Entries were scored by independent expert judges based on five criteria: demand for the product, application and design, scientific merit, commercial success, and innovation and differentiation.
Here are the winners:
Botanical: Calocurb Amarasate
The NutraIngredients-USA judges highlighted that Calocurb is supported by a proper body of scientific research that not only identifies its mode of action but also its differential effects in women, a population generally underrepresented in clinical trials.
“While bitter compounds have long been used as appetite suppressants, this Amarasate hops extract from New Zealand receives high marks for launching as a patented natural GLP-1 activator well before the run on semaglutide injectable drugs for weight management,” they noted.
Calocurb began investigating Amarasate over a decade ago and entered U.S. and New Zealand markets in 2018. Since then, it has continued to expand its reach across the globe. As the company explains, the product works by stimulating the gastric tastebuds to release a natural blend of gastric peptides GLP-1, CCK and PYY, triggering the 'bitter break' that helps the body effectively manage appetite, overeating, cravings and hunger.
“Winning the Product of the Year: Botanical Award has reinforced the 'science-led' approach we have taken with 14 years and $30 million in clinical research to develop a product that can not only assist with one of the world's largest health issues—weight management—but credibly offer an effective and affordable alternative to pharma solutions,” Calcurb told NutraIngredients-USA.
Microbiome Modulation: Omni-Biotic AB 10
Supported by trial data across several different clinical settings, Omni-Biotic AB 10 is a 10-strain probiotic specifically developed to address gut dysbiosis resulting from antibiotic use, infection and travel-associated pathogen exposure.
“We were impressed by the product’s use of technology to increase the viability of the multi-strain probiotic formulation and the much-needed scientific substantiation for a product targeting gut dysbiosis,” the judges noted.
Developed by Austrian gut microbiome research company Institut AllegoSan, the probiotic formulation was introduced in the United States in 2019, where it has performed well across the health practitioner channel. Human clinical trial outcomes include the eradication of recurrent Clostridium difficile and infections with gram-negative bacteria, and the synergistic combination has also consistently demonstrated significant reductions in antibiotic-associated diarrhea across various types of antibiotics.
“Omni-Biotic has been dedicated to differentiating our brand for decades through high-quality, human clinical research on each of our final, targeted probiotic formulations thereby ensuring the greatest clinical efficacy,” the company shared. “We are truly honored that NutraIngredients-USA has recognized the benefit of that investment, and we deeply respect the work they are doing.”
Omega-3: Life Extension Omega-3 Fish Oil Gummy Bites
The NutraIngredients-USA judges recognized the Life Extension entry as a cost competitive supplement along with its high dose of EPA + DHA dose per serving.
“The sugar-free soft gummy bite delivery format provides an interesting alternative to soft gels and other solid dosage forms,” they added.
Launched in March 2023, the gummy bites were formulated to deliver the cardiovascular and cognitive health benefits associated with high concentrations of omega-3s without the fishy aftertaste typical of many fish oil supplements. The company uses advanced technology to deliver 300 mg of EPA and 225 mg of DHA fatty acids as tiny droplets in a sugar-free, tropical fruit-flavored chewable.
“Winning this award motivates us to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation and excellence, ensuring that our products remain synonymous with integrity and effectiveness,” Life Extension shared, noting that receiving the “incredible honor” as best-in-category reinforces existing consumer trust and loyalty, strengthens the brand’s leading reputation and affirms its mission to empower people to lead healthier lives.
Sports Nutrition: Beet It Sport Nitrate 400 Shot
This is the Beet It Sport Nitrate 400 Shot ‘s second NutraIngredients-USA win in the sports nutrition category after receiving top honors at the 2022 awards. The judges were impressed by the product’s research history, application, efficacy, third-party certification and popularity with mainstream active consumers and elite athletes alike.
“It’s great to have a product, backed by research, that offers dosing that's actually used in multiple research studies," one judge said. "Bonus—it's Informed Sport Certified—making sure it's safe for collegiate/pro/Olympic athletes who may be drug tested.”
Beet It already supplies many leading sports teams in the United States and around the world. It has also been used in over 300 published research projects to date to evaluate the effects of natural nitrate supplementation.
In August, the company will launch Beet It Sport Energy Gels that combine a top-up dose of nitrate, with fast-absorbing carbohydrate for use during rather than prior to exercise.
Commenting on the win, Beet It USA said: “It is an honor to win such a prestigious award from such an esteemed panel of judges at NutraIngredients-USA—we are absolutely delighted! We hope this award will help cement Beet It as the pre-eminent natural nitrate supplement across the world.”
