Mongibello teams up with NutraT to launch functional and clean label nutraceutical coffee

03-May-2017 - Last updated on 05-May-2017 at 10:00 GMT

NutraT predicts that the functional hot beverage category will take off in the coming years.

Related tags Coffee

Mongibello has launched a new line of functional coffees containing NutraT, an instant drink powder boosted with the health benefits found in a Mediterranean diet, and will debut the new beverages at VitaFoods in Geneva on May 9-11.

NutraT is a ready-to-use soluble powder formula of plant extracts and flavors developed by Nutrafur S.A., Spain, now part of Frutarom, that dissolves easily in water, soft drinks, and dairy products.

“Nowadays consumers (particularly iGen) are increasingly looking for foods and drinks that provide a functional benefit, particularly those enhancing cognitive performance, energy boosting, relaxing, anti-inflammatory, or antioxidant,” Yannick Capelle, product manager for Frutarom Health, told BeverageDaily.

“iGen consumers are looking for natural solution to boost their health and are willing to pay more for coffee and tea with added health benefits.”

Four coffees will be part of the launch including: Detox—coffee containing CynaxT artichoke extract; Cardio, with OliveT olive extract; Relax with RosT, a lemon balm extract; and Mental, with Ginseng EFLA 913, a ginseng extract produced using Frutarom’s HyperPure proprietary technology.

“This demonstrates that the possibilities for natural and soluble functional ingredients can go beyond the standard cold beverages,” Capelle said.

NutraT ingredients are formulated without preservatives or synthetic colors, enabling clean-label claims. Mongibello supplies the product directly to consumers via the company’s website.

Designed for on premise coffee use

The nutraceutical coffees are designed for use in ETNA office coffee machines, which directly dispense the soluable ingredients into the hot beverage.

“Thanks to its high solubility, the finished beverage stays clear, without turbidity,” the company said.

On-premise coffee and tea remains a growing segment within the foodservice industry, with sales at coffee houses alone reaching $21.6bn in 2016, according to Mintel.

“The market faces strong competition from retail products, particularly the fast growing ready-to-drink segment,” Cappelle said. “Despite the fierce competition from retail products, coffee houses stay one-step ahead by offering consumers innovative beverages.”

“We would not be surprised to see other products in the market very soon,” he said.