Better-for-you beverages continue to appeal to consumers, and beverage companies continue to find ways to address that trend. According to Chicago-based Mintel Group Ltd.’s “Juice and Juice Drinks” report, 5 percent of launches from January to June 2011 contained antioxidants, which represents a 1 percent increase from the previous period. The report adds that many launches sourced their antioxidant content from superfruits such as acai berries, blueberries, cranberries and pomegranates.
NutraGenesis reformulated its Wellberry ingredient, which is a patent-pending, generally recognized as safe-affirmed functional superfruit ingredient. The new Wellberry ingredient combines superior, proprietary forms of two antioxidants: a multi-patented extract of Indian gooseberry and a new highly effective form of vitamin C called Transport C-Plus, which contains a blend of buffered vitamin C and alpha lipoic acid.
In recent years, consumers have embraced superfruits, such as pomegranate, acai, blueberry and cranberry, for their antioxidant content. However, certain cherry varietals also rank alongside the more renowned superfruits in terms of antioxidant content. Although the fruit has long been favored as a pie filling and ice cream sundae topper, cherry is still establishing itself as a beverage ingredient, but suppliers say that’s ripe for a change.
Rainforest Beverages LLC will launch new flavors and packaging for its Rainforest brand of antioxidant soft drinks July 1. Rainforest drinks are 100 percent all natural and come in the following flavors: Natural Cola, Citrus and Tropifruit. Previously available in Natural Cola, Citrus and Tropifruit varieties are new to the line and also contain superfruits sourced from the rainforest. The new 12-ounce cans feature a red background instead of a black background to prevent any association with energy drinks, the company says. They also were designed to build brand presence and differentiation on shelf. Each variety contains a number of antioxidants and vitamins.
