Health and wellness continue to be key themes of new food launches, as this month's selection of notable introductions shows. An energizing gum created through a novel technique has been launched, as well as new healthier sweeteners, showing that marketers are targeting consumers that want to start the year on a healthy note.
Super Mouth has launched the Vibe Energy Gum, which contains energy-boosting ingredients such as caffeine, guarana and ginseng, in the UK. While other energy-boosting gums have reached the market, this one uses an unusual manufacturing technique, called cold compression, to infuse each gum piece with the energizing active ingredients. The product is also presented in an aluminum tube, providing another standout element.
Over in the US, ResVez has recently introduced the Winetime Rich Dark Chocolate, Dates & Almonds Resveratrol Bar. This is a new type of nutrition bar which contains resveratrol, a substance found naturally on the skin of grapes that is claimed to have various potential health benefits, including improving the cardiovascular system. The bar is said to contain more resveratrol than 50 glasses of red wine, as well as super fruits such as cranberry, noni and pomegranate. Resveratrol appears to be an up and coming functional ingredient in packaged goods that could gain momentum.
Meanwhile, BetterBody Foods & Nutrition has launched the Xagave Premium Raw Agave Nectar Sweetener in the US, which is a new kind of sweetener designed for cooking, canning and baking. Unusually, the sweetener is made from specific kinds of agave nectar, namely agave salmiana (white agave) and agave tequiliana (blue agave), which is said to make the product high in fiber and calcium.
Another novel type of sweetener has been launched in the US by NXT Nutritionals. The Susta Natural Sweetener contains probiotics which is an unusual ingredient for this type of product. It also contains fiber, vitamins (C, B6 and B12), and essential minerals, making it a healthier sugar substitute.
Kellogg's new Clever Kids Assorted Fruit Flavored Snacks are designed as a healthy and educational snack for children. Recently launched in the US, these consist of either letter or number shaped fruit pieces with which kids are encouraged to spell and count. The snacks are said to be fat free and low in calories, so could be appealing to parents.
Finally, ending on an unhealthy note, Swift & Holland Chocolates has introduced an unusual chocolate product to the US market, consisting of commissionable chocolate heads. The Get A Head is a 12 pound custom-made chocolate head that can be made up as a likeness from photographs. The head is made from Belgian chocolate and is designed to be used as a centerpiece for weddings, milestone birthdays and other important events. It has a super premium price tag of $1,700, making it suitable for only the most ardent chocolate fancier.