Exploring the rise of gut-friendly ingredients and their role in boosting immunity, supporting mental health, and driving innovation in food and beverage products
The primary immune-supporting ingredient category is that of probiotics, those beneficial microbial organisms that confer some form of health benefit either directly or indirectly when ingested. With probiotics carrying the immune health banner, it’s no surprise that throughout 2024 interest in probiotics and health by both consumers and product makers rose beyond even those levels seen in 2023.
A clear grasp of prebiotics, including their definition, health benefits, and mechanisms of action is fundamental for understanding prebiotic use and benefit. GPA acknowledges the foundational contributions of organizations like the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) and United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in establishing early definitions of prebiotics.
Crafted to inspire moments of delight, the brand's new Lemon Honey Drop and Sleepytime Biotin Beauty Rest teas balance taste with consumers' desire for unique products in the wellness category.
Charge Caffeinated Chocolate Energy Balls come in both dark and milk chocolate varieties, each delivering 54mg of caffeine per ball—comparable to a typical 16oz energy drink.
Made without cane sugar, stevia or artificial fillers, the new offering includes four naturally flavors with powerful plant-based ingredients that include coconut water, oceanic minerals, blueberry, dragon fruit and spirulina to help support skin health, digestion and more.
Following the official launch of Más+ by Messi in Miami, the new hydration beverage from soccer star Lionel Messi is expanding distribution to deliver "positive hydration" in even more states across the country.
The strategic transaction provides Celsius with a 170,000sq-ft, modern manufacturing and warehouse facility that is expected to provide greater supply chain control, quicker innovation cycles and greater production flexibility.
In 2025, consumers will increasingly view food as part of their overall wellness routine. They expect meals to support not just physical health but also mental well-being and mood enhancement. This shift continues to drive the desire for functional foods—think beverages fortified with adaptogens, snacks rich in prebiotics/probiotics, and nutrient-dense meal replacements.
A new study from Hydrosome Labs demonstrates the potential for regular consumption of Hydrosome H2O to positively influence gut health by increasing microbiome diversity and reducing inflammatory markers in mammals. According to the company, approximately 30 years ago, scientists began to investigate the formation of tiny bubbles in water, sometimes called ultrafine bubbles.