Yoshihiko Hani, publisher of Beverage Japan, and Steve Galloway of Galloway & Associates highlight stand-out beverage innovations recently launched in Japan — from fermented milk designed to support weight management to jelly drinks suitable for both humans and their pets, FoodBev Media reports.

Custard-pudding-inspired and fruit-and-vegetable drinks

Kyodo Dairies has relaunched its seasonal «shake-and-drink» dairy beverage, Nomu Meito no Nameraka Pudding, replicating the fluid mouthfeel and caramelised custard notes of its Nameraka Pudding dessert in a 180g cup. 

Elsewhere, Ito En released an Acai Bowl Smoothie pouch (30% mixed fruit juice, designed for home freezing) and Ichinichibun no Yasai Hyaluronic Acid Plus, a mixed vegetable drink for women with juice from 30 vegetable varieties, 16mg of lycopene and 120mg of sodium hyaluronate.

Fermented milk for weight management

BifiX Yogurt Alpha is a new functional fermented milk drink from Ezaki Glico, aimed at men and women in their 30s to 50s and targeting fat metabolism and weight management. Three variants are aimed at people with a high BMI, with approved claims for improving resting energy expenditure and reducing overall body fat. 

Each contains the proprietary BifiX Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis GCL2505 plus 5g of prebiotic inulin soluble fibre, and comes in 100g PET bottles (packs of 12) with a 22-day chilled shelf life. Optimised fermentation and low-processed milk ingredients keep the taste clean and light.

Jelly drinks for humans and pets

Morinaga Seika’s new Human and Pet Project offers soft drinks and foods safe for both dog owners and their pets, aiming to remove the barrier between human snacks and pet treats. 

Seven products have launched, including jelly drinks (in two varieties and four types), biscuits, frozen treats and pancakes. The jelly drinks — supervised by vets and developed with pet-food subsidiary Morinyu Sunworld — contain lactulose and dietary fibre. 

The name «One» plays on the Japanese «wan» («woof»): One Jelly Stick with Dog comes in apple and yogurt flavours (15g sticks, five per pack), while One Jelly Pouch with Dog has resealable pouches humans can drink from and dogs can be served in a bowl or as a food topping.

Source: FoodBev Media