Prepared Foods takes a look at new better-for-you foods, drinks and supplements introduced in March 2019.

SlimFast, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., created SlimFast Keto, a new line for consumers following a keto diet. 

New meal replacement shakes and bars—along with the fat bomb snacks and other products in the SlimFast Keto line—are formulated on the principles of ketogenic nutrition: high-fat, low-carbohydrate, and moderate-protein. This shifts the body’s primary fuel source from carbohydrates to fat, forcing it into a state called ketosis.

“With new SlimFast Keto, we are giving American dieters what they told us they wanted for 2019 —they want a quick, easy and super-convenient way to follow the ketogenic diet,” says SlimFast President, Doug Reader.

Reader says SlimFast Keto provides dieters everything they need to make Keto easy, both at home and on-the-go. The line of eight items includes two meal replacement Shake Mixes (Fudge Brownie Batter and Vanilla Cake Batter), two Meal Replacement Bars (Whipped Peanut Butter and Whipped Triple Chocolate), the indulgent Peanut Butter Cup Fat Bomb snacks, Unsweetened Keto Coffee Creamer, and MCT Oil. Additionally, SlimFast Keto Ketone Test Strips also help consumers track results.

Officials add that every bar, shake and fat bomb in the SlimFast Keto line is made with a balanced amount of high-fat, low-carb, Keto-compatible ingredients—including grass-fed butter, coconut oil, MCTs, and protein from whey and collagen. In addition, all SlimFast Keto products are free from gluten, artificial sweeteners, artificial flavors, and artificial colors.

Numi Inc., Oakland, Calif., used the 2019 Winter Fancy Food Show to launch two Tea Latte Concentrates and five new Daily Super Shots (pictured).
“We’re excited to elevate Numi’s presence in trending categories beyond the tea aisle,” said Ahmed Rahim, CEO and co-founder of Numi Organic Tea. “Our line of green teas, Turmeric Golden Latte blends, and herbal teasans featuring functional ingredients have been very successful while garnering numerous awards. We’re excited to build on this success by bringing our innovative, flavor-first approach to drive growth in these emerging categories.”

Rahim says consumers can experience plant power in one dose with Numi’s Daily Super Shots. Inflam Away, Immunity Defense, Belly Bliss, Mind Tonic, and Get Going shots all feature blends of proven and potent organic teas, herbs, fruits, roots, and spices to maximize both flavor and function. These concentrated shots, made only with real ingredients, are a convenient, no-nonsense complement to daily wellness routines. 

In a category that lacks natural offerings, Rahim says Numi’s “clean-label, real-ingredient offering is a distinctive approach for efficient delivery of healthy ingredients including elderberry, pomegranate, matcha, turmeric, ginger, fennel, apple cider vinegar, and more.”

Numi’s Tea Latte Concentrates debuted in February and retail for $8.99 per 32oz recyclable bottle. Daily Super Shots will be available April 2019, retailing for $3.99 for a 2oz glass bottle. For $12.99, Numi will also offer a unique 8oz multi-shot bottle containing four servings, giving consumers an option that offers a value savings and encourages at-home daily usage.

MinusCal, Nashville, Tenn., introduces says its new MinusCal protein fitness bars feature “all the energy-boosting benefits of your typical protein bar—while blocking the absorption of extra calories from fat.”

Officials say the secret is “Choleve,” a proprietary blend of fermented tea extract that works by blocking the absorption of fat in the small intestine.

“Scientists were initially using Choleve as a way to lower cholesterol when they noticed it was also helping patients with their weight loss,” explains MinusCal President Barrett Jacques. “We’re excited to have found a natural way to help people see the results they want faster while also providing them with a powerful tool for fighting hunger and fueling their bodies purposefully.”

Three new 1.8oz bar varieties are: Peanut Butter (with Chocolate Chips), with 10g protein, 11g fiber and 4g sugar; Apple Cinnamon with 9g protein, 11g fiber, 6g sugar; and Chocolate (with Chocolate Chips), with 9g protein, 12g fiber and 4g sugar.

MinusCal’s bars are available in a 12-bar box at www.minuscal.com for $29.99, and also will be available through Amazon.
Peanut Butter bar ingredients include: Tapioca Prebiotic Fiber, Peanut Butter, Brown Rice Syrup, Oats, Whey Crisps (Whey Protein Concentrate, Corn starch), Protein Blend (Whey Protein Isolate, Milk Protein Isolate, Sunflower Lecithin), Peanuts, Chocolate Chips (Unsweetened Chocolate, Erythritol, Inulin, Resistant Dextrin, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin, Natural Flavors, Stevia, Vanilla Extract), Vegetable Glycerin, Sea Salt, Choleve Tea Extract and Peanut Extract.

