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2018 Best New Products

Vitamin Retailer’s 2018 Best New Products

by Nicholas Saraceno | December 5, 2018

For the 11th consecutive year, VR, with the guidance of a retailer panel, assembled the year’s best new natural products.

Eleven years ago, Vitamin Retailer (VR) magazine decided to honor the year’s top products, and to do so by asking for the opinions of natural product retailers. Now, the objective remains the same, as these stores offer feedback and suggestions on items that made an impact on the market released starting late 2017 through 2018.

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 2018 best new products!

Beautiful Ally Line

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

Bluebonnet Nutrition introduces their age-defying beauty line: Beautiful Ally Hair, Skin & Nails V-caps, Biotin 10,000 mcg V-caps and Collagen Type I+III Powder & Caplets and Hyaluronic Acid 100 mg Soft Gels. Used daily, these non-GMO (genetically modified organism) formulas deliver nutrients that include vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, such as biotin, type I + III collagen peptides, keratin and MSM that are necessary for maintaining lustrous hair, skin and nails.

“From its sharp packaging to its formulations, this line has proven popular in our stores this year,” said Ramona Billingslea, marketing manager with Betsy’s Health Foods in Houston, TX. “We love Bluebonnet for its trustworthiness and its long-standing support of the independent retailer. We appreciate that they have not given in to the temptation of the quick dollar provided by Amazon to the detriment of long-term effects like so many other companies have done.”

These products range in MSRP from $17.95 to $37.95.

Calming Formula

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

Terry Naturally Animal Health Calming Formula features a species of echinacea—Echinacea angustifolia—grown under controlled conditions and processed using a special extraction. Research has found it delivers brain-specific compounds called alkamides, which are able to bind safely to brain receptors that trigger feelings of calm and relaxation. While other echinacea compounds are utilized for immune support, these specific compounds are key for mood and relaxation. Calming Formula works quickly and helps keep dogs calm and relaxed, helps with behavioral problem management and doesn’t cause drowsiness.

“So many customer reviews!” exclaimed Dianna Singh, owner, Elk Grove Vitamins and Cameron Park Vitamins in Elk Grove and Cameron Park, CA. “Calming is wonderful for anxious pets, vet visits, holiday crazies and small anxious dogs.”

A 45-ct. bottle has an MSRP of $35.95.

Whole Earth & Sea Women’s Prenatal Multivitamin & Mineral

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

Natural Factor’s Whole Earth & Sea Women’s Prenatal Multivitamin & Mineral, part of the company’s Whole Earth & Sea Multivitamins line, is a comprehensive, whole food-based supplement optimized for support from conception to birth and throughout breastfeeding. This formula is a major step up from basic prenatal vitamins, as it not only helps prevent nutrient deficiencies, but is carefully formulated to optimize maternal health and fetal development, according to the company. The bioenergetic formula includes Farm Fresh Factors, a nutrient-dense base made with fresh, raw earth and sea vegetables, cruciferous sprouts, polyphenol-rich fruits and herbs, carefully processed using EnviroSimplex technology to retain and intensify the total goodness of whole food. Two small, easy-to-swallow tablets a day provide folate, iron, vitamins B6 and B12, and many other essential nutrients, helping reduce the risk of neural tube defects and prevent iron deficiency anemia. The recommended suggested usage also provides 100 mg each of magnesium and calcium, 1,000 IU of vitamin D3, and other nutrients vital for building healthy bones, cartilage, teeth and gums, and for red blood cell production and muscle activity.

“The Whole Earth and Sea Multivitamins have been very popular in our stores this year, not just limited to the prenatal,” Billingslea noted. “Customers report being able to feel a difference, especially in energy, when using these multis. They also like the variety of nutrients these multis provide.

A 60-tablet bottle retails for $39.95.

Warrior Blend Protein

Sunwarrior | Washington, UT | (888) 540-3667

A perfect pre- and post-workout protein according to the manufacturer, Warrior Blend is an easily digestible, nutrient filled superfood perfect for anyone who wants to amplify his or her health and fitness. Warrior Blend fuses and multiplies the power of several rich protein sources into one smooth, great-tasting formula that’s overwhelmingly superior to the individual components alone. Medium chain triglycerides from coconut then join this dynamic fusion to create a unique, raw, plant-based protein with a complete amino acid profile exceptionally rich in arginine, lysine, leucine, and branched chain amino acids.

“This protein [Vanilla flavor], which contains organic pea protein and organic hemp protein along with organic goji berry, is a very popular mice blending protein suitable for vegetarians or any one who is looking for a great plant protein alternative to whey or milk based proteins,” said Jeff Stallop, co-owner of both Monmouth Health Foods (Manasquan, NJ) and Healthfair Natural and Organic Food Market (Little Silver, NJ).

Tubs of 15 and 30 servings have MSRPs starting at $23.99 and $35.99 respectively.

ECOSBreeze Room Spray

Earth Friendly Products | Cypress, CA | (800) 841-3100

ECOSBreeze Room Spray by Earth Friendly Products brings the freshness of nature into your home. With a unique selection of five signature scents (Bamboo & Lemon, Honeydew, Magnolia & Lily, Lavender Vanilla and Parsley), each bottle of ECOSBreeze Room Spray is infused with a custom, hand-crafted blend of essential oils designed with you in mind. One scent is Signature Bamboo Lemon formulated with a TRUE blend of purifying lemon, refreshing mountain pepper, harmonizing wild mint and invigorating eucalyptus essential oils. Low-VOC (volatile organic compounds). Long-lasting; more than 840 sprays per bottle.

