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  • 3 days ago
  • 2 min read

Met Foods, the producer behind dairy-free brands Nush Foods and Cocos Organic, has entered the functional wellness beverage category with the launch of Mushus, described as the UK’s first lightly sparkling skincare drink featuring vegan collagen.


Mushus is positioned at the intersection of beauty, gut health and functional beverages, reflecting growing consumer demand for ingestible wellness products that combine convenience with targeted health benefits.


The range debuts in two flavours, Raspberry Fizz and Pineapple Fizz, sold in 250ml six-packs priced at £20. Each lightly sparkling drink contains real fruit juice and is formulated with 3g of plant-based collagen, hyaluronic acid, clinically researched probiotic strain HU58 and organic tremella mushroom.


According to the company, the formulation is designed to support hydration, skin elasticity and the gut-skin axis, while offering a vegan alternative to traditional bovine and marine collagen products.


Met Foods said the vegan collagen ingredient uses a triple helix structure intended to mirror conventional collagen and claims the ingredient is up to five times more bioavailable than bovine alternatives due to its lightweight peptide structure.


The drinks contain no added sugar, artificial sweeteners or preservatives and are positioned as vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free, with fewer than 20 calories per 100ml.


Founder Bethany Eaton said: “I am so excited to bring Mushus to market as the first skincare drink of its kind, built around our three core ingredients. I wanted to simplify what can often feel like an overwhelming routine of supplements, and create something convenient, effective and enjoyable to take every day.”


She added that sustainability and sensory appeal were key reasons for choosing vegan collagen over animal-derived alternatives.


“For me, it’s about rethinking how we approach beauty and wellness, don’t take your skin supplements, drink them,” Eaton said.


The launch reflects continued momentum within the functional drinks category, where brands are increasingly targeting areas such as beauty, cognitive health, digestion and immunity with ingredient-led beverage innovations.


Mushus also taps into growing consumer interest in the “beauty-from-within” market, where products combining probiotics, collagen and hydration-focused ingredients are seeing rising demand among wellness-focused consumers.


The company said the drinks are designed to function both as a wellness supplement and a lifestyle beverage, combining functional ingredients with a format intended to feel more approachable than traditional capsules or powders.


Both Raspberry Fizz and Pineapple Fizz are intended to be consumed chilled as part of a daily wellness routine, with Met Foods positioning the range as a convenient option for consumers seeking multifunctional health support in ready-to-drink formats.

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Leah Smith

Leah Smith

8 May 2026

Ella’s Kitchen launches new children's snack range

Ella’s Kitchen is expanding beyond the baby food aisle with the launch of Ella’s Kitchen Kids, a new product line aimed at children aged 18 months and older.


The launch marks a significant strategic move for the brand as it looks to extend its presence beyond the weaning category and capture growing demand for healthier snack options for toddlers and young children.


Positioned as a “better-for-you” alternative to traditional children’s snacks, the new range combines bold flavours, playful branding and convenient formats with the nutritional standards parents associate with the Ella’s Kitchen brand.


The company said the range was developed in response to changing family eating habits and the lack of minimally processed snack options for older toddlers outside the baby aisle.


Initial products include Ella’s Kitchen Kids Crunchy Stix in Cheese + Onion, Tomato + Basil and Pesto varieties, alongside Ella’s Kitchen Kids Wild Crackers available in Tomato + Oregano, Pea + Basil and Carrot + Rosemary flavours.


Designed for lunchboxes, picnics and snacking occasions, the products are formulated with reduced salt levels and classified as non-HFSS options. According to the company, the Crunchy Stix contain less than 0.04g of salt per pack, while the Crackers contain less than 0.05g per serving.


Emma Wood, Senior Brand Manager at Ella’s Kitchen, said: “Ella’s Kitchen Kids is about recognising that the journey doesn’t stop at baby food. As little ones grow, their tastes, independence and routines all change – but parents still want options they can feel good about.”


The launch also signals Ella’s Kitchen’s wider ambitions within the children’s snacking market, with additional products and categories expected later this year.


Wood added that the company aims to help “raise the standards of the kids’ food category” by balancing taste, convenience and nutrition.

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