Better for You

RXBAR Expands High Protein Line With Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Flavor

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400

RXBAR has added Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter to its High Protein lineup, offering 19g of plant-based protein made with six recognizable ingredients. The launch reflects growing consumer demand for high-protein snacks that balance nutritional benefits, ingredient transparency and indulgent taste.

Sugar, Salt Reduction Drives New Formulation Strategies

luann.williams@innovami.com (Lu Ann Williams) — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Consumers increasingly say they want less sugar and sodium, but taste remains a critical barrier to adoption. Advances in natural sweeteners, fermentation-derived ingredients and flavor-enhancement technologies are helping formulators balance health goals with sensory appeal.

Neuro Launches Limited-Edition Watermelon Energy & Focus Gum

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400

Neuro has expanded its functional gum lineup with a limited-edition Watermelon Energy & Focus Gum. The launch reflects growing demand for convenient energy solutions that pair functional ingredients with nostalgic, trend-forward flavors in portable formats.

Fields Good Launches Functional Cookies Backed by $1.8M Funding

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Fields Good has entered the functional snacking space with a lineup of cookies formulated to support focus, sleep and protein intake. Founded by Ashley Fields, daughter of Mrs. Fields founder Debbi Fields, and Kim Anderson, the brand aims to blend wellness-focused ingredients with the taste and texture consumers expect from traditional bakery-style cookies.

OSULLOC Expands Functional Beverage Portfolio With Matcha Plus

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 10:00:00 -0400

OSULLOC is bringing added functionality to the growing matcha category with the launch of Matcha Plus, a line of powdered beverages formulated with ingredients targeting beauty, digestive health and focus. Available in Glow, Gut Ease and Awareness varieties, the products reflect continued consumer demand for convenient beverages that combine wellness benefits with premium tea experiences.

Dr. Brown's Enters Hydration Category With Electrolyte Solution

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 14:00:00 -0400

Dr. Brown's has launched Electrolyte Solution, a hydration beverage formulated to help replenish fluids and electrolytes during illness, travel or heat exposure. Made with coconut water, sea salt and four essential electrolytes, the ready-to-drink product is designed for children ages 1 and older while also appealing to family-wide hydration needs.

Study Explores Sensory Benefits of Upcycled Chardonnay Grape Marc

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0400

A peer-reviewed study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry examined the sensory properties of Chardonnay grape marc, the source material behind WellVine. Researchers found a balanced taste profile characterized by mild sweetness, bright acidity and low bitterness, findings that may have implications for formulators developing fiber-rich, polyphenol-containing and clean-label products.

Om Mushrooms Introduces Vanilla Chai Latte Blend

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400

Om Mushrooms expanded its functional latte lineup with the launch of a Vanilla Chai Latte Blend, available at Whole Foods Market stores nationwide and online. The beverage delivers 2,000mg of organic whole food mushrooms per serving, along with beta-glucans and 35mg of caffeine to support focus, calm and daily wellness.

Muscle Milk Reformulates Protein Shake Portfolio

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 10:00:00 -0400

Muscle Milk has reformulated its ready-to-drink protein shake lineup with ultra-filtered milk and a simplified ingredient list containing half the ingredients of the previous formula. The shakes deliver 26-42g of complete protein per serving and are made without artificial sweeteners, flavors or added colors, reflecting growing demand for cleaner-label protein products.

GHOST Launches Portable Energy Stick Packs

Wed, 27 May 2026 09:00:00 -0400

GHOST is expanding its energy portfolio with the launch of GHOST Energy Sticks, a portable powder format designed to deliver the same energy and focus benefits as its canned beverages. The launch reflects growing consumer demand for convenient, mix-anywhere functional drink options.

Optimum Nutrition Expands Line With Functional Formats

Tue, 26 May 2026 15:00:00 -0400

Optimum Nutrition introduced new creatine gummies and a 40G ready-to-drink protein shake as demand grows for convenient sports nutrition formats. The launches reflect continued innovation in functional nutrition products designed to support strength, recovery and on-the-go lifestyles.

A Rising Tide Lifts All Proteins

peckenpaughd@bnpmedia.com (Douglas J. Peckenpaugh) — Tue, 26 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Protein’s evolution from essential nutrient to mainstream functional ingredient has transformed food and beverage innovation, with demand projected to climb steadily over the next decade. As brands expand protein fortification across categories, formulators face the challenge of balancing nutrition goals with the taste, texture and sensory experiences consumers expect.

Evolution Fresh Expands Refrigerated Organic Tea Line Nationwide

Wed, 20 May 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Evolution Fresh is expanding its refrigerated ready-to-drink Organic Tea line nationwide at select Whole Foods Market locations. Combining brewed tea with cold-pressed juice, the products reflect growing interest in functional beverages that deliver wellness positioning, lower sugar content and premium flavor experiences in the refrigerated beverage aisle.

KA-EX Launches RTD Creatine Beverage With Push-Cap Technology

Tue, 19 May 2026 18:00:00 -0400

KA-EX introduced Creatine EAA+ Booster, a ready-to-drink functional beverage designed to overcome creatine stability challenges in RTD formulations. Featuring a patented push-cap system and a blend of creatine, amino acids, caffeine and electrolytes, the launch highlights ongoing innovation in performance-focused beverage delivery systems.

