Prepared Foods takes a look at new better-for-you drinks and supplements introduced in September 2018.

Food manufacturing companies regularly discard thousands of tons of seeds every year. Bill Forsman says this inspired him to work with farmers, agricultural experts, and food scientists to develop and refine a cold-press process to preserve the seeds’ nutritive benefits.

Forsman founded Vitaminseed, Chisago City, Minn., and has trademarked the manufacturing model as “Responsible Seed Nutrition.” Meanwhile, he trademarked another term, “Megaseed,” as the resulting proprietary blend of seven cold-pressed seed oils and powders. 

This summer saw Vitaminseed introduce Seedshotz, a nutrition drink that’s promoted on pack as a “seed energy beverage.” The drinks come in 1oz, 28g pouches and each serving offers vitamin C, healthy fats (Omega 3’s and Omega 6’s), and even fiber, protein, calcium and iron, Forsman says. Seedshotz come in five flavors: Ripe Raspberry, Blackberry Burst, CranApple Zing, Goodness Grape, and Espresso Bean. A package of 16 Seedshotz sells for $48.00 at www.vitaminseed.com.

“We truly believe that Repurposed Seed Nutrition will not only better people’s daily lives, but also make a significant and positive impact on our environment. We’re taking what was once thrown away and bringing tremendous value back to the food chain,” says Forsman.

Rowdy Prebiotic Foods, Reno, Nev., expanded its line of all natural energy bars with a new Sunflower Butter N’ Berries flavor.

Officials say the new bar features a combination of sunflower butter, cranberries and pomegranate “alongside the gut-supporting prebiotic superfood Yacon Root.” Additional ingredients include egg white protein and sunflower seeds.

“Our Sunflower Butter N’ Berries bar is crafted to wake up your taste buds and your digestive system,” said Rowdy Founder Kellie Lee, who also is a triathlete and outdoor enthusiast. “By sweetening it with Yacon instead of traditional syrups, we’ve created a low-glycemic snack that helps you function at high speed with low drag.”

The new offering joins two additional flavors: Peanutty Dark Chocolate and Chocolate Coconut Cashew.

Lee says Rowdy Bars are crafted with 10 or fewer whole food ingredients and no artificial flavors, and are paleo-friendly, non-GMO, and gluten-, soy-, and dairy-free.

“Yacon Root is truly the hero of our brand,” says Lee. “It feeds the probiotics (good bacteria) in your gut, provides a satisfying sweetness, and has also been found to help lower and regulate blood pressure, boost liver health, and keep ‘bad’ cholesterol down.”

Nutritional gummy maker, Olly Public Benefit Corp., San Francisco, expanded its product line to include Olly Protein Bars.

“Our bars set a new standard of how delicious a healthy, high-protein, plant-based energy bar can be,” says Olly’s Vice President of Product, Taryn Forelli. “The bars are non-GMO, gluten free and, like all Olly products—free from artificial sweeteners or flavors.” 

There are two Protein bar varieties (Chocolate Coconut Chip, Peanut Butter Chocolate), each delivering 15g of protein and 7g of fiber per 2.1oz, 60g serving. 

There are two Protein + Slim Boost varieties (Salted Caramel Chocolate, Zesty Lemon Creme), each at just 180 calories with 12g of protein and 6g of fiber in a 1.6oz, 45g serving. Olly notes that the product offers “metabolism support” and contains functional blood orange extract.

A Protein + Superfoods bar (Super Berry Crunch flavor) delivers 10g of protein, 7g of fiber and “one serving of super foods” per serving 1.6oz, 45g serving, the company says. Olly notes that it contains seeds and nuts (including almonds, flax seeds, chia seed), whole grains (rolled oats, quinoa), plant-based protein (non-GMO pea and soy) and superfoods (acai, blueberry and pomegranate)A four-bar pack retails for $7.99 at www.olly.com.

Originally appeared in the September, 2018 issue of Prepared Foods as form + function: New functional foods, drinks & supplements.