Peace on Earth: Winter NPD targets stress reduction for happier holidays

23 Dec 2021 --- The “most wonderful time of the year” can also be some of the most anxiety-inducing. Biotech supplement company Adventa Bioscience reports that 88% of US consumers feel the holidays are the most stressful time of the year. 

In response, brands are bringing more peace-supporting solutions to the market this holiday season. NutritionInsight takes a look at the latest launches, including adaptogenic hot drinks, human milk bionutrients to ease gut inflammation and stress-free ways to bring holiday foods to early infants and those on specific diets.

Holiday hot beverages 
Sama tea brand has launched a new seasonal blend of its adaptogenic tea. Dubbed Peace & Joy, the caffeine-free blend is crafted with functional ingredients like ashwagandha to help lower stress, mucuna to fight fatigue and licorice for relaxation. 

Peppermint Mocha Collagen Creamer provides a daily dose of collagen.The hot drink is also flavored with calming spices to evoke holiday nostalgia. Peace & Joy is sweetly spiced with fresh-baked gingerbread and warm caramel flavors to “transport tea drinkers to moments of cozy celebrations with loved ones.”

The festive iteration joins a range of other adaptogenic tea blends crafted by former monk and New York Times best-selling author, Jay Shetty and his wife, Radhi Devlukia-Shetty. 

In other holiday hot drink nutraceuticals, Vital Proteins has unveiled a Peppermint Mocha Collagen Creamer to help consumers incorporate collagen more easily into their wellness routine. 

Meanwhile, with consumers seeking functional health support, Kerry’s recent Trendspotter analysis identified matcha as an up-and-coming flavor in winter beverages due to its link to physical and mental health.  

Human milk for bowel conditions
Gut health is also in focus this holiday season, as more studies reveal the link between the digestive system and anxiety. 

Adventa Bioscience, creators of the human milk bionutrients supplement Trulacta, aims to help those impacted by digestive disorders this winter. 

Stress is one of the leading triggers of an inflammatory bowel disease flare, notes Adventa Bioscience, which launched an educational awareness campaign this season called “Take Back the Holidays.”

In addition to educational content, the company is providing a free seven-day trial of its Trulacta supplement to 100 consumers in recognition of Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week (December 1-7). 

The product is positioned to support “whole-body wellness,” which includes support of the gastrointestinal, digestive and immune systems, as well as optimum nutrient absorption and enhanced sleep.

Trulacta is formulated with human milk bionutrients to relieve inflammatory bowel conditions.The company supports that “all human bodies are made to recognize, accept and thrive on human milk bionutrients.”  

“With the holidays upon us, eating a healthy diet supported by supplements like Trulacta can help combat the stress and demands of the season while improving digestive health and overall well-being,” underscores Dr. Heather Hausenblas, a researcher and professor, who has teamed up with Trulacta. 

Convenience with kids 
Appealing to busy parents with young babies at the table this holiday season, Gerber has come out with fruit and veggie purees in seasonal varieties. 

The range includes butternut squash, pumpkin and sweet potato plus pear, blackberry orange, peas and apple zucchini spinach.

The line was created to provide an easy way for parents to expose babies between 4 and 8 months of age to new foods. 

“Parents can often be worried about their baby’s nutrition, especially during the busy holiday season,” says Marina Chaparro, a pediatric dietitian. 

“As a parent myself, I believe in having convenient and practical options like packaged purees on hand that do not compromise on nutrition or taste. Options like these conveniently expose babies to a variety of flavors, including those on the holiday table.” 

No-stress baking 
Those with allergies, special diets or other intolerances get a break this holiday season from complicated recipes. 

Australian health food company 180 Cakes has released a set of “delectable dessert mixes” that work with a variety of dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free, sugar-free and low-carb. 

“Off-roading to try completely new recipes can lead to throwing in the towel,” the company notes. 

180 Cakes mixes are created for culinary minimalism, using few ingredients and also those that don’t spike glucose levels. 

Ho ho hope in hard times 
Supplement use has risen this year, along with pandemic stress and sleep deprivation. 

Supplement suppliers recently highlighted that solutions for mental health were sustaining interest, whereas immunity supplements have begun to decline following its peak. 

By Missy Green

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