Defensive Strategies

Consumers want their bodies to have as much of a defense against illness as possible, and immune-boosting food and drink products can give them a welcome advantage.

Ingredients like ginger and curcumin are leading the pack in new product launches featuring an immunity claim.¹ Immunity boosting statements are increasingly breaking out of the traditional VMS space and making their way into new delivery formats like ready-to-drink beverages, ready-to-mix smoothies, and snacks.² As consumers become more focused on their overall health and well-being, nutrition companies have an excellent opportunity to show consumers how food and beverages can provide solutions that positively impact their overall immunological health.

References: Source: 1. Mintel. COVID-19: implications for immunity-boosting drinks. 2020. Source: 2. Mintel. Defend against disease with immunity-boosting products. 2019

Defensive Strategies Concept 1

Immunity-Boost Crystal Bursts

Glanbia Nutritionals Ingredients

Bioferrin^®: A natural, biologically active milk protein, isolated from fresh sweet whey using advanced fractionation separation technologies.
GLANBIA FLAVORS INSIDE Natural Flavors

Inspiration

Supporting immune health isn’t just for adults. Kids and teens can also benefit from immune-boosting nutrition; however, finding ways to get these beneficial nutrients into their bodies can be half the battle! Enter the Immunity-Boost Crystal Burst concept. Kids and teens will love the unique format and popping sensation they’ll experience, all while getting the immunity-boosting benefits of Bioferrin^®.

Supporting Insights

26% of US parents say if they were to create their ideal baby/toddler food, it would provide immune
health.¹

Reference: 1. Mintel. A year of innovation in baby milk & food, August 2020.

Key Benefits

Reloads immune pathways by supporting healthy immune and antioxidant functions
Fun format for kids and teens!

Ingredients

Sugar, Lactose, Corn Syrup Solids, Sunflower Oil, Citric Acid, Natural and Artificial Flavors, C02 for PFHIX™ Activity Effects, Bioferrin® 2000 (lactoferrin)

Allergen Information: Contains no known allergens.

Defensive Strategies Concept 2

Immuni-Tea

Glanbia Nutritionals Ingredients

All N™ Off-the-Shelf Immunity Blend: This Off-the-Shelf blend has been pre-formulated with active ingredients, ready to use as a base for new product formulations. Our Immunity blend delivers a source of scientifically supported ingredients to help support immunity. This blend features the specialized active ingredient EpiCor^®.
EpiCor^®: A unique and natural fermentation ingredient comprised of dozens of compounds and metabolites that work together to help support your immune system by balancing immune response. It acts like a multivitamin for your immune system.
CuroWhite^®: A white curcumin* with milder taste and smell than traditional curcumin making it ideal for many applications such as tablets, capsules, ready-to-mix powders, and functional foods.
Vitamin C: Responsible for orchestrating the human immune system’s function by supporting various aspects of both the innate and adaptive immune system. In humans, severe vitamin C deficiency has been associated with impairments in immunity.¹
Zinc: Essential for immunity and affects multiple aspects of the immune system3. Crucial for normal development and function of cells mediating innate immunity, neutrophils, and NK cells.²

*Curcumin: Traditionally used for Ayurvedic practices and has been demonstrated to be a potent
immunomodulatory agent. Modulates the activation of T cells, B cells, macrophages, neutrophils, natural killer cells, and dendritic cells.³

References: 1. Nutrition and Immunity pp 81-102 2. Mol Med. 2008 May-Jun; 14(5-6): 353–357., 2. Am J Clin Nutr. 1998 Aug; 68(2 Suppl):447S-463S. 1. J Clin Immunol. 2007 Jan;27(1):19-35.

Inspiration

Consumers seek immune-boosting products in new formats, and while they’re open to trying new things, they still appreciate a bit of the familiar. Immunity-boosting teas can offer consumers an extra benefit in a product they’ve already come to enjoy.

Supporting Insights

In the US, 53% of adults say their ideal supplement would offer immune support.¹
63% of consumers indicate that a premium ready-to-drink tea is worth the price if it provides immunity-boosting benefits.²
RTD tea sales have increased 26% from 2014-2019, now accounting for 77% of the overall tea market.³
13% of US consumers are already using functional beverages to support immune health.⁴

References: 1. Mintel. Support immune health in new ways. June 2020. 2. Mintel. Startups with a focus on immunity and health get a boost. April 2020. 3. Mintel. Tea & RTD Teas. US August 2019. 4. The Hartman Group, Functional Food, Beverages & Supplements Report, April 2020

Key Benefits

Supports a healthy immune system
Refreshing and unique format

Ingredients

Ascorbic Acid, EpiCor^® (beta cyclodextrin), CuroWhite^® (hydrogenated turmeric curcuminoids [curcuma longa] root extract), Zinc Sulfate

Allergen Information: Contains no known allergens

Ingredient statement reflects All N™ Off-the-Shelf Immunity blend only.

Defensive Strategies Concept 3

MyChai

Glanbia Nutritionals Ingredients

ProTherma^®: An agglomerated hydrolyzed whey protein designed for use in hot RTM beverage applications.
CuroWhite^®: A white curcumin* with milder taste and smell than traditional curcumin making it ideal for many applications such as tablets, capsules, ready-to-mix powders, and functional foods.

*Curcumin: Traditionally used for Ayurvedic practices and has been demonstrated to be a potent immunomodulatory agent. Modulates the activation of T cells, B cells, macrophages, neutrophils, natural killer cells, and dendritic cells.¹

References: 1. J Clin Immunol. 2007 Jan;27(1):19-35

Inspiration

Winter brings study noses and sneezes, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg this year. Consumers already turn to hot beverages while they are under the weather, but cuddling up with a nice hot cup of chai tea that also delivers immune-boosting benefits and an extra boost of protein? Sign us up.

Supporting Insights

35% of consumers think products that support immune health would motivate them while purchasing a nutrition or meal replacement drink.¹
29% of consumers have tried and liked beverages with chai tea flavoring.²

References: 1. Mintel. Patent insights: Boosting immune health a future focus. April 2020. 2. Mintel. Tea & RTD Tea: Incl. Impact of COVID-19. US August 2020.

Key Benefits

Contains curcumin for immunity
8 grams of protein per serving

Ingredients

Ingredients: ProTherma^® (hydrolyzed whey protein concentrate, lecithin), Natural Flavors, Organic Stevia Leaf Extract, Organic Monk Fruit Extract, Curowhite^® (beta cyclodextrin, hydrogenated turmeric curcuminoids [curcuma longa] root extract)

Allergen Information: Contains milk and soy ingredients

Download all the Volume 2 Product Concepts here!

Download PDF

For more information on our Comfort & Joy concepts, ingredient solutions, and insights, contact us.