“This room spray is popular in our store because it is usable around even the most sensitive of noses,” said Billingslea.

The 4-oz. sprays retail for $5 each.

Calm A.S.A.P.

Gaia Herbs | Brevard, NC | (800) 831-7780

We all have those occasional moments of high stress. It may be public speaking, a job interview, or even travel. No one is immune to these peak moments of worry and anxiousness. Gaia Herbs Calm A.S.A.P. was formulated with a harmonious blend of passionflower, skullcap, chamomile and lavender. These herbs have been used traditionally to provide a sense of calm and peace when you need it the most, taking you from feeling anxious to feeling tranquil.*

“Calm A.S.A.P. is a great new formula from Gaia Herbs,” said Travis Lemon, owner, Tulsi at the Market (Huntington, WV). “It combines the benefits of more traditional calming herbs like skullcap, chamomile and passionflower with the relaxing properties of lavender essential oil in a convenient liquid capsule.”

Thirty capsules retail for $15.99, while 60 capsules have an MSRP of $29.99.

*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

CannaCell Get Started Kit

Andalou Naturals | Novato, CA | (888) 898-6955

Discover your pure, natural beauty with CannaCell botanical skin care formulated with super-powered antioxidants cultivated from hemp stem cells, nourishing organic hemp seed oil and pure plant essential oils for a complexion that glows.

Featuring five skin care essentials in trial or travel sizes including an 0.8 fl.-oz. X.Foliate Scrub, 0.5. fl.-oz. D.Tox Mask, 1.0 fl.-oz. Hydrating Toner, 0.4 fl.-oz. Happy Day Cream and 0.4 fl.-oz. Dreamy Night Cream, the company’s proprietary CannaCell Hemp Stem Cells are naturally occurring phytocannabinoid antioxidants extracted from the mature stalk of the hemp plant. Super-powered antioxidants help defend against free radicals and counteract premature aging due to oxidative damage, pollution and UV (ultraviolet) sun exposure. It is also made with bioavailable vegan ingredients to be gentle and effective for all skin types.

“Another fantastic addition to the Andalou line,” said Holly Prugar, supplement buyer, The Mustard Seed Natural Market (Watertown, NY). “This cutting-edge product line contains hemp stem cells. The face care line is particularly outstanding!”

This kit retails for $19.99.

Arnicare Roll-on

Boiron | Newtown Square, PA | (610) 325-7464

Made with fresh mountain daisies (Arnica montana) from the French Alps, Boiron Arnicare Roll-on gel relieves everyday muscle aches and pains* without a traditional strong medicine smell. The no-mess roll-on applicator keeps hands clean, making this non-greasy gel even more convenient to apply on-the-go. This water-based gel cools and refreshes on contact. It is absorbed quickly by the skin, leaving no residue. As a homeopathic medicine it does not contain menthol, camphor, methyl salicylate, capsaicin, fragrances, dyes or parabens.

“This is one of our top sellers, including all their Arnica lines,” Singh said.

Arnicare Roll-on is available over the counter in a 1.5-oz tube with massaging roller ball for an MSRP of $8.49; a twin back of two 1.5-oz. tubes is also available, retailing for $13.49.

*Claims based on traditional homeopathic practice, not accepted medical evidence. Not FDA evaluated

Schizandra Berries & Creme

REBBL | Emeryville, CA | (855) 732-2500

Known as the “Five-Flavor Berry,” this exotic super berry is the star ingredient in this coconut milk based elixir. Schizandra has notes of sweet, sour, bitter, pungent and salty, and is a standout among the Chinese tonic herbs for promoting optimal wellness, and is known for helping to support heart and liver function.

“REBBL’s new Schizandra Berries & Creme flavor is a pretty potent schizandra supplement disguised as a delicious drink,” Lemon explained. “With 1,000 mg of a 5:1 schizandra extract, REBBL has made a convenient and tasty way to get the benefits of one of the most interesting apoptogenic herbs.”

A 12-oz. bottle of Schizandra Berries & Creme retails for $3.99.

CBD Tea

Buddha Teas | Emeryville, CA | (800) 460-0994

Once you’ve made the choice to use CBD as a way to generate better health, you want to make sure you aren’t pouring your investment down the drain, right? Since oil and water don’t mix, it’s important to choose a CBD tea that’s as bioavailable as possible. According to the company, because its CBD is processed in a way that takes the oil and makes it into a powder, when one drink its teas, with 5 mg water-soluble CBD in each bleach-free bag, customers are receiving a bioavailable experience they can count on. The four water-soluble CBD varieties include, CBD Chamomile Tea, CBD Matcha Tea, CBD Mint Tea and CBD Turmeric Ginger Tea.

“Buddha has four blends of tea … chamomile + CBD, peppermint + CBD, turmeric & ginger + CBD and matcha green tea + CBD that filled a void in the lines of CBDs,” said Kris Wear, owner, World of Nutrition (Nampa, ID). “Our customers have loved getting their CBD in a tea form and we have had good sales with these teas.”

Added Lemon, “Buddha Tea’s line of CBD teas is doing really well for us. They are a great introduction to CBD for customers who are not very familiar with CBD products and with 5 mg of water-soluble CBD per bag, they make a great on-the-go product for customers that already love CBD.”

One box of tea (containing 18 bleach-free tea bags) retails for $18, while three and six boxes have retail values of $54.99 and $99.96 respectively. A bundle containing all four varieties is also available for an MSRP of $69.99. For 15 percent off, use code CBD15. VR

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