This week’s new product development round-up is celebrating all things functionality in the beverage category. From mushrooms to adaptogens and CBD, we profile the latest drinks and ingredients promising much more than hydration.
GettyImages/efetova
This week’s new product development round-up is celebrating all things functionality in the beverage category. From mushrooms to adaptogens and CBD, we profile the latest drinks and ingredients promising much more than hydration.
GettyImages/efetova
Ready-to-drink coffee may not be anything new. But coffee in a can infused with collagen is.
The UK’s first cold brew coffee and matcha with collagen is hitting the market, with three flavours from Bizzi now available: a Signature Cold Brew Coffee Blend; Vanilla & Turmeric; and a Ceremonial Grade Matcha RTD.
Each can is infused with 10g of bovine collagen as well as vitamin C and zinc for consumers looking for a hit of wellness on-the-go. The inclusion of collagen is designed to care for joints, muscles, skin and immunity.
“I can’t wait for people to experience Bizzi’s cold brew and matcha RTDs and bring this collagen and coffee first to the UK market,” said Ashley Verma, founder of Bizzi.
“As a self-confessed coffee lover, I designed Bizzi to not only enrich busy lifestyles and support wellness but to also taste absolutely fantastic. The UK drinks market is a hugely dynamic and ever-changing landscape and I believe that Bizzi fits beautifully into what consumers are looking for.”
The Bizzi range is available direct-to-consumer and via Amazon with an RRP of £2.50.
Image credit: Bizzi
CBD carbonated drinks brand TRIP is rolling out a new range it’s coined ‘Mindful Blend’. Designed to offer a ‘new way to find calm’, the four-strong line-up does not contain CBD, but rather other functional ingredients such as Lion’s Mane, Magnesium, Ashwagandha, L-theanine and botanicals.
Flavours include Cucumber Mint; Blood Orange Rosemary; Elderflower Mint; and Raspberry Orange Blossom.
“As consumers continue to prioritise health and wellness, Mindful Blend provides an accessible way to incorporate these trending ingredients into your lifestyle and a new way to unwind,” said TRIP co-founder Olivia Ferdi.
“Millions already find calm through the functionality of our CBD drinks, and seeing the increased demand and popularity of these ingredients has made it clear that there is a market for us to expand into a new range of soft drinks.”
The Mindful Blend range is launching into UK retailers (RRP £2) and foodservice outlets including Waitrose, Whole Foods, Holland & Barrett and Leon.
Image credit: TRIP
CBD brand Goodrays is launching its functional drinks range into low cost retailer Iceland at £2 per 250ml can. The price is ‘frozen’, according to the beverage start-up, ‘forever’.
Each drink contains 30mg CBD, which Goodrays claims is double that of its nearest competitor. Why 30mg? “Science shows that to experience the full effects of CBD – a reduction in anxiety, a better night sleep, and less muscle and join pain for example – customers need at least 25mg of CBD,” according to the start-up.
Four flavours are now available at Iceland, including Raspberry & Guava; Elderflower & Yuzu; Blood Orange & Grapefruit; and Passionfruit & Pomelo.
Image credit: Goodrays
It could be argued that coffee is the most traditional of functional beverages, containing nutrients ranging from vitamin B2 and B3 to magnesium, potassium, and antioxidants. And let’s not forget the caffeine.
Devon, UK-based coffee company Little’s is giving coffee a makeover with toffee nut flavouring in two formats: instant coffee and coffee pods. These new flavours join Little’s range, which includes Rich Hazelnut; French Vanilla; and Cardamom Bun.
A jar of Little’s Toffee Nut Instant Coffee has an RRP of £3.350 per 50g jar, and Little’s Toffee Nut Coffee Pods are available direct-to-consumer, via Amazon, and Ocado with an RRP of £4 per pack of 10.
Image credit: Little's
Following the launch of the M&S X ZOE Gut Shot in January, M&S Food is now launching the offering in packs of three.
The daily dairy shot contains more than five billion live cultures from 14 different strains. It is also a source of calcium, fibre and fruit.
According to M&S, more than one million Gut Shots have sold since the beginning of the year. The success of the single shot ‘blew us away’, said Claire Richardson, M&S Food Product Developer, Drinks.
“There’s a few ideas in the pipeline but first our the blocks is our M&S X ZOE Gut Shot three pack – created after customer demand for a multipack that can help them even further in their gut health journey.
“The product is creamy yet tart, with a hint of ginger and lemon for a fiery kick. Plus, it contains calcium and fibre and there’s absolutely no added sugar or sweetener, artificial gums or emulsifiers so you know you are really getting a shot of goodness every morning.”
Image credit: M&S X ZOE
