What's hitting the shelves? New year, new product launches

Peroni 0.0​

Peroni has launched an alcohol-free beer called Libera: a 0.0% version of traditional Peroni.

The beer hits the shelves in Tesco in the UK this month, at a RSP of £5 for a pack of 4x330ml.

"A 'special decoction' process has been used as well as a customized fermentation process allowing the liquid to attain a fast ending 0.0% alcohol beer,"​ says the company.

"A dedicated yeast strain has also been used to produce the rich and intense citrus aromas and hoppy notes, which are then followed by delicate fruity aromas, offering a similar crisp and fresh taste experience as Peroni Nastro Azzurro."​

Contrex Green

Nestlé's natural mineral water Contrex is launching a new organic drink infused with yerba maté. 

Yerba maté is a medicinal plant traditionally used in Latin America to fight fatigue. 

Contrex Green contains Contrex natural mineral water, an infusion of organic yerba maté, cane sugar and natural flavors.

With 5g sugar per 250ml it contains around half the sugar of other drinks on the market, says the brand.

The drink will launch in France in March in 75cl packs. 

Chobani moves into dairy alternatives​

Greek yogurt giant Chobani has introduced a line of coconut-based products in the US, including single serve drinks in mango, slightly sweet plain, strawberrry and vanilla chai. 

The Non-Dairy Chobani drinks are 'a delicious option that's packed with probiotics, less sugar that other non-dairy brands and contains only natural ingredients', says the company.

Drinks contain an average of 9g sugar, compared to other non-dairy drinks with an average of 13g sugar per 7 fl oz, says the company. The products use non-GMO ingredients, and do not contain artificial flavors, sweeteners or preservatives. 

The 'Non-Dairy Chobani' line has a suggested retail price of $2.49 per 7oz drink. 

Pure Protein RTD protein shakes​

Pure Protein, a brand of protein bars, has launched a line of RTD protein shakes.

The shakes have 30g of protein, 140 calories, 1g of sugar, 4g fiber and 24 vitamins and minerals per serving.

Don Kerrigan, president of The Nature's Bounty Co. (maker of Pure Protein), said: "The need for convenient, ready to drink options is driving growth in the protein category by a staggering 38%.”​

Pure Protein 30g Shakes are available in major retailers such as Walmart, Wegmans, Amazon, Wakefern, Rite Aid and Meijer across the US.

Belsazar Vermouth​

Diageo Reserve has launched a low-ABV vermouth, Belsazar Vermouth, in the UK.

The Berlin-based brand was created by German entrepreneurs Maximilian Wagner and Sebastian Brack, and acquired by Diageo through Distill Ventures earlier this year.

Belsazar is the first vermouth to join the Diageo Reserve portfolio. It is made from grapes from regions of Markgräflerland and Kaiserstuhl in southern Baden, infused with herbs, and is finished with a dash of fruit brandy. It is then aged for up to three months.

There are five Belsazar varieties: White, Red, Dry, Rosé and limited-edition Riesling Edition. The drinks can be enjoyed as an aperitif, served with tonic or as part of cocktail.

Richard Larkin, Head of Diageo Reserve GB, said: “Vermouth is enjoying a real resurgence in popularity, boosted by a growing trend for low ABV drinks and classic cocktails.”​

Rockstar Twister​

AG Barr is launching a new range of Rockstar energy drinks in the UK to tap into the popularity of old school flavors.

Available from the beginning of this month, Rockstar Twister is available in Smashed Blue Raspberry and Wacked Red Berry. The drinks contain 25 calories and 32g of caffeine per 100ml. 

In August AG Barr also launched the line Rockstar First Start – designed for the beginning of the day – in Mixed Berries and Orange Clementine.

Organic fruit flavored Vittel​

Vittel has launched two new organic flavored waters in France.

The drinks - Vittel & Fruits Bio Infusé – come in two flavors: strawberry and lemon-mint.

The range is organic, without flavors, colors or preservatives. They contain Vittel mineral water, organic fruit, and organic cane sugar.

Nestlé Waters points to research that says 96% of French consumers are concerned about what they eat and drink and believe their health is linked to the quality of their food; while more than nine out of 10 consumers purchase products with the AB (agriculture biologique) organic certification mark. 

Beer made from cornflakes​

Kellogg’s is using unwanted cornflakes to make two limited edition beers:​​ Throw Away IPA with Seven Bro7hers Brewery in the UK; and Crunchy Nut Soule Ale with Auckland brewery Hallertau.

The beers are made using cornflakes that do not meet Kellogg’s quality standards from being too big, small or overcooked.

In England, Throw Away IPA uses 60kg of Kellogg’s Corn Flakes to replace 30% of the wheat grain in the beer mix, also resulting in a sweeter taste and golden color. The 5% ABV brew is available in cans and on draft in Seven Bro7hers Brewery as well as stockists of the brewer in Manchester.

In New Zealand, unwanted Crunchy Nut Corn Flakes are being used by Hallertau in its Crunchy Nut Soule Ale for a ‘refreshing and irresistibly tasty experience’.

Lactose was added to the ale to give it a milky finish, as well as kiwifruit, peanuts and honey to capture the essence of Crunchy Nut.

Koia Keto​

Plant-based RTD smoothie brand, Koia, is launching Koia Keto this month in the US.

Koia Keto is a high-fat, low carb beverage that claims to help achieve ketosis (where the body burns fat instead of carbohydrates for energy) as part of the keto diet.

The drinks are primarily a coconut cream based with 14g of MCT oil, 22g of fat, 12g of plant-based protein (pea, rice and chickpea), with a total of five net carbs. They contain no added sugar and reach a ratio of 74% fat, 18% protein and 8% carbs.

Koia Keto comes in a range of three indulgent flavors – chocolate brownie, cake batter and caramel crème – chosen because followers of the low-sugar keto diet usually have to sacrifice sweet desserts.

Koia Keto​​ is available exclusively in Whole Foods for the first six months of 2019, before expanding to other retailers later in the year.

Video gaming drinks​

PepsiCo’s Mountain Dew is launching Mtn Dew Amp Game Fuel in the US this month: a line of drinks designed to offer an ‘enhanced gaming experience’.

Designed by video gamers, the drinks​​ have features such as a no-slip grip; resealable lid; and ingredients selected to help gamers stay alert.

The four flavors are Charged Cherry Burst, Charged Berry Blast, Charged Tropical Strike, and Charged Original Dew. A 16oz can contains 90 calories and 90mg of caffeine, and ingredients also include L-Theanine, ginseng root extract and yerba mate extract.

Mountain Dew has been partnering with Call of Duty World League, OpTic Gaming and others to promote the new drink at gaming and esports events before the official launch this month.

Edible tea

UK fruit crisp brand Nim's has launched a range of 'edible teas' - infusions that can be served as a hot cup of loose leaf tea and also eaten as a snack. 

The 'Edible Teas'​ are made from dried fruit and vegetables. Once the tea has been drunk, the fruit and vegetables have been fully rehydrated and can be eaten as a snack. 

The product comes in three flavors: beetroot and parsnip; pineapple and kiwi; and pineapple, beetroot and parsnip. The handmade loose tea infusions retail in 12 single sachets or 12g portions. All packaging - from box to sachet - is recyclable or home compostable. 

Lungo and Mousse Delicate​

L’OR has launched a new range of instant coffees, the L’OR Barista Edition, in France.

The two varieties are Lungo – a long coffee with a velvety texture – and Mousse Delicate, a gentler coffee with a thin layer of mousse.