Immunity-centric innovation
New products boast immune health-boosting ingredients, including vitamin C, zinc, elderberry and adaptogens.
Rowdy Mermaid Adaptonic Sparkling Immunity Tonics
Rowdy Mermaid is introducing Adaptonic sparkling immunity tonics, made with fruits, botanical herbs and reishi mushroom extract for immune support. The beverages contain fewer than 25 calories and 6 grams of regenerative sugar per 12-oz can and come in four flavors: Ashwagandha Blackberry, Matcha Yuzu, Strawberry Holy Basil, and Chamomile Lime.
“Rowdy Mermaid has always been about celebrating and democratizing the power of functional plant medicine, and our new Adaptonic sparkling immunity tonics beautifully deliver on this mission thanks to their botanic-boosted immunity and wellness benefits,” said Jamba Dunn, chief executive officer and founder of Rowdy Mermaid. “With the Adaptonic collection, we've turned our eye toward creating a new type of adaptogen-fueled functional beverage, leveraging our Rowdy energy, creativity, magic and passion to deliver sustainably sourced, immunity-boosting deliciousness.”
Rritual Superfoods Chaga Immune Elixir
Rritual Superfoods Inc. is releasing mushroom adaptogen enhanced elixirs. The Chaga Immune variety is formulated with eleuthero root and astragalus to support healthy immune function and well-being, the company said. The elixir is USDA certified organic, caffeine free and made with Rritual’s proprietary Immune-Synergy Six Mushroom Blend, which includes cordyceps, reishi, himematsutake, shitake, maitake and turkey tail mushrooms. The elixir mix also contains ginger root powder and a daily prebiotic blend of inulin and lucuma fruit.
Vitaminwater Rise Zero Sugar and Power-C
The Coca-Cola Co. has reformulated its Vitaminwater lineup to include more vitamins and electrolytes. Two varieties have been amped up with more immunity-boosting ingredients, the company said.
Orange-flavored Vitaminwater Rise Zero Sugar contains 250% of the daily recommended value of vitamin C, 100% vitamins B3, B5, B6 and B12, 25% vitamins A and E, and 2.8 mg of zinc. Each 20-oz bottle contains 0 calories.
Dragonfruit-flavored Vitaminwater Power-C contains 200% of the daily recommended value of vitamin C, 100% vitamins B5, B6 and B12, 25% zinc and chromium, plus taurine and electrolytes. Each 20-oz bottle contains 100 calories.
Lifewtr Immune Support
PepsiCo, Inc. is introducing Lifewtr Immune Support. The launch marks the first product extension for the brand since its inception in 2017. Designed to aid in immune function, the new water beverage is formulated with 10% of the recommended daily value of zinc. Available in 1-liter bottles, the drink is pH balanced and made with purified water with electrolytes added for taste.
“Research has shown that consumers are increasingly prioritizing beverages with functional ingredients that support health and wellness, particularly those that aid normal immune function,” said Zach Harris, vice president of the water portfolio for PepsiCo Beverages North America. “Because we are committed to matching that demand with industry-leading innovation, we’re thrilled to launch the Lifewtr brand's first line extension, Lifewtr Immune Support.”
Ocean Spray Fruit Medley Immunity Blend
Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc. is introducing Ocean Spray Fruit Medley, a new line of dried fruit blends with functional benefits. The Immunity Blend includes Craisins dried cranberries, dried mangos, dried pineapple and banana chips. Each ¼-cup serving contains 250 mg of beta glucan to support immunity, according to the company.
“Consumers are looking for alternative snacking options as they continue to make choices that are better for them and their health,” said Christie Cannone, brand marketing manager at Ocean Spray. “With wholesome ingredients and naturally delicious taste, Fruit Medley is the perfect option for a healthy snack. We are excited to continue to deliver new and innovative products for consumers who can find us beyond the juice aisle.”
