Sourse launches Beauty Bites and Mood Bites as a chocolate-vitamin hybrid
22 Oct 2021 --- US-based functional candy brand Sourse has launched Beauty Bites and Mood Bites as part of its line of vitamin-infused chocolate.
“Chocolate’s natural properties make it one of the best formats for vitamins because it acts as a prebiotic and catalyst for fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin D,” says Jenne Moore, founder and CEO of Sourse.
Beauty Bites is infused with biotin, marketed toward helping hair and nails grow and strengthen. Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a nutraceutical ingredient added to products within the personal care, F&B, supplement and animal nutrition industries. Late last year, Biosyntia unveiled a natural, fermented form of the vitamin.
Meanwhile, Mood Bites contains saffron and vitamin D3 for a balanced mood. Mood and stress have become key points for the nutrition industry as the COVID-19 pandemic has driven a newfound awareness.
According to a 2020 consumer survey by Innova Market Insights, 44% of global consumers had already taken steps to improve their mental and emotional well-being, with companies tapping into the growing industry. Pharmactive’s saffron ingredient Affron, for instance, has been recognized as official aid for low mood-related issues in the US.
Chocolate goodness
According to the company, Sourse is the first vitamin-infused chocolate with clinically backed dosage guidelines and ingredients.
The inspiration behind launching a combination of chocolate and vitamins came from personal experiences that Moore faced.
“After years of suffering from vitamin B12 deficiency, I realized the capsules I was taking every day were not actually working. I became very interested in food-based supplements that provide better nutrient absorption,” she notes. Combining chocolate and vitamins is beginning to interest more companies, as they focus on making their products more desirable.
Confectionery “supplements” on the horizon?
Along with Andrew Remlinger, Moore launched Sourse in August 2020 as a functional plant-based food brand. The couple currently has plans to expand their product line to supplements, though details were not provided.
“Vitamin-infused chocolate is just the beginning for Sourse. We are building a platform for optimal health and nutrition through food-based supplements,” says Reminglersays.
Beauty Bites and Mood Bites join the existing line of Glow Bites, which is infused with a plant-based collagen alternative for hydrated, plump skin and Hype Bites, infused with vitamin B12 for energy focus and mood.
Companies across the industry have been eyeing opportunities to create new crossover categories, such as Mybite Vitamins, which also combines chocolate with multivitamins.
Targeting niche markets, The Functional Chocolate Company based in the US launched four different chocolates earlier this year, combining flavored indulgence with health benefits targeting PMS, menopause, low-libidos, stress and anxiety.
Edited by Andria Kades
