Prepared Foods showcases new ready-to-drink and powdered items for added energy, performance or recovery.

This spring saw PepsiCo team up with NBA basketball icon LeBron James to launch MTN DEW RISE ENERGY, a new six-item line.

Officials say the 16oz canned drinks contain approximately 180 mg of caffeine, vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and fruit juice. Specifically, they feature citicoline and caffeine to boost mental clarity and zinc for immune support. 

Varieties include Pomegranate Blue Burst, Orange Breeze, Strawberry Melon Spark, Tropical Sunrise, Berry Blitz, and Peach Mango Dawn. It is available at all major retail locations where PepsiCo products are sold for an average MSRP of $2.59.

"As energy beverages evolve to provide even more functional benefits, we're excited to introduce the new MTN DEW RISE ENERGY for those looking for a morning boost with enhanced mental clarity and immune support that helps you conquer the morning to conquer the day," said Fabiola Torres, chief marketing officer and senior vice president, Energy Category, PepsiCo. "LeBron is the epitome of motivation and has achieved legendary status by seizing every morning. He not only continues to excel on and off the court but has dedicated his life to help others rise as well."

Nutrabolt, Austin, Texas, expanded its C4 Energy beverage line with C4 Smart Energy Natural Zero. C4 Smart Energy Natural Zero contains zero sugar or artificial sweeteners, zero calories and zero artificial flavors. 

"We have been perfecting the C4 Smart Energy Natural Zero formula for nearly two years now in response to the growing demand from our C4 Energy family," said Doss Cunningham, Nutrabolt chief executive officer. "Since the very beginning, over 18 years ago, we have never compromised, only using the best high-quality ingredients that are backed by science, and the creation of C4 Smart Energy Natural Zero is no exception."

Officials say C4 Smart Energy Natural Zero offers plant-based energy from green tea extract, along with Cognizin citicoline, for brain health support, focus and attention. Flavors include Cherry Lime, Blackberry, and Grapefruit. The products are naturally sweetened with stevia and contain no artificial colors or dyes.

C4 Smart Energy Natural Zero comes in 12-packs of 12 fl. oz cans for $27.99. Nutrabolt is the operating name for Woodbolt Distribution LLC. The company's sports nutrition portfolio also includes Cellucor and XTEND products. Cognizin is a registered brand of Kyowa Hakko USA Inc.

Healthy lifestyles company Seacret Direct LLC, Scottsdale, Ariz., expanded its nutrition platform with a Seacret ENERGY drink mix. The company says it delivers a USDA-certified organic, plant-based blend of natural ingredients with antioxidant benefits and no added sugar. 

The product comes in a Raspberry Blast flavor and ingredients include goji berry, acai berry, monk fruit, matcha green tea, green coffee extract, moringa leaf, maca root, ginseng root extract and cordyceps.

Officials say the product’s “secret” is green caffeine. 

“Seacret ENERGY contains organic-certified green coffee bean and matcha green tea to deliver 120mg of caffeine in each (8.05g) single-serve sachet,” the company says. “… Because Seacret ENERGY utilizes botanically sourced caffeine and contains additional plant-based co-factors, it helps the body modulate caffeine absorption. People experience a smoother, more sustained energy delivery which helps support mental clarity and focus over a longer period of time.”

A multi-faceted team of fitness, health and beverage industry changemakers—including Dwayne (“The Rock”) Johnson, bodybuilder Dany Garcia, Dave Rienzi and John Shulman—announced the launch of ZOA, a healthy energy drink. 

“Energy and immunity play an essential role in performance, whether inside or outside the gym,” said Reinzi, a strength and conditioning coach. “As an industry specialist, I’m keenly aware that the quality of what we put in our bodies impacts our entire day. ZOA was created to confidently deliver the best possible ingredients, formulation and amazing taste. Our rigorous development process has enabled us to create a healthy energy beverage that truly champions our consumer.”

Officials say each 16oz can of ZOA boasts a clean blend of green tea and green unroasted coffee, added electrolytes and amino acids; as well as carefully selected superfoods such as turmeric, camu camu and acerola.

The 10-item line includes Original, Super Berry, Wild Orange, Pineapple Coconut and Lemon Lime flavors that all comes in two forms: 100-calorie or zero sugar. The Molson Coors Beverage Company will be the exclusive distribution partner for all retail locations.

GoodSport Nutrition LLC, Chicago, says new GoodSport is a “first-of-its-kind natural sports drink made from the goodness of milk that delivers superior hydration—backed by science—in a clear, delicious, thirst-quenching beverage.”

Founder & CEO, Michelle McBride conceived the concept after being frustrated with the category options. 

"I didn't want my son drinking the sports drinks filled with artificial ingredients that were being offered at his baseball games," she said. "I gave him chocolate milk as a healthier alternative after his workouts and it provided the inspiration to look at milk as a source of hydration during physical activity."

GoodSport debuted at Amazon.com and goodsport.com in 12-packs of 16.9oz bottles in four flavors: Lemon Lime, Fruit Punch, Wild Berry and Citrus.  It will be available in select Chicago area retailers this spring with broader distribution to follow.

Officials say GoodSport delivers three times the electrolytes and 33% less sugar than traditional sports drinks. All ingredients are from natural sources, it is a good source of calcium, excellent source of B vitamins, lactose free and shelf stable.

GoodSport has been scientifically shown to provide rapid and long-lasting hydration.  A scientific study published in the scientific journal, Nutrients, demonstrated that GoodSport continues hydrating two hours after it is consumed.