Prepared Foods profiles new functional foods, drinks and supplements.

Tennis champion Venus Williams partnered with beverage developer Dyla Brands, New York, N.Y., to create Happy Viking, a line of plant-based protein shakes. Happy Viking is available in Vanilla Bean and Triple Chocolate in 1 liter multi-serve and 11oz shelf-stable tetra packs. Officials say the products are available nationwide in Kroger-owned grocery stores.

“We’re thrilled to bring Kroger customers a plant-based offering that is both delicious and nutritious,” said Neel Premkumar, founder and CEO of Dyla Brands and co-founder of Happy Viking. “Bringing Happy Viking to one of the largest grocery retailers in the country continues our mission to provide better-for-you drink options that are accessible and affordable.”

Premkumar says the drinks incorporate yellow peas and brown rice and deliver 20g of complete protein per serving. The formula also features all nine essential amino acids and BCAAs, DHA omega-3, high oleic sunflower oil, macronutrients and prebiotic fiber. Happy Viking products are 100% vegan and free from allergens such as dairy, lactose, soy, and gluten.

Liquid Core Gum Company, Denver, introduced Life's Gum to boost both immunity and cognitive function.

Officials identified vitamins D3, B-6, C and zinc important for immunity. The company says that these core elements, plus BerryDefense (a proprietary elderberry, black currant and aronia blend) and LifeinU Probiotics, form the unique Life's Gum liquid center that starts releasing functional ingredients fast—on the first chew.

"We realized that wellness and immunity were going to be more important than ever, and that we had a better functional delivery system than tablets, gel caps or beverages," said Troy Widgery, Liquid Core founder and CEO. 

Each piece of Life's Gum contains the following Daily Values: vitamin C, 50%; zinc, 50%; B-6, 300%; D3, 700%.

Ireland’s Juvenescence Ltd., Douglas, Isle of Man, introduced its first namesake branded product, Juvenescence Metabolic Switch, C6 Ketone Di-ester drink that, “once consumed, puts the consumer in ketosis to promote a healthy metabolism.”

Officials say each serving of Metabolic Switch is 2.5oz (75 mL) and contains 25g of C6 Ketone Di-ester that will naturally raise the levels of ketones in the blood to quickly generate a state of ketosis that lasts for several hours. Proprietary to Metabolic Switch is C6 Ketone Di-ester, a unique food ingredient that was developed in partnership with The Buck Institute for Research on Aging and tested in both pre-clinical and clinical studies for safety and efficacy.

Metabolic Switch is available for purchase online at JuvLabs.com in two-count ($24.95), seven-count ($74.95) and 28-count ($255.50). Metabolic Switch has a substantial price advantage compared to other ketone esters and can be as low as $8.00 per dose when bought on subscription, which is available at JuvLabs.com in seven-count ($63.71) and 28-count ($217.18) options.

Functional beverages specialist LIFEAID Beverage Co., Santa Cruz, Calif., introduced DREAMAID GO!, its first product for resting and recharging.

As with all LIFEAID products, officials say DREAMAID GO—in a Tranquil Tangerine flavor—is responsibly formulated for efficacy while still emphasizing great taste. The stick mix supplement contains 5mg melatonin, chamomile, and valerian. Other ingredients include L-theanine, turmeric extract, lemon balm extract, gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) and black pepper as piperine extract.

"Our days don't begin with coffee or breakfast. They begin with the impact of quality sleep the night before. That informs everything the day brings," says Aaron Hinde, co-founder and president of LIFEAID Beverage Co. "Our brand has a reputation for products that work, and DREAMAID GO does."