Symrise continues to develop its health expertise with the launch of a new range of aronia health actives. The range contains an aronia extract and aronia juice powder, both standardized in polyphenols and anthocyanins. The company has filed a patent application for the aronia extract, which has a unique polyphenols profile in addition to strong multiple cellular antioxidant effects. This range expands the diana food™ portfolio of health actives, which forms a part of the Taste, Nutrition & Health segment.
Aronia (Aronia melanocarpa), also known as black chokeberry, contains a high concentration of potent antioxidants such as polyphenols, particularly anthocyanins. Plants produce these antioxidants to protect themselves from environmental stress. While few consumers know aronia, this little berry can be characterized as a superfruit and thus as a key component of the better-for-you health trend. Literature has well-documented the antioxidative properties of aronia. This relates specifically to cardiovascular health, metabolic health, and immune system support. Symrise has demonstrated the specific cellular antioxidative properties of the aronia extract on different cell types, including intestinal cells, using a novel cellular model.
Under the diana food™ portfolio brand of health actives, the aronia extract comes with a unique polyphenols profile: high total polyphenolic content, high proanthocyanins content, and a specific proanthocyanidins-to-anthocyanins ratio. The carrier-free, free-flowing aronia extract in powder form features a minimum of both fifty percent total polyphenols and ten percent anthocyanins. Suggested applications include capsules, tablets, powder sticks, nutritional shots, and supplement gummies. The spray-dried, soluble aronia juice powder features a minimum of both two percent total polyphenols and 0.2 percent anthocyanins. Applications for the juice powder include powder drinks, healthy beverages, snacks, and foods.
Tohi Ventures, a Kansas City-based (US) healthy lifestyle brand, has introduced a line of four Aronia Berry-based functional beverages.
Aronia Berries are native to North America and were used historically for both their nutritional value and for medicinal purposes. Awareness of Aronia Berries is growing, buoyed by overall consumer interest in phytonutrients, plant compounds that have beneficial effects on human health. According to research, Aronia Berries top the list of more than 100 foods that have been scientifically tested for antioxidant capacity.
Tohi Ventures was founded by two female friends with significant entrepreneurial, investment, operational and scientific experience. “We are advocates of a nutrition first approach to wellness,” said Shari Coulter Ford, CEO and Co-Founder. “We are pioneering innovation around our core ingredient, with the goal of optimizing the nutritional value and potential health benefits of Aronia Berries in our products. We believe Aronia is a break-out category,” she continued.
Tohi has already received industry recognition, being named a finalist for the seventh annual SupplySide CPG Editor’s Choice Awards in the Functional Beverage category. Finalists were selected by the SupplySide editorial team for achievements in innovation and market impact.
“Tohi is the perfect blend of science and nature, flavor and functionality. The polyphenols and anthocyanins in Tohi beverages are naturally derived from Aronia Berries, which have been scientifically studied and linked to significant health benefits,” said Elma Hawkins, PhD, Co-Founder of Tohi Ventures.
Tohi beverages are attracting the attention of collegiate and professional sports teams, including Iowa State Football. “I’ve reviewed the clinical and academic research citing the health benefits of Aronia Berries, especially relative to sports performance. Tohi created a ready-to-drink beverage featuring Aronia Berries that’s perfect for our Fueling Stations. Getting the athletes to drink a healthy beverage is also easier when it tastes great! We also appreciate that Tohi buys from Iowa-based Aronia growers so we’re supporting the local farmers,” said Erin Hinderaker, Sports Dietitian at Iowa State University (MS, RD, LD, CSSD).
Tohi is perfect for corporate athletes as well, partnering with Company Kitchen to supply Tohi through their corporate network. “Company Kitchen provides workplace food service solutions to companies across the U.S. Our clients are focused on providing healthy options for their employees to increase wellness at work. Adding Tohi beverages to our lineup is a natural fit! We’re always looking for the next new thing that will meet the demands of our clients,” said John Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, Company Kitchen.
About Tohi Beverages
Tohi beverages are 30 % single strength Aronia Berry juice and 70 % hydration, available in four refreshing flavors: The Original, Blackberry Raspberry, Dragon Fruit and Ginger Lime. Tohi is non-carbonated and naturally low in calories, with no added sugars and just a hint of Monk Fruit for sweetness. Tohi beverages are packaged in eco-friendly, 12-ounce slim aluminum cans, available for purchase on Amazon.