Health foods manufacturer the Hain Celestial Group has introduced two new juices fortified with Kemin Foods' FloraGLO Lutein.
Hain Pure Foods Veggie Juice and Carrot Juice will be available through natural foods retailers nationwide this month. The products contain added vitamins and minerals and are made with no genetically engineered ingredients.
"We are impressed with the continued research supporting FloraGLO Lutein's versatile role in good health. As a manufacturer of natural products, we were excited with the opportunity to partner with Kemin to make foods and beverages even better for consumers and to differentiate our products on the grocery shelf," said Maureen Putman, general manager for the grocery business unit at Hain Celestial.
The new carrot and vegetable juices each contain 1mg of purified lutein per 8 ounce serving. FloraGLO Lutein is chemically identical to the lutein found predominantly in dark green, leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale, as well as eggs. Studies on the patented ingredient show that it has important health benefits for the eyes, skin and heart. Research has also linked regular lutein intake with prevention of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.
FloraGLO is already present in a number of supplements and multivitamins. Iowa-based Kemin is looking to promote further use of the ingredient in functional foods. The lutein has GRAS status from the FDA for use in certain foods.
"FloraGLO Lutein has gained wide scientific and commercial acceptance within the vitamin and supplement field. Our relationship with Hain Celestial and their market-leading brands demonstrates the growing nutritional appeal of lutein for food and beverage applications," said Cheryl Sturm, strategic marketing manager for foods and beverages at Kemin Foods.