the diabetes community, we're proud to introduce a new product line specifically designed for people managing blood sugar. Splenda has always upheld the promise to offer a variety of products that help consumers achieve a healthy, balanced lifestyle without sacrificing taste and our new Splenda Diabetes Care Shakes deliver on that promise as well.”

View slideshow of new products.