Beverage Industry’s Publisher Steve Pintarelli discusses how functional claims continue to impact new product development.

Chr. Hansen showcased a probiotic with clinically documented immune health benefits for juice drinks and introduced a new range of natural colors. After months of research and development, Chr. Hansen launched L. Casei 431 Juice, a probiotic developed to survive in low-pH environments, such as chilled juice and juice drinks.

According to Natural Starch, top trends such as vitamin fortification, “health and wellness” and natural profiles are driving growth in the beverage industry (Leatherhead, 2011). Not surprisingly, beverage manufacturers are continually in product development and reformulating mode to proactively influence and deliver on consumer health benefit and taste preferences. Novel advances in ingredient science are enabling manufacturers to meet these formulation goals.