Prepared Foods profiles new functional foods, drinks and supplements.

Known for its organic breakfast and snack offerings, Nature’s Path Organic Foods, Richmond, B.C., now adds keto-friendly items to its portfolio.

Two new 9oz organic keto cereals are Cinnamon Toast Organic Keto and Dark Chocolate Organic Keto.  Three new 8oz pouched Ketola Crunch granolas include Toasted Pumpkin Seed & Vanilla Nut, Dark Chocolate Chip & Nut, and Blueberry & Cinnamon Nut.

All of Nature’s Path new keto products are 100% organic, keto certified, non-GMO, 100% plant based, gluten free, dairy free, and contain no artificial sweeteners or flavors. Keto cereals contain 7g of protein and just 3g of net carbs per serving. The keto granolas deliver 5g of protein and up to 3g of net carbs per serving. Nature’s Path Keto cereals and granolas are available nationwide at retailers including Whole Foods and Kroger and 24/7 at naturespath.com

“Our goal was to create a line of ultra-clean, 100% organic, plant based keto options that are simply better for you,” says Arjan Stephens, General Manager of Nature’s Path. “It’s sometimes hard for people following a keto plan to get enough fiber, fruits and vegetables. Our aim was to deliver cereals and granolas that can achieve all your keto goals, while still containing essential nutrients and vitamins.”

Cibo Vita, Totowa, N.J., expanded its Nature’s Garden line of Probiotic-enhanced dried fruits.

The line debuted earlier with Probiotic Apricots. Now joining are Probiotic-enhanced Mixed Berries, Tart Cherries, Raisins, Cranberries, Dates, and Prunes. 

“Many consumers are experiencing ‘pill-fatigue’ due to all the supplements that they feel they need to stay healthy in their quest for preventative health,” says Cibo Vita. “They are looking for ways to get their nutritional and dietary supplement needs through their food. Probiotic-enhanced dried fruits are a great, natural option to help them on their journey to self-care.”

Officials say they incorporated a patented micro-encapsulation system featuring S.Boulardii and L. Rhamnosus probiotics to deliver 5 billion live cultures per serving without impacting fruit plumpness or flavor.

Apricots are sold in a 40oz bag while Tart Cherries come in a 20oz package. Dates, Prunes, Cranberries, Raisins and Mixed Berries all come in 12oz bags. The products contain between 100-140 calories, and up to 3g of fiber, per serving. They contain no: fat, cholesterol, sodium, or added sugar.

Else Nutrition Holdings Inc., Vancouver, B.C., expanded its line of organic, plant-based Complete Nutrition Shakes for Kids. Joining the line are Banana Chia and Mango Chia flavors.

"We are proud to be helping today's parents choose better, cleaner, more wholesome options they can feel good about giving their kids, and their kids can be excited about eating,” said Hamutal Yitzhak, Else Nutrition CEO and co-founder. “Our Banana Chia and Mango Chia flavors are unique, tasty and nutritious and we can't wait to hear what families think."

The two new flavors join existing Vanilla and Chocolate options. Officials said they selected chia seeds for antioxidants, protein, fiber, prebiotics, calcium and magnesium. Additionally, bananas and mangos are good sources of potassium, fiber and many other vitamins and minerals. In fact, both new flavors will deliver 20% of the recommended daily value of fiber for children aged 2 years and older, the company says.

Else Nutrition is part of Israel’s Else Nutrition GH Ltd.

MANTRA Labs, Austin, Texas, says its new HYDRATE is broad-spectrum drink mix for optimal performance and everyday health. HYDRATE comes in two organically, no-sugar sweetened flavors—Lemonade, Fruit Punch—and it’s sold in single-serve packets and tubs from the company’s website.

“HYDRATE reflects everything we stand for as a next-generation nutrition company: developing industry leading products that support mental and physical health, pushing beyond the status quo and helping people on their health journey through simple yet powerful habits,” said MANTRA Labs CEO and Co-Founder, Paul Janowitz. “With zero sugar, 1,200mg of electrolytes, prebiotic fiber, vitamins C and B12, and more than 72 trace marine minerals—we’re confident that you'll feel the difference because there's nothing like HYDRATE on the market."

Officials note that each serving provides 500mg of prebiotic fiber from chicory root inulin.