Lacto Tab, from Emmi, is touted as a new-generation energy beverage and packaging concept. The milk serum based drink, to be launched in various European locations including the UK and Switzerland, contains a tablet of nutrients which is held in the lid of the bottle, and is not released into the liquid until the bottle is opened. This prevents the nutrients, including coenzyme Q10 and various vitamins and minerals, from degrading in the beverage, as they would normally do when suspended in a liquid over time. Lacto Tab is similar to another beverage, Defense, which was launched in the US last year and mixed the nutrients with the drink just as it was opened.
In the same vein, Molkerei Lanz has also been innovating with its dairy drink packaging. The Lanz Jogurt Yo Yogurt Drink, which has been launched in Switzerland, comes in a pot that can be opened from both ends. The coffee flavored drinking yogurt features a screw top so that consumers can drink the contents, while the opposite end features a classic peel-off foil lid that allows consumers to spoon the contents out. This dual opening is very unusual for this type of product, allowing the yogurt to be eaten as a dessert, or drank as a snack.
Over in the US another novel dairy drink has been launched by Global Beverage Enterprises. Kool Cow Sparkling Drink is targeted towards children, featuring a carbonated milk-based beverage presented in a carton decorated with cartoon cows. However, this sugar-free and vitamin enriched drink, which comes in two fruit flavors (Peach Mango and Strawberry), is targeted at parents as well, as a healthier alternative to carbonates.
Meanwhile, Leche Pascual has introduced what it claims is an alternative type of functional health drink in Spain with Zumosol Activo. This orange and grape flavored juice drink, which also comes in a banana variety, has an unusual added ingredient - pasteurized liquid egg. The liquid egg presumably adds to its vitamin and protein content, mimicking the makeup of bodybuilding formulas.
Staying with health beverages, Phytobase Nutritionals has recently introduced a coffee that is designed to aid weight loss onto the US market. LeanCaffe is described as a 100% arabica organic coffee that suppresses the appetite "naturally and safely". The coffee is flavored with hazelnut, vanilla and cinnamon, providing a "heavenly aroma and irresistible flavor". Although a number of weight loss coffees have reached the US market in recent months, this one appears to be the first ground coffee to contain extracts of Hoodia - an African cactus said to have appetite suppressing properties - as a main ingredient.
Another health drink designed specifically for children has been launched in the US by Amazing Grass. The Kidz Superfood mix is said to provide three servings of fruit and vegetables in one glass, and is therefore promoted as being an easy way to get children to eat more healthily. The mix combines 33 fruit and vegetables with cocoa that can be mixed with water or milk - the cocoa is designed to make the drink taste more palatable to children. The product is promoted in an apt fashion: the label copy reads, "'We've taken the yuk out of eating vegetables'.
