With more beverage companies placing greater emphasis on functionality, ingredient companies have released several products to give beverages a boost. From hydration to brain health, new ingredients for the beverage industry are spanning a wide array of functions.

Coconut water flavors
Virginia Dare has developed new flavors for coconut waters that include: Maqui Berry, Strawberry White Tea, Nectarine Rose, Orange Blossom Rooibos, Earl Grey Black Tea, Guava, Papaya Passionfruit and Cherry Vanilla. The acceptance of these new flavor choices has been supported by consumer taste panels, the company says.
Virginia Dare, 882 Third Ave., Brooklyn, N.Y. 11232; 718/788-1776; virginiadare.com.

Dipeptide for hydration
Kyowa Hakko’s Sustamine L-Alanyl-L-Glutamine is the result of a novel enzymatic patented process that creates an all-natural, highly absorbable ingredient designed to promote muscle rehydration and recovery, the company says. The GRAS-affirmed ingredient is an amino acid that is odorless, tasteless and stable, Kyowa Hakko says. Sustamine L-Alanyl-L-Glutamine is suitable to be used in several different functional beverage applications.
Kyowa Hakko USA, 767 Third Ave., 19th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10017; 212/319-5353; sustamine.com.

Immune health
Embria Health Sciences’ EpiCor, shown to help the body maintain immune balance, is backed by human clinical trials. Containing protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants and other metabolites that deliver nutritional benefits, EpiCor recently has been the focus of several randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, large scale studies published in such publications as “The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine,” “Advances in Therapy,” “Nutrition Research” and “Open Nutrition Journal.” EpiCor has been determined to be GRAS in all food categories at levels significantly above the intake shown to have immune health benefits, the company says.
Embria Health Sciences, 2105 SE Creekview Drive, Ankeny, Iowa 50021; 877/362-7421; embriahealth.com.

Brain health
All-natural Cognizin Citocolin from Kyowa Hakko is a GRAS ingredient for functional beverage and food manufacturers looking to boost the brain health benefits of their products. With years of success in the dietary supplement industry, Cognizin Citicoline is backed by numerous scientific studies supporting claims of improved attention, recall and focus, Kyowa Hakko says. Cognizin also is highly stable, ultra-pure and allergen-free, the company says.
Kyowa Hakko USA, 767 Third Ave., 19th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10017; 212/319-5353; cognizin.com.