Speciality Food Magazine May 2024

@specialityfood 28 Energy Bar CLIF BAR S-Nap Shot Functional Drink S-NAP SHOT O nce the stable of specialist health stores and online wholesalers, a raft of new wellness food and drink products have launched into mainstream retailers in the last two years. They’ve emerged alongside a new kind of consumer. A consumer hungry for nutritional, healthful, innovative alternatives that will enhance their energy levels, boost concentration, level their mood, heal their gut, or help them pack in their daily fibre and vitamins. What your customers are looking for… GUT-FRIENDLY DRINKS Gut-friendly is one of the key buzz phrases we’re seeing bridge both food and drink. There’s been a lot of ‘noise’ around the world about say, means it can help reduce sugar spikes if a small amount is taken in water before a meal. It is also purported to support the immune system and gut. Not everyone will be keen on drinking vinegar, but some new wave vinegar-infused drinks have hit the soft drinks sector, and these could be worth trying in store. If you’re stocking ACV, you’ll have the best success going for organic varieties, and those that contain ‘the Mother’. FIBRE-RICH Brits aren’t getting enough fibre in their diets, and more and more products are boasting fibre-rich claims on their packaging in a bid to help consumers up their intake. From cereal and fruit bars, to savoury snacks, there are plenty of options here. A high fibre product is considered to have 6g of fibre per 100g. Beyond the snacking section, signpost customers to attractive jars and cans of pulses and beans, which have become quite a hit recently, and to pastas made with high fibre grains. VITAMIN-ADDED Probably one of the oldest wellness claims in the food and drink world. We’re back to our busy pre-Covid lives, meaning many of us are rushing around chasing after kids, or meeting deadlines. Being able to inject a boost of vitamins into our system quickly, on the go, is therefore very appealing. As well as Vitamin C, there’s an interest in magnesium (particularly for women), potassium (useful for sportspeople), B Vitamins (to help boost energy levels), and Vitamin D-enhanced products during the low light winter months. FERMENTED From kimchi to sauerkraut, yoghurt, tempeh and even cheese, there’s a growing demand for food that nourishes us from the inside out, feeding our ‘good bacteria’ and more and more producers are investing in this sector, both in the chiller and ambient aisles. the importance of nurturing the delicate bacteria in our gut, which in turn can make an impact on the immune system and mental health. Kombucha is a good place to start for retailers wanting to step into the food/wellness field. They vary in acidity, and some are more palatable than others so try a few with customers before committing to a brand. There are dozens of new gut-friendly soda brands now on the market, fitting neatly into the HFSS- friendly category too. And don’t discount the gut-friendly ‘magic’ of vegetables, pulses and grains, which can be signposted as such in store. ADAPTOGENS There are two main players in the world of adaptogens. CBD and functional mushrooms. CBD has been making itself seen on supermarket and speciality shelves for a few years now, claiming to have a calming, mood-boosting effect. But it’s being a little outshone at the moment by the public craze for mushrooms, which are being added to drinks, teas and food supplements, promising to help with everything from focusing to mellowing the mind. Be it shiitake, maitake or turkey tail, there’s a lot to talk about in this sector, which looks set to grow further. As ever, do your research, only choose high quality products, and don’t make any health claims personally. ACV Apple cider vinegar is being touted as a ‘superfood’. Its ‘power’ some S-Nap Shot is the first all-natural functional drink made with ginseng, spirulina, amino acids, pineapple, apple, and kiwi, designed by a Swiss pharmacist and produced by Magnoglia SARL It’s formulated to enhance concentration and reduce mental stress. Whether you’re looking to tackle a challenging day at work or need an extra boost for your studies, S-Nap Shot provides sustained mental energy with its unique blend of natural ingredients. Experience improved focus and a sharper mind with S-Nap Shot - your daily partner in achieving a more productive and mentally active lifestyle. foodalllab.co.uk STOCK CHECK S P E C I A L I T Y F O O D M A G A Z I N E * 2 0 2 4 * FHIRST A tasty ‘living soda’ in a tart, zingy lemon and lime flavour, with added plant fibres and living cultures to treat the gut. fhirst.com WATER ALMIGHTY Sparkling water in an aluminium bottle, with seven added minerals (20% of your daily requirements) and electrolytes. gunnadrinks.com ORGANIC CHICKPEA ORZO Meets the increased demand for high-protein function food options. A gluten-free pasta suitable for use in salads, casseroles and stews and more. profusionorganic.co.uk FUNCTIONAL FOODANDDRINK The Covid pandemic forced people around the world to be more mindful of their health – and that starts with diet THE GLOBAL FUNCTIONAL MUSHROOM CATEGORY IS PREDICTED TO RISE FROM $24.9 BILLION IN 2022 TO $47.2 BILLION IN 2028 HOLLAND & BARRETT WELLNESS TRENDS REPORT FREQUENCY AND RATE OF SALE OF TRADITIONAL SOFT DRINKS IS ON THE DECLINE – ABOUT 12% IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS. FUNCTIONAL DRINKS ARE ON THE RISE AND TAKING THEIR PLACE EMMA THACKRAY The CLIF BAR Energy Bar (68g) first launched in the US in 1992 and has since become the number one energy bar in the US. Each bar contains a delicious blend of plant-based protein, fat, and carbohydrates, providing 9 to 11g of protein. CLIF BAR offers nutrition you can feel good about, with real food and simple ingredients. It’s a clear choice for those seeking a protein and carbohydrate-rich snack for energy and endurance, as well as a healthier, nutritionally complete option. worldofsweets.co.uk