Evolve Berry Medley Plant-Based Protein Shake
PepsiCo, Inc. is relaunching its Evolve brand, including a reformulated version of its Berry Medley plant-based protein shake. The ready-to-drink offering contains 20 grams of protein, 10 grams of fiber and the added attribute of immune support derived from the inclusion of vitamin C and zinc in the formulation. The shake comes in a 11.16-oz bottle and an 11-oz carton.
Remedy Organics Immunity+ Shots
Remedy Organics is adding Immunity+ Shots to its line of wellness shakes. The shots are available in four varieties branded as Heal Me, Protect Me, Energize Me and Detoxify Me.
The Heal Me shot features ginger, turmeric, acerola and lemon. The Protect Me shot is formulated with elderberry, ginger, acerola and cayenne. The Energize Me shot is made with Japanese matcha, ginger, and L-Theanine. The Detoxify Me shot contains activated charcoal, ginger, acerola and cayenne.
The certified USDA organic products are all excellent sources of vitamin C, vitamin D and zinc, according to the company. They also are formulated with prebiotics.
“Now more than ever, consumers are looking for ways to boost their immune system, so it was the perfect time for our introduction into the wellness shot category as our Immunity+ Shots provide a natural way to boost immunity and overall health,” said Cindy Kasindorf, founder of Remedy Organics.
Mtn Dew Rise Energy
PepsiCo, Inc. is launching Mtn Dew Rise Energy, a new energy drink designed to offer a mental boost and immune support, according to the company.
Featuring no added sugar and 25 calories, Mtn Dew Rise Energy contains approximately 180 mg of caffeine (compared with 77 mg in original Mtn Dew soda), vitamins A and C, antioxidants, citicoline, zinc and fruit juice. The beverage comes in 16-oz cans and is available in six flavors: Pomegranate Blue Burst, Orange Breeze, Strawberry Melon Spark, Tropical Sunrise, Berry Blitz, and Peach Mango Dawn.
“As energy beverages evolve to provide even more functional benefits, we're excited to introduce the new Mtn Dew Rise Energy for those looking for a morning boost with enhanced mental clarity and immune support that helps you conquer the morning to conquer the day,” said Fabiola Torres, chief marketing officer and senior vice president of the energy category for PepsiCo.
Grummies Elderberry Gummies
Grummies, a superfood gummy brand, is offering elderberry gummies made with 150 mg of Sambucus elderberry to support a healthy immune system, according to the company. The USDA certified organic and vegan gummies contain 3 grams of sugar per serving and use organic tapioca syrup, organic cane sugar and organic flavorings and oils. They are free from soy, peanuts, tree nuts, gelatin, dairy and artificial sweeteners.
Nunbelievable Shortbread Cookies
In February, Nunbelievable launched a line of snack size, 100-calorie shortbread cookies formulated with baobab fruit powder to support immunity, the company said. Known for its sweet citrus taste, the ingredient contains essential minerals, antioxidants, electrolytes and prebiotic dietary fiber.
The shortbread cookies are available in original shortbread, chocolate shortbread, baobab lemon poppyseed and baobab original shortbread varieties. They come in 26-cookie bundles and will retail for $19.99. They are non-GMO, kosher and free from artificial flavors and added preservatives.
“Studies have shown that the baobab fruit can enhance immunity, help balance blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation and optimize digestive health,” said Bryan Janeczko, co-founder and chief executive officer of Nunbelievable.
Wtrmln Wtr Immunity
Wtrmln Wtr in February debuted Wtrmln Wtr Immunity, a cold-pressed juice formulated with watermelon juice, lime, ginger, turmeric, acerola, cayenne and 300% of the daily recommend value of vitamin C.
“With our new functional blends, you’ve got incredible natural hydration from watermelon,” said Luis Solis, chief executive officer of Caribe Juice, Wtrmln Wtr’s parent company. “Because watermelons are 92% water, watermelon juice hydrates like coconut water, but it has a delicious taste.”
