Key trends in the bottled water and beverage industry suggest we are now demanding products that are natural, functional and nutritionally strong, helping us to live longer and healthier lives.
Bottled water brands have been quick to recognise growth in this area, with a number of products available to boost everything from skin, hair and eye health to well-being and vitality.
Some waters are aimed specifically at the pregnancy market. As most women are aware, the time prior to conception and throughout pregnancy is critical for maintaining optimum vitamin and mineral balances.
To meet these needs, WaterBaby is fortified with 400mcg of folic acid, plus a blend of vitamins and minerals including zinc and calcium. Folic acid is an essential B vitamin important for pregnancy.
Other waters aimed at the female population contain a blend of attractive flavours and essential multivitamins all in one handy bottle.
Recent launch Feel Good Water is made with spring water, fruit juice and four added ‘feel good’ B vitamins. The new drink is described as a 100% natural, low-calorie alternative to ‘current flavoured and vitamin waters’ and is available in two flavours: lime and pomegranate.
Co-founder Steve Cooper said: “Some flavoured and vitamin waters are currently made by adding loads of sugar or artificial ingredients. We know that’s definitely not what water drinkers want. While it’s hardly rocket science, our Feel Good Waters are unique in combining the goodness of spring water, fruit juice and ‘feel good’ B vitamins without any added sugar or artificial additives.”
Meanwhile, in Germany, beverage company Alphabambi has launched NutriWater – a 100% natural, low carbohydrate functional water.
It contains only natural ingredients, such as artichoke, camomile, acerola and is sweetened with agave syrup. It comes in three different formulations: Pure, Slim and Happy.
Due to continued success of the brand, Glacéau vitaminwater has announced a new look to its packaging, and reformulations to its ranges.
All eight variants will now contain a stevia-based sweetener, which means a reduction of 30% in sugar levels and 30 fewer calories per bottle.
Apart from the introduction of stevia, each variant will also have its vitamin and mineral blend revised too. The variants will continue to be made with spring water, natural flavours and no artificial colours.
Clearer labels are being introduced to communicate these changes, which feature quick reference ‘pictograms’ that are designed to highlight key nutrients to consumers and the functionality they bring to the drink.
One of the latest trends in water enhancement is powders and liquid shots for water. US-based Ecosentials has launched the new Vitamin Squeeze: all-natural powder water enhancers in a squeezable bottle.
The range includes eight flavours in three varieties: Multi-vitamin, Energy and Weight control. Each 0.85oz Vitamin Squeeze contains vitamins C, B3, B5, B6, B12 and D, electrolytes, zinc and chromium.
Vitamin Squeeze powder water enhancers are made from natural ingredients and contain zero calories, sugars and carbohydrates. They are free of gluten, preservatives and artificial sweeteners.
A further supplement product is Help: Clear Skin from Works with Water Nutraceuticals, a 100% natural and clinically proven treatment that helps to clear acne within six weeks.
Help: Clear Skin comes in a soluble formula which is mixed with water to help clear blemishes and oily skin. The key active ingredient, praventin, is a bioactive protein extracted from milk. The skin clearing effect is only activated when it’s extracted from the milk, which is why drinking milk doesn’t deliver the same benefit.
Praventin is rich in lactoferrin, known to reduce the development of bacteria responsible for many skin impurities. It also helps to prevent blemishes and spots forming due to its antimicrobial effect.
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