Meet the 2024 NutraIngredients-USA Ingredient of the Year winners

Independent expert judges evaluated entries across five categories: beauty from within, cognitive function, healthy aging, microbiome modulation and sports nutrition. 

Here are the winners:

Beauty from within: ​Zeropollution, Monteloeder by Suannutra​

The judges selected Zeropollution as winner in the beauty-from-within category for a second year in a row due to its solid research, quality ingredients and ability to counteract oxidative stress.

“While climate change contributes to extreme weather events across the globe, it can also wreak havoc the skin,” they noted. “With pollution causing inflammation, disruption of the skin microbiome, skin barrier damage, premature aging and more, Zeropollution addresses this modern-day problem.” 

The patented ingredient combines botanical extracts including rosemary, olive leaves, Sophora japonica ​and Lippia citriodora ​at a recommended dosage of 250 mg/day to address pollution-related challenges such as fine lines, wrinkles, firmness, texture and hydration.

“For our organization, winning this award is a recognition of years of hard work and extensive research and development,” Zeropollution’s manufacturer Monteloeder by Suannutra shared. “This achievement not only highlights our expertise and determination but also motivates us to continue pushing the boundaries of what's possible in our industry.” 

Cognitive function: enfinity, PX ING (​distributed by TSI Group)​​ 

Enfinity differentiated itself thanks to the quality of science backing the ingredient and as presenting an innovative alternative to traditional stimulants that are usually accompanied by undesirable side effects.

“The possibilities of a viable alternative to caffeine with efficacy at a dose as low as 50 milligrams are very positive,” the judges said. “This is a unique ingredient that stood out in a very competitive category.”

Presented as caffeine evolved without the dreaded crash, enfinity is the branded ingredient scientifically known as paraxanthine—the main metabolite of caffeine. Official distributor TSI Group highlights that it works for nearly everyone, provides a consistent response with a consistent dose to enhance mood without impacting sleep, improves focus and concentration and reduces feelings of hunger.

“Winning the Nutraingredients-USA Awards in the Ingredient of the Year, Cognitive Function category, is a significant achievement for TSI Group, ING2 and enfinity,” an enfinity spokesperson told NutraIngredients-USA. “This recognition validates the hard work and dedication of our team and partners in developing a product that truly enhances cognitive function.”

Healthy aging: Eriomin, Ingredients by Nature​

“Eriomin, an upcycled lemon flavonoid blend, had that X-factor to stand out in a crowded category,” the judges said. “It’s been on the market for just over three years and is already supported by three published human studies, which show an ability to promote proper glucose metabolism by boosting, you’ve guessed it, GLP-1.” 

The ingredient, primarily composed of eriocitrin, is supported by gold standard science that backs a multi-pronged approach to address elevated blood sugar levels, inflammation and oxidative stress by supporting health GLP-1 function for optimal glucose metabolism.

Rob Brewster, president at Ingredients by Nature said that the company is incredibly proud to be recognized for Eriomin’s positive impact on healthy aging as a dietary supplement. 

“This accolade reinforces the fact that our research is making a difference,” he said. “We're going to shout it from the rooftops! It underscores our commitment to investing in clinical research to promote healthier lives through natural ingredients—staying true to my grandfather's and father's company mission established over 90 years ago.”

Microbiome modulation: Benicaros, NutriLeads​

Benicaros, an ingredient upcycled from carrot pomace, has prebiotic effects at 300 mg doses, which the judges highlighted will generate significant interest in the market. 

“The upcycled story combined with solid scientific substantiation for the ingredient’s gut and immune benefits at low doses made this a very strong entry in a very competitive category,” they said.

Clinical trials support the precision prebiotic’s capacity to both efficiently train the innate immune system and increase beneficial gut bacteria and their production of short chain fatty acids to promote resilience across nearly all gut types without bloating or discomfort. These attributes also won Benicaros a 2022 NutraIngredients-USA Ingredient of the Year award shortly after it entered the market in 2021.

“This recognition confirms the uniqueness of Benicaros, a precision prebiotic with ground-breaking health benefits,” said Joana Carneiro-Wakefield, PhD, CEO at NutriLeads. “As a plant-based, upcycled and complex fiber, it delivers reliable benefits with an exceptionally low daily serving size. Customers can ‘strike carrot gold’ in gut and immune health innovation.”

She added that the award will help raise awareness of the importance of prebiotic fiber structure for robust and consistent prebiotic benefits across all gut types. 

Sports nutrition: ActivAMP, Gencor/BTC​ Corporation

The judges favored ActiveAMP due to its strong body of clinical research, effects it displays after 16 weeks of supplementation, practical dose and dual mechanism of action. 

“ActiveAMP’s application in both sports nutrition and weight management make it a double threat—helping active consumers reach their fitness and weight goals,” they noted, adding that with the rise of GLP-1 drugs, the formulation is an ideal option for those who are ‘Ozempic curious.'

The ingredient is an extract of adaptogenic herb Gynostemma pentaphyllum​, whose compounds have been shown to activate an enzyme called AMPactivated protein kinase (AMPk). Often called the “master metabolic regulator”, the enzyme switches on the same fat-burning and energy-producing metabolic processes that exercise does. By regulating metabolic activity in the liver, lipids, skeletal muscle and brain, AMPk influences glucose utilization, oxidation and appetite.

"Gencor, along with our partner, BTC, are incredibly proud of the clinical data that supports ActivAMP as an ingredient with great promise for sports nutrition, specifically, its ability to increase exercise performance by up to 4%, aid in post-workout recovery and improve body weight," a company spokesperson said.