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Better For You Beverages

Drink formulators embrace adaptogens for new functional formulas

Considering a new better-for-you beverage? You might try a formula featuring adaptogens, suggests Imbibe, a Niles, Ill., company that creates custom flavors, ingredients and finished beverages across all categories.

Marketing Associate Holly McHugh says consumers might not be very familiar with the term adaptogen, but they have almost definitely ingested an adaptogen throughout their lifetime. This group of herbs, plants and substances has long been commonplace in homeopathic medicines and supplements, but in the past couple of years, many are making their way into food and beverages.

In a recent trend-spotting column, McHugh identified several adaptogens for consideration.

Ashwagandha has many suggested benefits like regulating hormones and acting as an anti-inflammatory. It’s been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine, and now brands such as Blue Buddha, Rebbl Elixirs, and Naturewise are leveraging its abilities by using it in their beverages.

Read the full article on Prepared Foods.