New functional drinks and supplements introduced to the Better For You segment in June 2018.

NuZee Inc., Vista, Calif, introduced Coffee Blenders cold brew functional coffees. Officials say the offerings are steeped for 12 hours to create a distinctively sweeter, smoother, and less acidic taste experience. 

RTD coffee now accounts for 20% of the $13.6 billion US retail coffee market, and the segment is forecasted to grow by 67% from 2017- 2022, according to market research firm Mintel.

“The introduction of our cold brew line reflects our continuing growth and evolution as a company, and our commitment to product innovation,” said Masa Higashida, NuZee’s CEO. “Over the last two years, we have elevated Coffee Blenders’ industry profile via the sale of our nutraceutical-infused Drip Cup, single-serve and whole bean coffee products. Based on consumer responses and our national retail and distribution partners, we are confident that our new functional cold brew line will extend our market success.”

Coffee Blenders’ new cold brew offerings follow the same varieties as its Drip Cup line of single-serve, pour-over offerings. They include Lean Cup (for weight loss), Think Cup (for cognitive performance), Relax Cup (for stress reduction), Active Cup (for a pre-workout boost of energy), Nude Cup (100% Arabica coffee with no function). The company also offers Matcha Cup tea and a whole bean coffee line.

Sunshine Supplements Inc., Orlando, Fla., is expanding distribution for B4, a non-caffeinated, lightly carbonated supplement with electrolytes, amino acids, minerals and vitamins to help consumers combat the after-effects of drinking alcohol.

Formulating the drink was pharmacist and Sunshine Supplements Co-Founder John Mansour. The company’s website (www.drinkB4.com) says Mansour met Dave Larue, a spirits industry veteran—and eventual business partner—during a golf outing. 

B4 is available online and at some of the largest wine and spirits retailers now in 14 states across the US. Grape, Orange and Berry flavors come in 8.4-ounce cans or 24-can cases in stores. Packs of four, eight and 12 also are for sale online.

The company’s website lists ingredients as N-Acetyl-Cysteine, L-Glutathione Reduced, Alpha Ketoglutaric Acid, L-Carnitine, L-Theanine, Milk Thistle Extract (Seed) and Alpha Lipoic Acid. Additional ingredients include Carbonated Water, Sugar, Natural Flavors, Monopotassium phosphate, Sodium Citrate, Salt, Citric Acid, Malic Acid, Sodium Benzoate (preservative), Potassium Sorbate (preservative) and Sucralose.

“Our product continues to gain popularity, as consumers experience its effectiveness in helping them wake up ready for the day after a night of drinking,” says Mansour.

Nutiva Inc., Richmond, Calif., says it offers the first USDA Certified Organic MCT Powder, or NuMCT, a supplement crafted from 100% young organic coconuts and gut-supportive prebiotic acacia.

Medium chain triglycerides, or MCTs, are found naturally in coconuts and deliver easily digestible fatty acids that quickly convert to ketones, rapidly supplying the brain, muscles and other tissues with sustained energy while supporting the metabolism.

“Many consumers—from high-endurance athletes, to paleo and keto dieters, and more—are seeking cleaner, plant-based energy sources to fuel their busy lifestyles,” says John Roulac, founder and chief visionary officer of Nutiva. “With the growing popularity of MCT oil, we wanted to introduce a supplement with all of the benefits of MCT oil but in a convenient format that won’t leak, is easy to take on-the-go and is quick to mix into smoothies and shakes.”

Containing 3g of fiber from prebiotic acacia fiber and 10g of MCTs, including 56% caprylic acid (C8), 39% capric acid (C10) and 5% lauric acid (C12) in a single serving, Nutiva Organic MCT Powder boosts gut health, supplies pure, clean fuel, and maintains 0g net carbohydrates.

Nutiva Organic MCT Powder is available in 10.6-ounce canisters online at www.nutiva.com with retail availability to follow.

Originally appeared in the June, 2018 issue of Prepared Foods as form + function: New functional foods, drinks & supplements.