NURA Introduces Organic 5-HTP CLEANMOOD
With the launch of 5-HTP supplement CLEANMOOD earlier this spring, ingredient supplier Nura is aiming to bring a “feel good” story to CPG.
Though it may not have the buzz appeal of ingredients like CBD or various adaptogens, 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) has been a well-known and researched functional ingredient for food and beverages for decades. Produced naturally by the body and found in plant sources, 5-HTP helps to boost a range of “feel good” neural activity, including increasing seratonin, melatonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. With stress levels across all age groups heightened in the wake of COVID-19, interest in relaxing and anti-anxiety beverages in particular has been on the rise; a report by the American Psychological Association (APA) last June found that over 80% of Americans were feeling stressed. Consumers can currently find 5-HTP listed as an ingredient in products like the newly launched drink Confidence, VitaminEnergy’s MOOD shots and Neuro Sleep.
With CLEANMOOD, however, Nura is aiming to give 5-HTP a richer story, both from an ingredient and sourcing perspective. The company markets CLEANMOOD as the only branded/trademarked 5-HTP on the market, and one of the few organic and non-GMO options available. The ingredient is water-soluble, pH-stable, and heat-stable, with a neutral flavor that can be easily adapted to food or beverage products. In an effort to ensure the product delivers “all the things that food and beverage brands are looking for,” according to NURA marketing manager Caydie Carrizosa, the ingredient has also been certified GRAS and backed by randomized clinical studies.
Those “clean” credentials extend beyond the ingredient itself: Nura touts CLEANMOOD as using clean water, clean soil, and zero pesticides throughout the harvesting, transportation and collection process of its source plant, Griffonia simplicifolia, in Ghana. The company has invested in education and training for local farmers to teach them how to cultivate G. simplicifolia seed, and made a donation of furniture, books and supplies for 76 students at a local school.
As to when it may start appearing in CPG, Carrizosa noted that Nura has fielded interest from brands ranging from gummy vitamin makers and juice shot companies to sparkling beverages, coffee and snack. The company plans to have at least “some” presence within beverage by the end of this year.
“If our product has all these great benefits — plant-based, sustainability story, clinical study, certified organic, non-GMO, glyphosate free, water extracted — it will speak for itself,” said Carrizosa.
Unexpected Frost Plunges Prices For Arabica Coffee
After an unprecedented drought and unexpected frost, Brazil’s coffee farmers are struggling to deliver their beans in the quantity and at previously agreed upon prices. The industry’s largest producer was hit with a frost last week across the arabica-coffee belt which stretches from Sao Paulo to Minas Gerais, according to Reuters. The frost damaged young trees, drove prices down even further and likely impacted the yield for next year’s harvest.
Due to the damage, many of the young trees planted this year will have to be removed and replanted, causing a loss next year of about 4.5 million bags, according to Brazilian exporter Guaxupe. In 2020, Brazil harvested about 49 million bags of arabic beans. Prices were already inflated due to the drought conditions and since the frost they have risen even more, reaching a six-year high of $1.95 per pound. Farmers are now struggling to deliver on orders sold to traders months ago at prices that have now been cut in half.
Blue California and Conagen Promote Energy and Healthy Aging Through New Ingredient
Ingredients supplier Blue California and bio-tech company Conagen have introduced a “high-purity, fermentation-derived nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) ingredient” that boosts energy levels and improves age-related cellular health.
“Our fermentation-derived offering is well positioned to capitalize on the growing recognition of NMN as an important ingredient in the food and supplement spaces,” chief science officer at Blue California, Priscilla Samuel, PhD, said in a press release. “NMN is a well-known molecule in the longevity research community, and emerging research also suggests potential applications for immune health as well as sports nutrition.”
According to the manufacturer, NMN helps replenish NAD+, the coenzyme in living cells, and can be used to support brain health, vitality, heart health, metabolic health, and offer cosmetic benefits.
Welcome Dairy Holdings Acquires North Star Processing
The New Heritage Capital portfolio company, Welcome Dairy Holdings, has acquired a leading spray drying provider, North Star Processing. The acquisition is intended to expand Welcome’s capabilities in flavor formulation and ingredient manufacturing.
“North Star shares a customer-first approach and has made a name for itself as a trusted, valuable partner to its customers,” said Terry Schneider, President of Welcome in a press release. “We’re thrilled to bring spray drying capabilities in-house. We now offer the full spectrum of dairy ingredients to our customers, including dairy flavors, dry blend and spray dried dairy and non-dairy seasonings, shelf stable and refrigerated sauces, and functional cheese products.”
Monin Introduces Energy Boost
Global manufacturer Monin launched Energy Boost, an unflavored liquid that can add 55 mg of caffeine to any beverage. The caffeine in Energy Boost is derived from guarana, green coffee extract, ashwagandha, ginseng and Coffeeberry Whole Coffee Fruit Extract. The product contains no sugar, is easily soluble and packaged in 1 liter PET bottles.