Beyond Protein Grams: The Science Reshaping Functional Nutrition

kantha@corvusblue.net (Kantha Shelke PhD, CFS) — Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Protein claims may dominate packaging, but the next wave of innovation is happening at the molecular level. From bioactive peptides and free amino acids to complementary plant proteins and functional protein fractions, developers are rethinking how protein delivers performance, health benefits and consumer value.

New Snack Products Highlight Functional Benefits and Ingredients

peckenpaughd@bnpmedia.com (Douglas J. Peckenpaugh) — Fri, 15 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Snack brands are infusing protein, fiber, and prebiotics into indulgent snacks like chips and popcorn, catering to consumers seeking tasty experiences with added nutrition. New products from PepsiCo, J&J Snack Foods, Kraft, and Perfect Snacks illustrate this balance in better-for-you options.

Pure Leaf Launches Sparkling Mental Focus Tea Line

Wed, 13 May 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Pure Leaf expanded into the functional beverage space with the launch of Pure Leaf Mental Focus, a line of sparkling iced teas formulated with naturally occurring caffeine from black tea and added L-theanine. Available in Peach and Raspberry flavors, the zero-sugar beverages reflect growing interest in products targeting focus, cognitive wellness and everyday performance support.

Sprouts Launches Functional Soda Brand Proda

Tue, 12 May 2026 17:00:00 -0400

Sprouts Farmers Market introduced Proda, a functional soda beverage formulated with 10g of protein, 3g of fiber and zero sugar per can. Available in flavors including Classic Orange, Root Beer and Strawberry Lemonade, the beverage is positioned as a better-for-you refreshment option designed to deliver hydration and functional nutrition without sacrificing flavor.

PHX Launches Pineapple Energy Drink

Wed, 06 May 2026 07:00:00 -0400

PHX is expanding its functional beverage lineup with a new Pineapple flavor combining hydration, energy and zero sugar in a low-calorie format. The launch taps into rising demand for tropical, escapist flavors paired with clean energy sources like green tea caffeine.

Inside the Circular Nature of Human Behavior

peckenpaughd@bnpmedia.com (Douglas J. Peckenpaugh) — Wed, 06 May 2026 06:30:00 -0400

Every so often, we “come full circle” on industry issues. Consider dietary perspectives on fat. In the early days of the dairy industry, we embraced fat. Whole milk was the gold standard. Fast-forward to the 1980s, and the industry was spellbound by the notion of nonfat everything.

Survey Shows Fast Uptake, Ongoing Nutrition Confusion

Wed, 06 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400

A new IFIC survey finds nearly half of Americans quickly recognized the updated Dietary Guidelines and Food Pyramid, but many remain unclear on how to apply the advice. The findings highlight ongoing challenges — and opportunities — in communicating nutrition guidance, particularly around cost perceptions, protein priorities and emerging food trends.

Mitra9 Enters Functional Soda Segment

Tue, 05 May 2026 14:00:00 -0400

Mitra9 is expanding its beverage portfolio with Bubbly Pop, a functional soda inspired by nostalgic cola and champagne flavors. The launch highlights growing interest in approachable, flavor-driven wellness drinks designed for casual, social consumption.

RTD Beverages Target Hormonal Wellness

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400

The Cycle is expanding its ready-to-drink portfolio with two beverages designed for perimenopause and menopause. The launch reflects growing interest in functional drinks targeting women’s health across life stages.

Functional Energy Drinks Expand With FLRT

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 13:00:00 -0400

FLRT enters the energy drink category with a zero-sugar formulation featuring 200mg of caffeine and added vitamins and minerals. The product reflects continued demand for functional beverages that support energy, focus and wellness benefits.

Gatorade Expands Beyond Sports Hydration

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400

The brand is repositioning hydration to address broader consumer needs beyond athletics. The shift highlights opportunities for clearer messaging and lower-sugar formulations in a crowded category.

Bucked Up Expands RTD Beverage Line

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:30:00 -0400

The brand adds two functional beverages to its growing RTD portfolio. The launches reflect rising demand for multifunctional drinks beyond traditional energy and hydration.

wildwonder Debuts Pink Pomelo Limeade

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 16:00:00 -0400

The brand expands its gut health beverage lineup with a citrus-forward flavor now at Whole Foods. The launch reflects continued innovation in pre- and probiotic drinks.

Botanicals Suffer Blurred Line Between Immune Boosters, 'Boasters'

danamccurdy@hotmail.com (Dana McCurdy, PhD) — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Botanical ingredients like curcumin, ashwagandha and quercetin continue to gain traction in immune health, but questions remain around efficacy, dosing and bioavailability. For product developers, the research underscores the importance of formulation strategies, standardization and ingredient synergies to deliver meaningful functional benefits.

Mojo Expands Energy Pouch Lineup

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 09:30:00 -0400

Mojo Energy Pouches introduced a Sour Apple variety, expanding its zero-sugar, pouch-based caffeine lineup with a green tea-derived formulation. The format’s portability and mix-and-match flavor potential highlight evolving opportunities for product developers exploring alternative caffeine delivery systems beyond traditional beverages.

VitaCup Debuts Creatine Coffee Stick Packs

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400

VitaCup launched creatine-infused coffee stick packs, delivering a clinically studied dose of creatine alongside vitamins and caffeine in a portable format. The innovation highlights growing opportunities for developers to merge sports nutrition ingredients with everyday beverage routines.