Your Super, a health and wellness brand known for creating plant-based superfood and protein mixes, announced the release of superfood mix Gut Feeling. The prebiotic superfood mix is an instant celery juice with one serving containing 20% of recommended daily fiber intake.

Danone North America honored a commitment to science and education through the ninth annual Gut Microbiome, Yogurt and Probiotics Fellowship Grant Program. This year's honorees, selected by a committee of nutrition scientists, are Catherine Shelton of Vanderbilt University and Alice Solomon of the University of Arizona. Winners were chosen based on the quality of their proposals, faculty recommendations and each of their studies' value to human health and wellness.

Deerland Probiotics & Enzymes, a global supplier of science-backed solutions for microbiome health, is pleased to announce that its probiotic Bacillus subtilis DE111® has attained a list of published health claims in relationship to its inclusion as a food ingredient under the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) Code.

Consumers have been trying foods, ingredients, and substances that help them build immunity, prevent inflammation, aid their digestive health, and relieve stress and anxiety, according to NPD’s Health Aspirations and Behavioral Tracking Service, which continually tracks consumption habits linked to wellness goals and identifies long-term, mainstream trends. 

Prepared Foods talks beverage flavor trends with Jared Smith, vice president of business development at Stratus Group Duo LLC, a Los Angeles firm developing and marketing functional, convenient beverages. Its portfolio includes KÖE Organic Kombucha and Perfect Hydration Alkaline Water.

Recent events have not only driven consumers to seek ways of staying healthy but pulled the mental health side of mind-body wellness to the forefront. The stress of having lives and routines (and incomes) disrupted, illnesses threatening or even invading the family, and social isolation has led to an unprecedented 40% of US adults reporting that they’re struggling with mental health problems.

Scientists in the field have found that the microbial community, or microbiome of the gut affects not only gastrointestinal health, but has links to the brain, immune system and even our circadian clocks.

The potent mint flavor freshens breath while releasing the immune-benefiting properties of HK L-137, a probiotic originally discovered by Japanese immunologists researching health benefits of sushi and fermentation. Also known as Immuno-LP20®, HK L-137 has demonstrated in human clinical studies to benefit the immune system, respiratory health and overall quality of life.

Laird Superfood launched its new ACTIVATE Prebiotic Daily Greens supplement to support gut health. Prebiotics are reported to ferment in the lower intestine and provide fuel for vital gut flora.

For the past few years, we’ve noted in these pages that digestive health, and the probiotic bacteria and prebiotic fibers and starches that support it, would continue to be the hottest trends in “better for you” food and beverage development.