Latest Launches: April 2013

Barlean’s First Krill Oil

Organic oils brand Barlean’s debuted its first-ever krill oil product. Wild & Whole Krill Oil is made from Aker BioMarine Antarctic US’s (Issaquah, WA) Superba krill ingredient, which is certified sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council. Barlean’s says krill oil is attractive because it offers superior bioavailability due to its phospholipid omega-3 form, making products easily digested and compatible with healthy cell membranes. Plus, says Barlean’s, krill oil is naturally rich in astaxanthin. The Wild & Whole Krill Oil softgels are said to be smaller sized and easy to swallow, with no fishy aftertaste. The product is touted for heart health (and carries the claim “May reduce risk of coronary heart disease”), joint health, and PMS relief.

Sports Supplement with Sustamine

Champion Nutrition’s Invigorate sports drink features Kyowa Hakko USA’s (New York City) Sustamine L-alanine-L-glutamine amino acid ingredient to help with rehydration and muscle recovery. Each 3.6-g packet of Invigorate contains 250 mg of Sustamine. Kyowa Hakko says that a recent study conducted at the University of Central Florida showed that current and former basketball players who consumed a mixture of Sustamine and water experienced better performance levels during active workouts. It says Sustamine enhances electrolyte and water absorption in the intestines while also helping to inhibit muscle protein breakdown.

Flax Chia Blend

Carrington Farms’ new Flax Chia Blend combines organic milled flaxseeds and chia seeds and can be added to yogurt or smoothies, used to top salads-and even used as a binding agent in meat loaf, hamburger, or casserole. The product offers 3000 mg of omega-3s per serving. It also offers the vitamins, antioxidants, protein, fiber, and minerals of chia seed, as well as the fiber, antioxidants, minerals and hormone-balancing lignan phytoestrogens of flaxseed. The product also comes in convenient single-serve packets.

Organic Gummy Vitamins

Hero Nutritionals debuted Yummi Bears Organics, a line of organic gummy vitamins for kids. The vitamins are made with all-natural flavors, colors, and sweeteners, and are made with pectin instead of gelatin to make them vegetarian friendly. They are also allergen-, gluten-, casein-, and GMO-free. Four versions are offered: bone health (with vitamin C, vitamin D3, calcium, manganese, and zinc), brain health (with life’sDHA), immune health (with astragalus, Echinacea, and rose hips), and a multivitamin.

Probiotics for Pregnancy

CredibleCravings calls itself the first-ever probiotic perinatal food bar designed to support the nutritional needs of pregnant and breastfeeding women. In addition to natural ingredients such as organic fruits, veggies, and sprouted seeds, the certified-organic bar touts Ganeden Biotech’s (Cleveland) GanedenBC30 probiotic ingredient. The bar aims to provide “a natural source of the nutrients and energy [moms] need for a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby.” According to CredibleCravings, the bar was formulated under the guidance of obstetricians, nutritionists, and midwives. It contains no artificial preservatives, sweeteners, or chemicals, and is gluten free.

Almond Water

Victoria’s Kitchen Coconut Almond Water marries almond water and the tropical flavor of coconut. This all-natural, kosher, and gluten-free beverage contains water, pure cane sugar, natural almond flavor, and citric acid. It is formulated without high-fructose corn syrup, dextrose, and artificial colors, preservatives, and flavors. 

Protein Shake with Filtered Milk

FitPro highlights its line of ready-to-drink protein shakes, which have gained popularity with retailers such as Whole Foods Market and GNC. The company points out that FitPro uses “ultrafiltered” milk, unlike many conventional protein shakes that it says contain rehydrated whey and casein powders as their protein source. The firm says the filtration process removes milk’s lactose sugars, leaving behind concentrated liquid whey and casein proteins. The drink has a protein-to-carbohydrate ratio of 3:1 and features organic cane juice, organic stevia, and monk fruit extract for sweetness, and natural vanilla extract or cocoa powder for flavor.

Chia Drink

Drink Chia’s 10-oz beverage is infused with omega-3–rich organic chia seeds, antioxidants, and B vitamins. It can help promote hydration, endurance, and heart and brain health, the company says. Each drink contains 50 cal, 2 g of fat, 5 g of sugar, and 9 g of carbs. Four flavors are offered: Strawberry Citrus, Honeysuckle Pear, Mango Tangerine, and B Meyer Lemon. The drink bottles are made of recycled PET plastic.

Naturally Sweetened Muscle Milk Light
Muscle Milk Light’s new Peach Mango drink is the brand’s first Muscle Milk Light beverage to be naturally sweetened with stevia, monk fruit, and cane sugar. “We receive a lot of great feedback about our Muscle Milk Light beverages because they appeal to consumers who still want an amazing protein shake with fewer calories,” says Nikki Brown, chief marketing officer for CytoSport, which owns the Muscle Milk brand. The Peach Mango drink has only 190 calories and 4.5 g of fat. It contains 20 g of protein and 7 g of fiber, and it is lactose and gluten free.

Vitamin D3 Gummies

Nordic Naturals has introduced vitamin D3 gummy vitamins in a wild berry flavor. The vitamin D is sourced from cholecalciferol, the natural vitamin D form the firm says is preferred for optimal absorption. Each serving of gummies provides 1000 IU of vitamin D. The pectin-based supplements are gelatin free and contain no artificial coloring, flavoring, or preservatives.