Ingredients used for regular energy drinks are becoming more adventurous. Guarana and tau-rine seem passé. Nnew in the U.K. from Intercontinental Brands is a stimulation drink formulated with red and black Asian ants referred to as an "herb" in China where they are said to be used as a tonic. The ants, it is claimed, supply a direct source of energy to body cells, enhance the immune system and improve sexual function. Also of interest in the beverages category is a drink made with water chestnuts. Launched in Hong Kong by YHS Foods under the Yeo's brand, it is described as a "crunchy water chestnut drink."
Two interesting yogurt drinks are reported in this issue. In China, Vitalon Food Enterprises has launched under the Snowdew brand, a canned yogurt mineral drink with calcium lactate and other minerals. In Germany, where functional foods continue to be popular, Brohler Mineral und Heilbrunnen has introduced Snack-Joghurt. This mineral water and yogurt drink has probiotic fibers. In the dairy category, carrot cheese slices in South Korea from Seoul Milk are formulated with carrot juice and are rich in calcium, vitamin D3 and carotene.