ZOA Energy
ZOA Energy drinks contain 160 mg of caffeine from unroasted green coffee and green tea extract, 250 mg of branched-chain amino acids and 100% of the daily value of vitamin C from camu camu, acerola and asorbic acid. The 16-oz beverages also include turmeric, vitamins D, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B12, choline, potassium, magnesium and electrolytes. The energy beverage comes in five varieties: original, pineapple coconut, super berry, wild orange and lemon lime. All five flavors also come in zero sugar varieties.
“I’m humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve our eager consumers with ZOA — the ultimate healthy and immunity-supporting energy drink that’s the first of its kind, thanks to our unique combination of ingredients,” said Dwayne Johnson, co-founder of ZOA Energy. “My co-founders and I spent the last 18 months formulating this healthy and great tasting product that we could all use now more than ever, ensuring we packed it with the critical vitamins and immune support we ourselves consume daily. ZOA is the world’s first and only healthy energy drink that contains our unique combination of 100% vitamin C, 100% vitamins B3, B5, B6, and B12, and vitamin D, along with other vital ingredients. ZOA includes a host of nutrients that work to support our immune systems and provide us with a healthy dose of the caffeinated edge we need for focus, balance and success throughout our day. It’s truly our privilege to bring it to market for consumers to enjoy.”
Flow Vitamin-Infused Water
Flow Water Inc. in January introduced Flow Vitamin-Infused Water. The alkaline spring waters come in cherry, citrus and elderberry flavors and feature a blend of vitamins designed to support immunity and metabolic function, the company said. Each beverage features vitamin C, zinc gluconate, vitamin B3, calcium, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin B7, folic acid and vitamin B1.
“We are focused on innovation that honors the primary reasons consumers have embraced Flow: taste, refreshment and water quality,” said Nicholas Reichenbach, founder and chief executive officer of Flow Alkaline Spring Water. “With an increased consumer focus on health, wellness and immunity-supporting functional beverages, it is an ideal time for the Flow brand to introduce Flow Vitamin-Infused Water.”
Babybel Plus+ Probiotic
Babybel Plus+ Probiotic, which Bel Brands USA Inc. launched in January, contains billions of live and active cultures of the LGG probiotics strain, which offers immune health benefits, according to the company. The snack is made with pasteurized part-skim milk and microfiltered skim milk and contains 50 calories and 5 grams of protein per piece.
Ivusion
Ivusion Beverage Co. debuted in December 2020 with its flagship product: functional hydration drinks formulated with electrolytes, vitamins and minerals.
Designed as a recovery solution for dehydration induced by hangovers, heat exhaustion and exercise, Ivusion beverages contain electrolytes, B12 and B Complex, magnesium, potassium, vitamins A and C, 5 HTP, L-Tyrosine, anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea.
“Each of the ingredients in Ivusion are purposeful and intentionally added for a specific function: replenish lost fluids and vitamins, boost energy, support immunity and cardiovascular health, metabolize alcohol, detoxify liver, enhance mental alertness, and even improve physical appearance,” Ivusion Beverage Co. said.
Ivusion drinks come in mixed berries and citrus orange flavors. Each 12-oz can contains 11 grams of organic sugar, 60 calories and no caffeine.
“We were inspired by the recent growth in IV therapy, which got us thinking … why is it so expensive and time consuming?” Ivusion said. “Our goal was to create a cost effective and time efficient hydration drink that does more than taste good. A hydration drink that supports both physical and mental health of our consumers. And so, Ivusion was born. Ivusion is a multifunctional hydration beverage that is transparent, convenient and cost effective, providing our health-conscious consumers healthier options, especially in the wake of COVID-19.”
Ocean Spray B1U ‘I Need Immunity’
Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc. in November 2020 introduced B1U, a new functional beverage line made with simple ingredients and bottled in recyclable packaging. Made without sugar or artificial sweeteners, the “I Need Immunity” variety is lemon chamomile infused water with 22 mg of zinc, 128 mg of vitamin C and no calories.
