On-the-Go Hydration
This August saw 7-Eleven, Inc., Irving, Tex., introduce a new energy drink, 7-Select Fusion Energy; in addition to new 7-Select Rehydrate. Officials say the 20oz 7-Select Rehydrate features a specialized blend of five electrolytes and vitamins and comes in Cherry, Fruit Punch and Grape flavors.
“Whether needing a quick boost to help power through the day or a break for hydration, our new beverages are designed to meet the evolving needs of our customers who stay on the go,” said Nikki Boyers, vice president of Private Brands at 7-Eleven.
Prickly Pear Cactus
Pricklee LLC, New York, N.Y., was one of eight finalists chosen for PepsiCo Inc.’s Juntos Crecemos Greenhouse Accelerator Program. Pricklee is a natural hydration beverage made from real prickly pear cactus, sourced from Mexico, packed with electrolytes, antioxidants and vitamin C. Officials say its low-sugar formula uses 80% less irrigation than traditional crops for “delicious and sustainable refreshment.”
The eight finalists met mentors at a launch event at Frito-Lay headquarters in Plano, Tex. Mentors are PepsiCo experts across R&D, supply chain, design and more—who will support the emerging companies during a five-month program. At the end, each finalist will discuss their learnings and ways accelerate their business growth. Afterward, an expert committee will then choose one of the eight to receive an additional $100,000.
Watermelon Meets Lemonade
Caribe Juice Inc., Charlottesville, Va., extended its popular WTRMLN watermelon juice brand with new WTRMLN ADE. Officials say it’s a “cold-pressed ultra-hydrating lemonade” that combines hydration of real watermelon with lemonade. Each 12oz bottle offers 600mg or more of electrolytes and 100% DV vitamin C with no added sugar, and half the calories and sugar of traditional lemonade. WTRMLN ADE comes in three flavors: Lemonade, Strawberry Lemonade, and Limeade.
"Everyone loves the taste of watermelon, but many consumers do not realize that watermelon is naturally packed with extraordinary amounts of electrolytes, especially potassium, as well as L-Citrulline, an amino acid that aids in muscle recovery post-workout, and lycopene, an antioxidant powerhouse," said Luis Solis, CEO of Caribe Juice.
Hydration Plus
JUNO Products LLC, Tenafly, N.J., introduced three drinks combining hydration with additional benefits of energy or relaxation. Initial sales are online at morejuno.com.
Officials say their new Rocket variety combines organic green coffee bean extract, Celtic salt, calcium, and potassium for “smooth, sustained energy and optimal hydration.” Cruise is billed as an “all-day hydration solution” also “packed with essential vitamins.” Descend combines hydration with magnesium and glycine for calming.
Mineral Salt Solution
Entrepreneurs Ross MacKay (founder of plant-based food startup, Daring) and George Heaton (creative director and co-founder of the luxury brand, Represent) joined forces to introduce Cadence, a ready-to-drink mineral salt beverage “specifically designed for effective hydration, peak performance and maximized recovery.”
Officials say Cadence's electrolyte beverage features the following formulation of mineral salts: sodium chloride (500mg), magnesium lactate (295mg) and potassium chloride (190mg). The zero-calorie, all-natural sodium drink debuted in a citrus flavor and a REB-M Stevia plant-based sweetener.
Healthy Hydration
This spring saw Nutrishop Inc., Henderson, Nev., introduce a SALTHEAD hydration mix from
Xcelerated Performance Products. Officials say each serving contains 1,000mg of 100% Pink Himalayan salt, 1.5g of choline bitartrate (yielding 600mg of choline) and 72 ionic trace minerals to support internal bodily processes. SALTHEAD comes in two flavors: Salty Watermelon and Salty Raspberry.
"SALTHEAD bridges the gap between healthy hydration and overall vitality and is a testament to our commitment to innovation, quality, and the well-being of our customers," said Bryon McLendon, Nutrishop founder and CEO. "This product is not just for athletes or fitness enthusiasts, it's for anyone looking to improve their health and wellness game."
Quick Mix
Designs for Health, Inc., Palm Coast, Fla., extended its Designs for Sport supplement line with Hydration Packs, a clementine-flavored electrolyte drink mix in a stick pack.
Officials say Designs for Sport Hydration Packs' zero-sugar hydration formula is sweetened with stevia and monk fruit and features balanced ingredients to replenish electrolytes. It includes and potassium in a 1:1 ratio for more optimal, balanced electrolyte replacement to enhance muscle function. The Hydration Packs also include zinc to support athletic performance, D-ribose for energy production and exercise recovery, and 444% of your daily recommended vitamin C. The single-serve, on-the-go packs deliver a total of 1,940mg electrolytes, which is twice the amount of leading brands and nine times more than the leading sports drink.
Hydration in Weight Loss
SoWell Services Inc., New York, N.Y., introduced a three-part supplement system—incorporating hydration, protein and fiber—for the “unique needs of individuals on a GLP-1 weight loss journey.” Despite 50% of GLP-1 users experiencing side effects, individuals are left to navigate an overwhelming assortment of supplements that are not specifically formulated to their body's new sensitivities or needs, the company notes.
SoWell Electrolytes ($34.99) is a daily electrolyte formula helping GLP-1 users maintain healthy hydration levels while simultaneously addressing nausea and fatigue with targeted ingredients like vitamin B6 and trace minerals. Since GLP-1 users can be sensitive to artificial and overly sweet flavors, this blend features a light, natural flavor with 0g sugar and 1g carb, says SoWell.
