Given the increased interest in cognitive health and the role energy drinks play in daily routines, suppliers highlight the ingredients beverage-makers are utilizing to support cognitive health and energy needs.

Vaughn DuBow, senior director of product portfolio marketing and health and wellness at ADM, Chicago, notes that consumers are choosing products for sleep and stress support that include ingredients such as chamomile, magnesium, melatonin, vitamins B, C and D and lavender.

“For mental well-being, consumers are drawn to ingredients like B vitamins, omega 3-fatty acids, protein and pre-, pro- and postbiotics,” he says. “Consumers deem many of these ingredients as ‘closer-to-nature,’ aligning with clean label demands and putting a spotlight on opportunities with botanical extracts. For example, we leverage our botanical extracts like green tea, guarana and yerba mate to help beverage brands deliver natural sources of caffeine, captivating consumers desiring sustained energy.” 

DuBow adds that ADM also offers acerola powder (containing vitamin C) and Novatol (vitamin E derived from a natural source). 

“Vitamins C and E contribute to the protection of cells from oxidative stress, supporting longevity,” he explains. “Additionally, we’re examining the effects of green rooibos on everyday stress and feelings of worry through our collaboration with the University of Canberra in Australia.”

Further, DuBow notes that biotics are among the top ingredients consumers turn to when seeking mood support, noting the increased awareness of the connection between the gut microbiome and other aspects of well-being.

“In particular, there is a growing body of research examining the gut-brain axis,” he says. “Solutions like our Lactobacillus gasseri CP2305 postbiotic have clinical studies showing it may support emotional well-being, may support reduced stress and may be associated with better sleep efficiency, reduced time to fall asleep/reduced sleep latency, healthy overall sleep quality and improved total sleep duration. We can tap L. gasseri CP2305 postbiotic specifically for powdered beverage products.”

DuBow also explains that there is cross-functional potential between botanicals and biotics, further helping achieve the tailored support consumers desire in their wellness journeys. 

“For example, our ‘Zerentea’ concept, which is an instant powder tea mix designed to stir into hot or cold water, features L. gasseri CP2305 postbiotic, ADM/Matsutani LLC’s Fibersol prebiotic dietary fiber, our green rooibos extract and vitamin B12,” he says. “This convenient powder pack offers a convenient way for consumers to relax, rebalance and restore.”

Kyle Krause, regional product manager of functional fibers and carbohydrates for North America at BENEO, Parsippany, N.J., also notes that by incorporating biotics into formulations beverage-makers can support the gut-brain axis. 

“BENEO’s prebiotic chicory root fiber (oligofructose) offers interesting potential for mood improvement,” he says. “A scientific study, conducted by Jackson et al., demonstrated that the intake of the prebiotic dietary fiber oligofructose alone, or in combination with the human milk oligosaccharide 2’fucosyllactose, promotes a significant increase in bifidobacteria in the gut and can result in substantial improvements in mood in healthy adults with mild to moderate feelings of anxiety and depression. 

“Thanks to this study, an important piece of scientific evidence has been contributed to the fascinating science of the gut-brain axis,” Krause continues. “The results add to the growing body of evidence showing that the composition of gut microbiota and the resulting metabolites have a real impact on mood state. The findings also demonstrate that targeted use of proven prebiotics, such as inulin and oligofructose from chicory root, may be a viable way to improve mood and mind, a key desire for consumers and an important consideration for public health.”

Krause adds that in studies, BENEO’s Palatinose also has been shown to have a positive effect on mood and cognition, even in children. 

“For example, scientific research by Haley Young and David Benton from the Department of Psychology, Swansea University, Wales, shows that a Palatinose-based breakfast beneficially influences children’s memory and mood throughout the morning,” he explains. “The study highlights that starting the day with the right choice of carbohydrates can help children perform well at school. The study’s findings are in line with previous observations from the same researchers that showed the benefits of Palatinose for enhancing mood and memory among middle-aged and older adults.”

Krause further notes that Palatinose easily can be used instead of sugar, gram for gram, as it provides a slow release of energy, leading to a more balanced energy supply for the body without giving up the technical or sensory effects of sugar.

“Moreover, this smart carbohydrate has proven to deliver other health benefits related to increased fat burning as well as the support of weight management by stimulating the release of GLP-1 naturally,” he explains. “The beneficial effect of Palatinose on blood glucose levels and its corresponding insulin response has been demonstrated in various human clinical studies and in all groups of people, including those who are healthy, people with diabetes, during pregnancy, and those who have a normal weight, or who are overweight.”        

As demand for energy and cognitive health solutions continues to evolve, it’s apparent that beverage-makers have an array of science-backed ingredients from which to pick and choose.