“The functional beverage category continues to be driven by health-conscious consumers who know their food is fuel for living a healthy life and are interested in a holistic approach to well-being,” said Kim McAllister, director of core innovation at Ocean Spray. “We are excited to offer the B1U brand as an innovative new entrant into the fast-growing infused water category that is forward-thinking, tasty and nutritious and will inspire customers to try it and choose it again and again.”
Propel Immune Support
In November 2020, PepsiCo, Inc. debuted Propel Immune Support, an electrolyte water that contains 100% of the recommended daily value of vitamin C and 30% zinc per 20-oz bottle. Containing no sugar and 5 calories, Propel Immune Support comes in orange raspberry and lemon blackberry flavors.
“Propel Immune Support offers those with active lifestyles a way to replace electrolytes lost in sweat while also supporting a healthy immune system with vitamin C and zinc — at a time when it’s needed most,” a PepsiCo spokesperson said.
Uncle Matt’s Organic Ultimate Immune Orange Juice Beverage
Uncle Matt’s Organic in November 2020 launched Ultimate Immune Orange Juice Beverage, made with organic orange juice, elderberry, 300% of the daily dose of vitamin C, 50% vitamin D and 25% zinc. Featuring antioxidants, B vitamins and citrus bio-flavonoids, the USDA certified organic beverage is non-GMO and Certified Glyphosate Residue Free by The Detox Project.
“Over the past six months, families have turned to what they associate with daily immune support: vitamin C-rich orange juice,” said Susan McLean, vice president of marketing and innovation at Uncle Matt's Organic. “As a mom, I was looking for even more ways to naturally boost my family's immune health during this unprecedented time, and I kept circling back to these powerfully-proven ingredients: vitamin C, vitamin D and zinc. This trifecta of vitamins — together with the antioxidant elderberry — is the 'ultimate' in immunity support. We are really excited to be able to offer Uncle Matt's Organic Ultimate Immune directly from our family to yours.”
Remedy Organics Berry Immunity
Remedy Organics in November 2020 introduced Berry Immunity, a new plant-based protein beverage made with elderberry, echinacea, camu camu, lion’s mane mushroom, prebiotics, vitamin C and vitamin D. Each bottle provides 10 grams of protein.
“When creating Berry Immunity, I carefully selected a powerhouse of anti-viral ingredients that work synergistically to support the immune system,” said Cindy Kasindorf, founder of Remedy Organics. “Beyond superfoods berries, herbs and mushrooms, prebiotics were a key component for further immune support and gut health, as 70% of your immune system lives in your gut.”
Cloud Water + Immunity
In November 2020, Cloud Water Brands released a new range of functional sparkling beverages called Cloud Water + Immunity. The drinks are formulated with 100% of the daily value of vitamin D and zinc and are sweetened with organic wildflower honey. The beverages contain 20 calories per 12-oz can and are kosher, gluten-free and non-GMO. Flavors include blood orange and coconut; grapefruit, mint and basil; and blackberry, lemon and rosemary.
“As consumers become more educated about immunity, they recognize that what they eat and drink can help protect their body and support their immune systems,” said Marc Siden, chief executive officer of Cloud Water Brands. “These times have given us an opportunity to think about what consumers are looking for and how we can help deliver that. As a brand we have been committed to innovating evidence-based functional products that support consumer’s minds and their bodies.”
Sway Energy + Immunity
New from Elegance Brands Inc. in November 2020, Sway Energy + Immunity is a zero-sugar energy beverage featuring 160 mg of green tea caffeine and 100% of the daily value of vitamins A, B6, B12, C and D. The drink comes in six flavors: lemon lime, mango, orange, passion fruit, strawberry and watermelon.
Tessemae’s Mushroom Ginger Immunity Vinaigrette
In October 2020, Tessemae’s launched a new line of superfood-infused vinaigrettes that are USDA certified organic, non-GMO and made with high oleic sunflower oil. The Mushroom Ginger Immunity Vinaigrette is made with coconut aminos, toasted sesame oil, ground ginger and lion’s mane mushroom.
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