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Best New Products 2017

Vitamin Retailer’s 2017 Best New Products

by Janet Poveromo | December 1, 2017

For the 10th consecutive year, VR editors and retailers assembled the year’s best new natural products on the market!

Ten years ago, Vitamin Retailer (VR) magazine decided to honor the year’s top products. The staff reviewed hundreds of press releases and products spotted at trade shows launched in late 2016 through 2017 to determine the best new offerings, paying close attention to ingredients, delivery systems, consumer need and popularity.

After the VR editors sifted through contenders, we asked a pool of retailers to weigh in on our picks based on what has been selling in their stores, along with what they perceive as innovative and high quality. The retailers were also asked to contribute recommended nominees for us to consider as well. Based on that feedback, we were able to narrow the list down to 10 winners, which readers will find below.

We would personally like to extend a sincere “thank you” to not only all of the retailers who took part, but the manufacturers who created these memorable and successful products.

In no particular order, VR presents the 2017 best new products!

My Magic Mud Product Line

My Magic Mud Whitening Toothpaste

My Magic Mud | New Braunfels, TX | (844) 624-4263

My Magic Mud Whitening Toothpaste is the first toothpaste to combine activated coconut shell charcoal and bentonite clay. It is made with smart and wholesome ingredients and is fluoride free, non-GMO (genetically modified organism), and Natural Cosmetics Standard certified.

“My Magic Mud Activated Charcoal Toothpaste has been a great new item for us. The tooth powder sold well for us, but the ease of use of a toothpaste seems to be what customers are after,” said Travis Lemon, manager/herbalist with Healthy Life Market in Barboursville, WV. “I think the simplicity of ingredients is something that many customers are noticing.”

“This product does a good job of leaving your mouth feeling truly refreshed. Charcoal is an increasingly popular product in our store,” noted Ramona Billingslea, of Betsy’s Health Foods in Houston, TX.

“Great whitening action,” said Vito Buccaro, manager of Highland Health Foods in Highland Park, IL. “We set up a display at the checkout and it sold out within a few days. There’s a lot of repeat customers and new customers either looking for the product by name or just interested in a charcoal toothpaste.”

The MSRP for a 4-oz. tube is $9.99.

Medicine Springs

Medicine Springs (Joint, Sport and Skin)

Medicine Springs, Inc. | Helena, MT | (406) 461-2055

Medicine Springs has taken the chemical analysis of some of the most famous healing hot springs from around the world. The company separated the compounds and reactions and packaged it so the consumer can turn their bath or hot tub into these world famous hot springs. This product is loaded with essential minerals, which are absorbed through the skin: magnesium, calcium, potassium, bicarbonates and chlorides. Three types are available: Joint Formula—ideal natural pain relief for arthritis, fibromyalgia and joint conditions; Sport Formula—natural relief for sore muscles and recovery; and Skin Formula—natural relief for skin problems, such as eczema and psoriasis.

Dionne Ryder, supplements manager with Grassroots Natural Market in Denville, NJ, noted that this is a good fall/winter product. “It can be put in the hot tub and lasts three months. I love it.”

The MSRP for the bath size (two baths) is $14.99; the MSRP for the hot tub size is $49.

Enzymedica Acid Soothe Chewable

Chewable Acid Soothe

Enzymedica | Venice, FL | (888) 918-1118

Acid Soothe is a product for individuals suffering from occasional gastrointestinal distress and discomfort. Zinc carnosine is included to help strengthen the mucosal lining of the stomach, acting as a buffer to gastric acid. Acid Soothe contains amylase, lipase and cellulase Thera-blend enzymes to enhance carbohydrate fat, and fiber digestion. The all-natural ingredients, including organic tapioca dextrose, help to form the chewable tablet. The product contains no artificial colors, flavors, fillers or binders.

Kris Wear, co-owner and CEO of World of Nutrition in Nampa, ID said, “Acid Soothe was always a good seller and people love the immediate results from a chewable.”

The MSRP for a 30-ct. bottle is $10.99.

Bluebonnet BloodPressure

Targeted Choice Blood Pressure Support Vegetable Capsules

Bluebonnet Nutrition | Sugar Land, TX | (800) 580-8866

Targeted Choice Blood Pressure Support Vegetable Capsules are a wholesomely crafted blood pressure support formula that contains a blend of complementary vitamins, minerals and sustainably harvested or wild-crafted herbal extracts, as well as pharmaceutical-grade amino acids plus CoQ10 to help maintain blood pressure levels already within the normal range. This unique vegan/vegetarian (soy-, gluten- and milk free), non-GMO, kosher-certified, structure-function formula is important for those looking for a truly natural solution to managing their blood pressure.

“We like the combination of basic nutrients for blood pressure health coupled with herbs,” said Billingslea. “We also like Bluebonnet’s commitment to sustainability in its choice of herbs sourced. We especially appreciate Bluebonnet’s commitment to the brick-and-mortar retailer with its strictly enforced MAP (minimum advertised pricing) policy that helps keep the playing field even for all.”

The MSRP for a 60-ct. bottle is $22.95 and $33.95 for a 90-ct. bottle.

Terry Natural's ClinicalOPC w/ PineBark

Clinical OPC with Pine Bark

EuroPharma | Green Bay, WI | (866) 598-5487

Clinical OPC with Pine Bark combines two synergistic sources of oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) to provide full spectrum health support. High potency antioxidants play a role in every function in the body. Your cells depend on them to neutralize free radicals for optimal energy production, helping your heart to beat, your eyes to see, and your brain to process information.*

“Clinical OPC,” said Wear, “Like the rest of Terry’s products, science and literature are great tools to sell this product.”

