When it comes to dieting, sometimes the hardest part can be kicking the snack cravings and fighting the urge to nibble throughout the day. To help consumers overcome these hurdles on the road to better health, the beverage industry has developed ingredients to curb snacking and increase satiety.

Morristown, N.J.-based P.L. Thomas & Co. in the last year launched the water-soluble beverage ingredient Satiereal. This clean-label, natural spice extract made from saffron acts as a natural serotonin reuptake inhibitor to decrease cravings for sweet tastes and snacking, says Rodger Jonas, director of national sales for P.L. Thomas. Clinical studies have shown that 100 percent of women taking Satierial reported decreased hunger, and nearly 81 percent of women lost up to 11 pounds in two months, mostly in fat mass, the company says. Although suitable for a wide range of beverages, the ingredient does add an orange color and a natural spice flavor note to the mix, Jonas adds.

Also to help with weight management, Cyvex Nutrition Inc., Irvine, Calif., offers Solathin, a potent mixture of natural potato proteins that naturally contain the satiety agent Protease Inhibitor II (PI-2), says Puya Yazdi, medical director for Cyvex Nutrition. These PI-2 properties prevent the breakdown of the Cholecystokinin (CCK) hormone, which acts as a neurotransmitter that suppresses appetite, she says. Studies have shown that PI-2 consumption leads to increased levels of CCK circulation and slower reductions in CCK after meals, ultimately resulting in weight loss, she adds. This 90-percent vegan protein has self-affirmed generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status, is certified Kosher and Halal, and serves as a source of vegetable protein, she says. Suitable for ready-to-drink shakes, pre-meal drinks and dissolvable packets for fruit- or water-based drinks, Solathin is recommended for consumption prior to meals to promote balanced food intake, she adds.