SternVitamin has developed micronutrient premixes to give the booming plant-based dairy alternatives category a fortified boost. 

The SternHeartV, SternGutV and SternBonesV premixes allow manufacturers to align plant-based drinks, such as those derived from oats, to specific target groups’ nutritional needs.

Tapping into Innova Market Insights’ second top consumer trend of 2021, “Plant-Forward,” the plant-based market is diversifying to meet new niche markets. 

The product launch also comes as consumers increasingly seek functional foods to improve their physical and mental well-being, underscored during the on-going COVID-19 pandemic. 

Targeted functional foods
SternHeartV addresses athletes, professionals with high-stress jobs and older consumers. 

This micronutrient combination of B vitamins, vitamin E, folic acid, iodine and zinc supports normal homocysteine metabolism and the formation of new red blood cells. 

In addition, the premix contributes to optimum muscle function and to protecting cells from oxidative stress. 

SternBonesV has been developed to keep bones healthy into advanced age. Its combination of vitamin D, vitamin K2, magnesium and calcium helps maintain bone health and is appropriate for women in all age groups, vegans and lactose-intolerant people who want to be sure of getting a good calcium supply from plant-based products. 

Manufacturers of plant-based drinks with SternGutV can reach a broad audience thanks to its potential for immune system positionings This premix supports the gut-associated immune system by combining micronutrients to strengthen immune defenses and fibers with prebiotic and immune-modulating properties. 

Simultaneously, drinks containing the premix are touted for their good taste and pleasant mouthfeel. 

Customers’ health benefits of these premixes can be marketed on the drink packages using EU-approved health claims.

Plant-based meets functional beverages
One of the main goals in developing plant-based alternatives is to meet consumers’ nutrition preferences without compromising on taste, SternVitamin notes.  

The company achieves this goal through its close cooperation with Planteneers, which has expertise in plant-based alternatives while SternVitamin supplies the added health benefits. 

At their own Plant based Competence Center, these sister companies develop combinations of ingredients for a wide range of applications to meet individual requests. 

Moving “Plant-Forward”
There is a wealth of research, NPD, investment and more related to the plant-based movement. 

Research by ADM found that microbiome health and plant-based diversification will be key trends in 2021. 

However, the company recently highlighted that plant-based dairy alternatives are still falling short of nutritional properties compared to their animal-derived contenders. 

Chr. Hansen has also invested recently in plant-based dairy alternative cultures and bioprotection, forecasting huge growth in the better-for-you category. 

This month, So Good So You also raised US$14.5 million in growth funding to accelerate the US footprint of its functional plant-based beverage shots. 

Functional beverages to market
Plant-based dairy alternatives are not the only beverage category benefiting from a functional twist. 

According to Sri Nagarajan, global marketing manager for sweet & natural at Givaudan, functional and sparkling drinks are “hotspots for potential growth as they fit with consumer demand for health and hydration.” 

In this space, Pepsi launched its Driftwell beverage with L-theanine and magnesium, positioned for better sleep. 

Meanwhile, Arla Foods Ingredients has promoted the development of high-protein iced tea to active consumers.