The MSRP for 30 capsules is $33.95.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

Garden of Life Whey

SPORT Certified Grass Fed Whey

Garden of Life | Palm Beach Gardens, FL | (800) 622-8986

From pre-workout to post-workout and everywhere in between, Garden of Life SPORT has you covered. The premium quality, clean Certified Grass Fed Whey is not only free of hormones and antibiotics, but also the only Non-GMO Project Verified Whey. Due to these third-party certifications, Certified Grass Fed Whey is also NSF Certified for Sport and Informed-Choice for Sport Certified—absolutely no athletic banned substances in this clean whey protein. With 24 g grass fed whey protein, 6 g BCAAs and 4 g glutamine and glutamic acid, SPORT Grass Fed Whey refuels and repairs muscles* in vanilla and chocolate flavors.

Wear enthused, “The Sport line, including Organic Plant-based Energy + Focus, Organic Plant-Based Protein, Certified Grass-fed Whey, Organic Plant-based Recovery, Performance Protein Bar—[one of the] more exciting and good moving line additions from Garden of Life!”

Lemon added, “Garden of Life Sport line is doing great for us, as well. Customers think clean products when they see Garden Of Life. A truly clean sports nutrition line with the focus on certified grass fed whey and high quality plant-based options is a big selling point for many health conscious active customers.”

The MSRP for a 23-oz. tub is $54.95.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

Natural Factors B

BioCoenzymated B Vitamins

Natural Factors | Monroe, WA | (877) 551-2179

BioCoenzymated B vitamins are innovative one-a-day formulas providing the metabolically active form of B vitamins in a synergistic base of bioenergetic nutrients. Taking B vitamins already in their coenzymated form allows the body to use the active B vitamins directly. Thus, the amount that is required by the body is less in order to achieve the same benefits.

BioCoenzymated takes it one step further. Using the proprietary EnviroSimplex technology, Natural Factors created a unique biocoenzymated process using Farm Fresh Factors, farm fresh plant extracts from whole food sources (many of which are from Factors Farms) and the coenzyme form of B vitamins to create the most metabolically active nutrient. The synergy between the phytochemicals found in these plant extracts and the coenzyme B vitamin optimizes absorption.

“Natural Factors’ new line of coenzymated Bs includes Farm Fresh Factors and a slew of organic, super foods,” said Billingslea. “Since an increasing number of people seem to have difficulty with the absorption of key B vitamins, this seems like a promising line.”

The MSRP for BioCoenzymated Methylfolate 1,000 mcg is $19.95; BioCoenzymated Pyridoxal 5’-phosphate 50 mg, $9.95; BioCoenzymated Nicotinamide Riboside 125 mg, $33.95; BioCoenzymated Riboflavin 5’-phosphate 50 mg, $9.95.

Carlson Olive Your Heart

Olive your Heart, Basil/Lemon/Garlic/Natural

Carlson Labs | Arlington Heights, IL | (888) 234-5656

Carlson Olive your Heart blends cold-pressed Greek Terra Creta extra virgin olive oil with premium Norwegian marine oil sourced from deep, cold-water fish. Each serving provides 1,480 mg of omega-3s, including EPA and DHA. Olive your Heart is mild and smooth, and makes it easy and delicious to add heart healthy nutrients into your diet. Pick from Basil, Lemon, Garlic, or Natural Flavor.

“Just great!” said Buccaro. “We have demoed it using bread and Parmesan, and customers love it. It’s a great idea combining omega-3 fatty acids with olive oil (oleic acid).

“This crosses from supplements into grocery. I like bringing areas together,” said Ryder.

The MSRP for a 250 ml bottle is $19.98.

Pranarom Organic Virgin Plant Oils

Organic Virgin Plant Oils

Veriditas by Pranarom | Minneapolis, MN | (952) 831-6776

Certified Organic Virgin Plant Oils, from first cold pressing, are rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants. These vibrant lipids are packed with therapeutic health benefits to nourish the skin and body. There are many healthful benefits in each oil when used on their own and are excellent when aromatized with essential oils or aromatic hydrosols. These 12 organic oils—argan, arnica, black cumin, borage, calendula, carrot, evening primrose, hazelnut, macadamia, avacado, St. John’s wort and tamanu—provide the perfect addition to a daily routine.

“Organic Virgin and Plant Oils,” said Wear, “a great seller as soon as we brought them in.”

“We have been excited about the new line of cold-pressed or macerated plant oils from Veriditas,” added Billingslea. “These oils are ecocert-verified organic, very high quality products with many uses. The cold-pressed oils can even be taken internally as well as used topically. This essential oil company has really impressed us with their quality, knowledge, sustainability, and the support materials they provide for education of employees and customers.” The MSRP for a 2-oz. bottle ranges from $9.99 to $16.99.

Hemp Fusion 5.0

HempFusion 5.0

MetaCan, Inc. | Roswell, GA | (877) 669-4367

HempFusion (a MetaCan Company) has been accredited with creating a new category with the introduction of hemp-based nutritional supplements, according to the company. HempFusion is an all natural, plant-based product line predicated on the amazing health benefits of its proprietary Whole Food Hemp Complex derived from full-spectrum nutritional hemp, as well as other botanicals and naturally occurring dietary hemp phyto compounds that support and interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to achieve balance.

“I don’t know if HempFusion came out in 2016 or 2017,” said Billingslea, “but these products win my vote for the CBD/endocannabanoid products hands down.” “HempFusion is a big seller for us,” added Ryder. “There’s something synergistic about using the plant as a whole.”

The MSRP for a 30-ct. bottle is $39.99. VR

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