FORM + FUNCTION

Surveying New Functional Foods & Beverages Debuting in November 2020

This month's collection includes functional yogurt and ready to drink CBD water

IMMUNE SUPPORT

Mojis Inc., Boulder, Colo., has extended its popular Weller CBD brand into a broader, better-for-you platform of bubbly drinks. Its first new offering are Weller Sparkling Immunity drinks in three varieties: Elderberry + Peach, Elderberry + Lemon-Lime, and Elderberry + Strawberry.

Officials say Weller’s move was motivated by increased consumer interest in immune-boosting products due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Moving beyond the cold and flu aisle and a reactive health mindset, the non-CBD sparkling water offers an effervescent and convenient way for consumers to integrate immunity protection into daily routine with only 10 calories from juice and zero added sugars.

Freshly squeezed elderberry juice is the sparkling water’s star ingredient. Secondary fruit flavors like peach, strawberry and lemon-lime round out portfolio. Officials say the simple, all-natural ingredient list offers a core nutrient profile of vitamin C, vitamin D3, zinc, and magnesium.

Keto Snacks

As consumers continue to look for ways to cut back on sugar and carbs through better-for-you alternatives to existing preferences, the ketogenic products category is predicted to grow 5.5% through 2027. That’s why General Mills, Minneapolis, says it introduced :ratio yogurt cultured dairy snacks and crunchy bars.

Using carefully selected ingredients, :ratio’s keto friendly snacks make it possible to have macros conveniently your way with 2g of net carbs and 1g of sugar per serving, officials say.

Among the first in the yogurt aisle, :ratio dairy snacks bring an indulgent creaminess with five fruit-forward flavor options: Strawberry, Coconut, Vanilla, Mango and Black Cherry. The crunchy bars are available in Lemon Almond and Toasted Almond and use ingredients including real almonds and pumpkin seeds.

The :ratio dairy snacks and crunchy bars are currently available at select retail locations across the U.S. or online, for a suggested retail price of $1.49 per cup of dairy snacks and $7.99 per four-count box of crunchy bars.

Plant Protein

Four Sigma Foods Inc., Santa Monica, Calif., extended its Four Sigmatic plant-based protein line with a new Sweet Vanilla flavor.

Officials say Four Sigmatic’s Sweet Vanilla Plant-Based Protein offers 18g of sustainably sourced pure organic vegan protein, 1,000mg of functional mushrooms, and 500mg of adaptogens to support immune health. They add that each scoop has a balanced amino acid profile from five organic plant proteins: peas, hemp, pumpkin and chia seeds, and coconut.

Four Sigmatic’s other plant-based protein mix varieties include Unflavored, Peanut Butter, and Creamy Cacao.

Four Sigmatic’s vegan protein is available in boxes of 10 single-serve packets offered at a $40 SRP, and 15-serving canisters for a $50 SRP. It’s sold online at FourSigmatic.com and U.S. retailers such as some Whole Foods locations and will be available on Amazon and Thrive Market.