Best functional food/beverage finalists for 2019 NEXTY Awards at SupplySide West

The NEXTY Awards at SupplySide West recognize innovation, inspiration and integrity across a range of finished product categories—from condition-specific supplements and nutrient delivery innovation to functional food/beverage and brand storytelling. Eligible products must have been launched to the U.S. consumer market between summer 2018 and July 31, 2019.

Known for the last seven years as the SupplySide West Editor’s Choice Awards, in 2019 the ECAs have been rebranded as the NEXTY Awards at SupplySide West. This evolution embraces the industry recognition of the NEXTY brand as a symbol of excellence and further aligns the SupplySide and Natural Products Expo events.

Increased consumer awareness of the long-term benefits of proper nutrition in overall health, as well as how it relates to specific health conditions, is driving new product development in the global market for functional food and beverages. Grand View Research Inc. estimates global sales of functional beverages will reach just shy of US$94 billion in 2019, while sales of functional foods—which garner the lion’s share of the functional pie—will hit $275 billion by 2025.

Trending ingredients in functional foods include fiber, protein, fatty acids, carotenoids, vitamins and minerals, prebiotics and probiotics, just to name a few. But slapping a health claim on a product won’t get brands very far if it doesn’t deliver desired results. Product developers and brands must keep in mind consumers are looking for products that include efficacious levels of functional ingredients, such as protein, omega-3s, calcium, fiber etc., that can combat various diseases progression and provide promising health benefits.

Kayco’s Wonder Melon is the latest thirst-quencher for consumers seeking clean, uniquely flavorful new refreshment options. Wonder Melon is made from 100% organic cold-pressed juice with no added sugar, artificial ingredients or artificial colorings. The juice is available in two varieties: Watermelon Cucumber Basil (80 calories per 8.45-oz. bottle) and Watermelon Lemon Cayenne (100 calories per 8.45-oz. bottle). Both varieties are non-GMO verified, certified Fair Trade, USDA Organic and certified OU kosher. Wonder Melon, from the makers of Beetology, features the company’s signature glass bottle that reflects its commitment to sustainability.

OLIPOP is a refreshing and sparkling digestive tonic crafted from prebiotics, plant fiber and botanical extracts. Each 12-oz. can contains 3 g of sugar or less from cassava syrup, stevia and fruit sugars, and has been crafted to support overall digestive and microbiome health. OLIPOP is certified non-GMO, vegan, gluten free and paleo and is available in three flavors: Vintage Cola, Ginger Lemon and Strawberry Vanilla. OLIPOP is also committed to environmental action through packaging, sourcing and production, as well as larger engagement with programs such as carbon offsetting.

Wellness Code Appetite Control Bar from Life Extension is a cocoa-quinoa crunch bar that helps inhibit the desire for salty, sweet and fatty snacks up to eight hours. Each bar is made with 5 g of Appethyl, a patented thylakoid-rich spinach extract backed by seven clinical studies related to satiety. These compounds bind to dietary fats and delay the emptying of stomach contents into the lower digestive system, triggering appetite-suppressing hormones. Each bar is made with no added sugar, non-GMO ingredients and is gluten free.

Flapjacked Soft Baked Cookie Bars are fresh-baked chocolate chip, chocolate peanut butter and chocolate brownie cookies that boast 10 g of protein and offer balanced nutrition and support digestive health through the addition of prebiotic fiber and 1 billion CFUs of probiotics. The all-in-one bar helps maintain good gut health. The company’s goal was to formulate a ready-to-eat product of its popular Mighty Muffins with Probiotics, but in a convenient, soft-baked format. They focused on taste, texture and nutritional balance, but took it one step further with synbiotic benefits of added prebiotic fiber and probiotics.

NOW Food’s Energy Tea is made with green tea and yerba mate and delivers a fruity burst of flavor that provides energy with naturally occurring caffeine, botanical energizers and tannins. The zero-calorie tea have been specifically blended and produced to offer great taste along with the healthy functional benefits derived from the specific teas and herbs. The tea contains no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives or sweeteners. The company’s tea products use premium unbleached compostable tea bags with no strings or paper tags. Identity and purity are tested in its state-of-the-art testing labs.

One winner in each category will be announced Friday, Oct. 18, from 12:30 to 1 p.m., on the SupplySide Central Stage (booth #5759) at SupplySide West 2019, held at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

Click the following link to learn more or to register for SupplySide West. A display case showcasing all the finalists’ products will be available in the Expo Hall. Visit this link for the full list of categories and finalists.