New Year, New Flavor

To kick-start the new year, MOSH PBC, Los Angeles, introduced a limited-edition Raspberry White Chocolate Crunch protein bar. The 1.48oz bar delivers 12g of protein along with six ingredients to promote brain health: Lion’s mane, vitamin D, vitamin B12, ashwagandha, omega-3 and Cognizin Citicoline.*

Founders and mother-son duo Maria Shriver and Patrick Schwarzenegger say MOSH donates a portion of all proceeds to Alzheimer's research, advocacy, and awareness. MOSH’s Raspberry White Chocolate Crunch bar is available for a limited time on the brand’s website for $45.99 per 12-pack. Photo credit: MOSH PBC
*Cognizin is a registered brand of Kyowa Hakko USA

Stacked Solution

Fungi Perfecti LLC, Olympia, Wash., extended its Host Defense Mushrooms line with BrainPower Stack, which “stacks” mushroom ingredients with vitamins. Founder and mycologist Paul Stamets developed the formula that combines Lion's Mane mushroom mycelium with the neuro-supportive vitamins niacin (B3 as nicotinic acid) and vitamin B12 (as methylcobalamin).

“This formula is an important step in developing mycelium-based support for brain health,” said Stamets. “So much research has been done on Lion's Mane in relation to memory, cognition, and mental clarity, that combining it with isolates known to support the development and generation of neuro-pathways was a ‘no-brainer.’ This formula is intended for those seeking to gain mental clarity, find new focus, and charge their mental battery.” Photo credit: Fungi Perfecti LLC

Brain, Immune Health

Ingenuity Brands, Burlingame, Calif., used last fall’s annual meeting of the American Academy of Pediatrics to introduce Brainiac Foods Neuro+, a full-fat pouched dairy product to support a baby’s brain and immune health. The two-item line debuted at Target stores nationwide. Varieties include Strawberry Banana and Carrot Blueberry.

“Neuro+ offers the most advanced brain nutrition in the baby food category with the addition of milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), a nutrient found in breast milk and proven to support baby’s brain development and immune system,” the company said. In other moves, Ingenuity said it also expanded its lunchbox portfolio with Brainiac Fruit Snacks and Brainiac Juice Squeezers functional juice. Photo credit: Ingenuity Brands

Quick Mood Boost

Smoothie cube subscription brand Bumpin Blends LLC, Los Angeles, kicked off this year with new that its offerings are available at more than 3,100 retailers nationwide. Walmart and Target shoppers can purchase the brand's smoothie cubes in four flavors: Watermelon Prickly Pear (hydration), Cinnamon Toast (mood), Peanut Butter Cup (energy), and the Bumpin Blends x Barbie Strawberry Dream (skin) flavors.

Bumpin Blends retail for $7 to $9 per 10oz pouch and consumers mix mix a cup of pre-blended cubes with a cup of milk or water. The Cinnamon Toast mood boost variety features all organic ingredients including banana, almond milk, cashew butter, rolled oats and cinnamon. Photo credit: Bumpin Blends LLC

Algae Innovation

VAXA Technologies America, Inc., Reykjavik and Los Angeles, extended its algae-based ÖRLÖ Nutrition line with Icelandic Ultra Spirulina (IUS), a range of products to elevate health and wellness. Offerings include a Women's Vitality Mix, Brain Performance Bar (Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough), Focus & Memory Gummies (Green Apple & Lime), and an Immunity Boost.

Icelandic Ultra Spirulina includes the only natural, vegan source of active B12 in methylcobalamin form, the company says. IUS also features Heme Fe2+ ion, a natural, “optimal” form of iron for better absorption. VAXA add that IUS is tasteless, odorless and also contains all essential amino acids, 56 vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, and carotenoids. Photo credit: VAXA Technologies America, Inc.

Functional Chocolate

This January, The Functional Chocolate Company, Denver, extended its functional chocolate line with a four-item FunCho Kids collection. Varieties include Carefree, Brainy, Painfree and Sleepy and each 5.08oz pouch includes a dozen 12g chocolate squares.

Officials say Carefree Chocolate for Kids includes lemon balm, passion flower and chamomile to promote relaxation and calm. Brainy Chocolate for Kids includes ginkgo biloba, rhodiola and bacopa to support focus, and mental clarity. All FunCho Kids products are plant-based, naturally gluten and cholesterol free, and made without artificial sweeteners, flavors, additives or preservatives. Photo credit: The Functional Chocolate Company