Are Wellness Beverages the New Water?
It seems like everyone is into health these days. Niche nutrition products that were once reserved for fitness gurus and dieters have mostly gone mainstream as we all made the collective choice to take better care of our bodies. One of the expansive sectors has been wellness beverages. That includes products like collagen water, protein shakes, and probiotic-infused smoothies.
Each of these drinks offers something unique, with value propositions above simple hydration. Even water has taken on a new tune with the release of all-new functional waters enriched with everything from Vitamin D to plant-based protein.
Unique Benefits for People With Vitamin Deficiencies
The Western diet of highly processed foods is notoriously lacking in vitamins and minerals. To combat this, doctors recommend eating a diverse diet rich in raw ingredients. But what happens when your lifestyle doesn’t allow for daily cooking and grocery store runs? Enriched beverages can make a difference.
Some of the most common nutrient deficiencies are iron, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, and iodine. Usually, you would get these from red meat, fish, and eggs. Those following a plant-based diet or those without access to these ingredients may benefit from the extra nutrient boost wellness beverages bring.
Where Do the Active Ingredients Come From?
At first glance, the ingredient list on a functional beverage label may seem counterintuitive to the clean-label movement. Look closer, and you’ll notice that many of these ingredients actually come from plants or animals. Most functional compounds can be found in natural extracts, which are condensed liquids pulled directly from leaves, fruits, and other plant parts.
- Collagen: A protein that humans and animals produce naturally. In supplements and drinks like collagen water it usually comes from bovine or marine sources. “Vegan” collagen is made by genetically modified bacteria or yeast, as plants do not produce the compound.
- Vitamin D: The Vitamin D you find in wellness beverages typically comes from one of two places: sheep’s wool or tree fungi. As Vitamin D3 is something found in fatty animal products, it stands to reason that it exists in lanolin (natural wool wax). Some lichens and mushrooms can produce a vegan-friendly version.
- Iron: The problem with iron is that your body does not easily absorb it in supplement form. For people with deficiencies, enriched beverages can succeed where traditional supplements fail. These drinks may contain non-heme iron, which comes from plants. Look for ingredients like prune extract or fig extract in citrus-based drinks. (Vitamin C makes iron more absorbable).
- Magnesium: This abundant mineral is found in seawater and some types of rocks. However, it must be mixed with other ingredients, such as hydrochloric or citric acid, for your body to absorb it. The magnesium in wellness beverages must be manufactured from chemical compounds for it to be effective.
Other Things to Consider
Functional beverages are not only about active ingredients. They also have to look, taste, and smell good for people to buy them. Considering that most consumers of these drinks have an interest in healthy living, it’s also important to limit sugar levels and stay away from caffeine.
Artificial ingredients may be another thing on the no-list for shoppers, so it’s best to stick to natural food colorings and flavorings. Enriched beverages can have all the vitamins and minerals in the world but fall flat for a high calorie count. Producers that use natural plant extracts, such as those from Advanced Biotech, may see more success.
For more information about our range, please contact us. Alternatively, request a product sample to put our ingredients to the test.