Amazing Grass, Newport Beach, Calif., describes its new Amazing Protein Glow as a “plant-based solution to the collagen boom.” The line’s three flavors are Wild Berry Hibiscus, Chocolate Rose and Vanilla Honeysuckle.

“Although collagen and bone broth powders are finding huge success in the protein powder category, until now, there have been no plant-based alternatives to choose from. In addition, when speaking with both consumers and key retailers, we consistently heard a common theme: the need for a protein tailored specifically to women,” says Ryan Therriault, vice president of marketing and innovation at Amazing Grass. “That’s why we’re so excited for the debut of Amazing Protein Glow. The new supplement provides the value driven, plant-based consumer with an animal-free collagen solution that’s uniquely tailored to support healthy skin, hair and nails for a natural radiance.”

Officials say Amazing Protein Glow delivers 15g of plant protein plus reviving superfoods like rose petal, Holy basil, acerola cherry, guava and lemon peel to help support collagen synthesis and production. Each scoop delivers all essential amino acids to support lean muscle recovery and repair, 100% DV biotin for healthy hair, skin and nails and provides an excellent source of food-based B-complex vitamins and vitamin C to further promote the appearance of glowing skin. 

Amazing Protein Glow carries a SRP $32.99 for 15 servings. Amazing Protein Glow is USDA certified organic, non-GMO, gluten-free and vegan-friendly. Amazing Grass products are available nationally at major natural food retailers, including Whole Foods Market, Vitamin Shoppe, Target, GNC, Sprouts, and online at AmazingGrass.com, Amazon.com and more. 

Seattle Gummy Company (SGC), Seattle, extended its Mocca Shots high caffeine coffee gummies line with two new flavors: Dutch Chocolate and Mint Chocolate.

“If you want energy fast, Mocca Shots are a much better choice than energy drinks,” says Dr. Connie Wan, SGC’s CEO. “We knew we could create a product with natural ingredients that not only tastes better but is also more effective at helping people focus without the jittery side-effects normally associated with caffeine.”

Last year saw SGC introduce its first two Mocca Shots flavors in Dark Chocolate Orange and Dark Chocolate Raspberry varieties.

Chan says Mocca Shots are unique because they contain the highest concentration of caffeine available, and they work five times faster than energy drinks. This is because caffeine in the gummy is absorbed through mouth mucosa and directly into the blood stream in fewer than 5 minutes. SGC says each gummy contains 100mg of caffeine, the equivalent of one cup of coffee.

Mocca Shots High Energy Gummies come packaged with two gummies per pouch. Online consumers can purchase a box of 12 pouches for $33.00 at www.seattlegummy.com. 

Mint Chocolate ingredients include Tapioca Syrup, Cane Sugar (Sucrose), Fruit Sugar (Fructose), Cyclodextrin, Cocoa, Pectin, Caffeine, Glycerol, Citric Acid, Coconut Oil, Sodium Citrate, Ginkgo Biloba Extract and Natural Flavor.

RawNature5, Los Angeles, expanded its plant-based Koia protein drink line with three new Koia Keto products, distributed through Whole Foods Market.

Officials say the dessert-inspired line offers consumers a convenient, sweet indulgence to complement their ketogenic journey with three flavors: Chocolate Brownie, Cake Batter and Caramel Crème. 

Known for replacing carbohydrates with fat, the keto diet puts the body into a metabolic state called ketosis, which allows it to be more efficient when burning fat for energy. Koia Keto is made with nutrient-dense ingredients, such as coconut milk and MCT oil, to provide sustained energy and deliver the desired ratio of 74% fat, 18% protein and 8% net carbs that help accelerate ketosis. While the ketogenic diet usually relies heavily on meat-based products and savory flavors, Koia Keto provides a plant-based beverage option with 12g of protein and no added sugar.

“With consumers making healthy resolutions and incorporating new ways of eating into their New Year’s routines, we wanted to create something simple, convenient and full of flavor. We saw this as an opportunity to bring the keto community a single-serve, plant-powered protein option, as well as a new way to enjoy a sweet option that complies with their diet,” says Chris Hunter, co-founder and CEO of Koia. “Whole Foods Market also recognizes that the keto community is quickly growing and the need for easy access to product that follow the trending dietary guidelines, which made Koia Keto a perfect fit.”

Koia Keto is now available at Whole Foods Market and at DrinkKoia.com for $4.99. All of Koia’s varieties are vegan; Non-GMO Project verified; and free of dairy, soy and gluten.