Latest Launches: October 2012

Aronia Berry Drink

Aronia berry, commonly known as chokeberry, is the star of new juice drink ARo. According to founder Yiasou LLC, ARo’s ORAC value exceeds that of pomegranate and blueberry. Rich in anthocyanins and polyphenols, each drink combines aronia berry juice and a blend of 100% other natural juices, including pineapple, pear, orange, grape, apple, and banana puree, with no added sugar, corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, or preservatives.

Chia Bars

Chia products brand Health Warrior added acai berry and coconut versions to its chia nutrition bar line. These new flavors join the brand’s original Peanut Butter Chocolate Chia Bar. The firm describes chia seeds as “unprocessed, nutty-tasting whole seeds containing omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, great fiber, and among the highest antioxidant activity of any whole food.” It calls its bars a convenient “to go” alternative to loose chia seeds. The company was founded by two competitive runners who tout the health and fitness benefits of chia seeds, which include rejuvenating muscles, energizing, and hydrating.

Sleep, Mood Supplement

Co-formulated by a neurologist, the Tranquilo dietary supplement combines herbs and amino acids that work together to facilitate stress relief and falling asleep, as well as maintain a regular sleep cycle. Ingredients include hops, which acts as a sedative without causing drowsiness; passionflower, a relaxant for those with anxiety and insomnia that helps increase GABA neurotransmitter levels in the brain; L-tryptophan, a naturally occurring amino acid that impacts both mood and sleep (the body converts tryptophan into both serotonin and melatonin); valerian root, a mild sedative; mulungu, used as a natural relaxant and sleep aid; and phenibut, a derivative of GABA that stimulates dopamine production to elevate mood and feelings of sleepiness.

Nutrition Barre

Developed by professional dancers, Barre nutrition bars-in flavors Pirouette Cinnamon Pecan, Black Swan Chocolate Berry, and Ballerina Spirulina-are a clean-label food providing nutritional support, energy and muscle support, and electrolyte replacement, without being overly heavy. Each Barre is 75% raw and includes such whole-food ingredients as spirulina, walnuts, hemp seed, flaxseed, and dates.

Natural Mouthwash

Kiss My Face introduced a mouthwash that replaces unhealthy chemicals found in most mouthwashes with natural alternatives. Kiss My Face Spearmint Breath Blast mouthwash is free of alcohol, parabens, phthalates, artificial sweeteners, artificial flavors, and coloring. Plus, the product was not tested on animals. Ingredients include xylitol, a natural sweetener that also helps reduce cavities and strengthen tooth enamel; organic aloe to soothe and heal gums; licorice root to help reduce plaque and soothe gums; gogi berry and pomegranate seed extracts for an antioxidant boost; green tea to help balance enzymes in the mouth and reduce acids that can harm enamel; and acerola, a fruit rich in vitamin C that promotes a healthy mouth.

Chia Drink

From Kreation Juicery comes a drink with a unique star: the chia seed. The Chia Seed Ageless Wonder drink touts 4.2 g of omega-3s in 20 g of chia seed (roughly 2 tbsp). The chia seeds are first soaked in alkaline water to allow a soft membrane to form around the seeds, making them easier to eat, less crunchy, and more digestible. The seeds are then mixed with apple cider vinegar, mint, and agave sweetener, equating to less than 180 cal/16 oz bottle.

Omega-3 Jellies

Calling all kids! Nordic Naturals offers a new omega-3 “jellie” supplement with everything children like: tasty tutti frutti flavor in a fun, fish-shaped jellie. The supplement also has everything parents like-namely, a high 250-mg EPA+DHA dose per chewable jellie. Omega-3 supplementation in children may promote normal brain and vision development, and nervous system and immune system support. The product’s packaging-individual packets-is convenient for parents to grab on the go.

Immune Health in a Protein Supplement

A new dietary supplement sold in Thailand from Aim Star Network features Biothera’s (Eagan, MN) Wellmune WGP immune-health beta-glucan ingredient. In addition to Wellmune WGP, the Multi Pro supplement contains whey protein isolate, isolated soy protein, milk protein hydrolysate, branched-chain amino acids, hydrolyzed fish collagen, and creatine monohydrate.

Customized Supplements

According to geneME, a new line of dietary supplements, each supplement is “truly customized to the requirements of each individual’s DNA.” The company further describes the process: “Utilizing a sample that youcollect with a simple swipe of a swab, geneME unlocks your unique genetic code to identify problem genes and create a customized nutritional supplement with the most effective nutrients to positively influence and counteract them.” As opposed to requiring customers to buy a range of different supplements, the company points out, geneME supplements can contain up to 85 different ingredients that are exactly the ingredients a user needs for his or her own unique health regimen-in a single supplement solution.

Mini Bar

Good things come in small packages! Two of Balance Bar’s most popular nutrition bars, Cookie Dough and Double Chocolate Brownie, are now available in 100-cal mini bar sizes. According to the company, each 100-cal mini energy bar contains 7 g of protein and 23 vitamins and minerals, and is an excellent source of antioxidants (vitamins A, C, and E). The company says that like all Balance Bars, the mini bars adhere to the “proven 40-30-30 principle” of 40% of calories from healthy carbohydrates, 30% from quality protein, and 30% from dietary fat. The firm says that this ratio helps stabilize blood sugar levels, satisfies hunger, and provides lasting energy.