Virginia Dare Welcomes the Wellness in All Its Flavors at SupplySide West

The globally recognized flavor experts deliver inspired taste profiles in health and wellness applications

LAS VEGAS, Nevada – (October 12, 2022) – Virginia Dare says that it’s time to welcome a new era of health and wellness application development: one that’s defined by alternative functional product formats with better, trending flavor profiles.

“If you started practicing a healthier lifestyle during and after the pandemic, you’re not alone,” said Philip Caputo, Virginia Dare’s Marketing & Consumer Insights Manager. “The past few years have pushed so many consumers to turn the mirror inward and look at how we can improve our own physical and mental wellbeing. That’s leading to many new opportunities for formulators when it comes to flavor.”

One of those trends is the sober curious movement, which Virginia Dare is highlighting via two of its samples at the show, with flavors inspired by zero-proof cocktails. Innova Market Insights reports that while new product launches in alcoholic drinks has grown significantly in the five years between 2016-2020, the number of low-to-no-alcoholic drinks nearly doubled.On top of this, recent IWSR consumer research found over half of the consumers polled are drinking more nonalcoholic beverages than last year, and 60% of them want to choose from better options.

“It’s a trend that’s catching fire in among consumers, especially the younger audience,” Caputo said. “We thought that SupplySide West was the perfect platform to put this trend in the spotlight, as it’s the premier show for better health and nutrition.”

Show attendees can visit Virginia Dare’s booth #3465 during the Nov. 2-3 show in Las Vegas to samples of flavors from its zero-proof cocktail- and nostalgia-inspired flavor portfolios:

• Whey Protein Shake (Limoncello Flavor)
• Natural Electrolyte Hydration Beverage (Hibiscus Grapefruit Paloma Flavor)
• Vitamin Pixy Stick (Fruity Rainbow Candy Flavor)
• Energy Shot (Red Berry Pucker Patch Candy Flavor) 
• Moodfluencing Adaptogen Gummy (Raspberry Black Tea Flavor)

“Flavor makes us happy – simple as that,” Caputo said. “Imagine if the protein drink you sip after a tough tennis match tastes just like a cocktail you’d enjoy with your friends at brunch, or the protein bar you enjoy tastes like a bowl of cereal milk. It makes that exercise experience even better. We’re here to push people out of their comfort zones when it comes to how flavor, product format, and functional ingredients work together to create a delicious, on-trend new product.”

As the experts in delivering consumer-preferred taste, Virginia Dare’s flavorists and food scientists provide individualized assistance and expertise for formulators looking to develop applications with challenging ingredients. In addition to the zero-proof cocktail and nostalgic flavor themes, Virginia Dare’s Taste Foundations platform includes the industry’s highest quality vanilla, tea, coffee, and cocoa extracts.

“Virginia Dare is celebrating our centennial in 2023,” Caputo said. “We can’t wait to find out what the next 100 years hold for our company. We love being a part of this industry and helping formulators dream on how their products can push the boundaries of the market.”

For more information on Virginia Dare or to schedule a meeting at the show, visit its website.