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Marks & Spencer (M&S) Food has unveiled two new product ranges aimed at enhancing consumer health, reflecting a growing industry trend to prioritise nutritional offerings.

The new Brain Food and YAY! Mushrooms lines are designed to meet increasing consumer demand for products that support cognitive function and overall wellbeing.

A no-brainer

The Brain Food range consists of 13 products formulated to provide essential nutrients that are often lacking in the average diet.

This initiative comes in response to research indicating that many individuals have insufficient intakes of key nutrients vital for brain health, such as omega-3 fatty acids, iron and vitamin B12.

The British Nutrition Foundation collaborated with M&S to ensure that these products effectively address these dietary gaps.

Key offerings in the Brain Food range include:

Brain Food Brain Ball: A portable snack containing almond butter and raspberry powder, which is high in iron, zinc and vitamin B12.

Oat Out of the Blue: A creamy drink enriched with spirulina, designed to support cognitive function.

Additional products in the range include: Super Salmon Salad: £5.75 230g, Blueberry Yogurt Bowl: £3.00 200g, Smoked Salmon, Egg & Edamame Pot: £3.50 110g, Super Seeded Granola: £3.50 400g, Super Seeded Nut Butter: £2.65 340g, Blueberry and Walnut Shot: £1.00 30g, Tropical Kefir Shot: £1.50 150ml, Tropical Kefir Shot 3 Pack: £4.00 450ml, Mixed Berry Bar: £1 40g, Mixed Berry Bar 4 Pack: £3.20 140g and Super Smoothie £2.50 350ml

Each product is crafted to deliver at least two of the six identified nutrients beneficial for brain health, making them suitable for consumers looking to enhance their diets without compromising on taste.

Much room for mushrooms

Simultaneously, M&S has introduced the YAY! Mushrooms range, featuring five new drinks that incorporate popular functional mushrooms, Lion’s Mane and Reishi.

These beverages are positioned as a response to the rising interest in functional foods, particularly those that leverage the health benefits of mushrooms.

The YAY! Mushrooms line includes:

AM & PM Cold Pressed Shots: Flavoured with apple, ginger and lime or cherry and coconut, these shots aim to provide energy and relaxation, respectively.

Vanilla Latte: A unique twist on the classic latte, infused with Lion’s Mane for added cognitive support.

M&S emphasises that these drinks are designed to appeal even to those who may not favour the taste of mushrooms, thereby broadening their market appeal.

The range also includes: Creamy Cacao Oat Drink with Lion’s Mane and Maca: £2.75 250ml, Golden Tumeric Oat Drink with Lion’s Mane: £2.75 250ml, AM Mushroom Cold Pressed Dosing Bottle: £4.00 500ml and PM Mushroom Cold Pressed Dosing Bottle: £4.00 500ml

The launch of these health-oriented product lines reflects a significant shift in consumer preferences towards functional foods, particularly in the wake of heightened health awareness post-pandemic.

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