For the 14th consecutive year, Vitamin Retailer, with the guidance of a retailer panel, assembled the year’s best new natural products.

Fourteen years ago, Vitamin Retailer (VR) magazine decided to honor the year’s top products 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 in 2020 through 2021.

The VR editorial staff would like to extend sincere thanks to not only all of the retailers who participated, but also the manufacturers who created these memorable and successful products in a time during which they were needed most.

In no particular order, VR presents the 2021 best new products!

CuraMed Acute Pain Relief by Terry Naturally/Europharma

CuraMed Acute Pain Relief† by Terry Naturally/Europharma (Green Bay, WI) features a unique delivery system that joins modern day science with time tested botanical wisdom, according to the company. This new groundbreaking, clinically proven technology emulsifies powerful, clinically studied ingredients with black sesame seed oil for outstanding benefits.* Any difficulty in swallowing standard capsules or tablets? No problem. CuraMed Acute Pain Relief is a small, fast dissolving^ option. Skip the usual pain relief products. There’s a better choice that’s both fast-acting and safe for acute pain relief.†

“These quick-acting soft gels include the clinically studied BCM-95 curcumin extract and BOS-10 boswellia extract that we all know and love, but this new formula also includes antioxidant-rich black sesame seed oil,” said Travis Lemon, owner/operator and certified herbalist, Tulsi at the Market (Huntington, WV). “These fast-dissolving gel caps also make a great option for those that have trouble swallowing larger capsules and tablets.”

The gel caps are available in a container of 60 for $49.95.

For more information, call (866) 598-5487 or visit www.europharmausa.com.

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

†Occasional muscle pain or inflammation due to exercise or overuse.

^Ruptures in less than 15 minutes meeting the United States Pharmacopeia test specifications.

Mykind Organics Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies by Garden of Life

MyKind Organics Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies (ACV) by Garden of Life (West Palm Beach, FL) are deliciously different, the company stated. Just one delicious green apple & strawberry gummy provides 500 mg of apple cider vinegar including 5 percent acetic acid—the active ingredient. The organic fruit blend contains no artificial ingredients or gelatin. They are made from Certified USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) Organic Plants, Non-GMO (genetically modified organism) Project Verified and certified vegan.

“Apple cider vinegar can be a helpful supplement for many, but the flavor can be a little too much for some. It was great to see Garden of Life launch not just one, but four great tasting ACV gummies,” said Lemon. “These ACV gummies are so easy to add into one’s day and perfect for travel.”

The gummies are available for $19.99 for 60 servings.

For more information, visit www.gardenoflife.com.

Digest Gold Smiles Probiotic Mints by Enzymedica

These novel quick-melting mints by Enzymedica (Venice, FL) provide a probiotic clinically studied for periodontal and immune health.* They provide periodontal support for healthy gums, teeth and fresh breath.* This shelf stable, gluten-free, no sugar added supplement delivers 12 billion cells per serving of HK Lactobacillus plantarum L-137 probiotic, the company stated. Heat treatment locks in peak levels of the L-137 probiotic before these levels naturally decline throughout the lifecycle, which also allows it to be stable as HK L-137 in the oral cavity as well as in gastric acid. A novel two layer quick-melt shell was developed for Digest Gold Smiles to protect the HK L-137 probiotic cells, thereby providing better periodontal health support, the company stated.*

“The Digest Gold Smiles Probiotic Mints from Enzymedica have been a big hit for their strong minty mouth-freshening flavor packed with probiotic benefits for the whole mouth and gums,” said Alina Hornfeldt, marketing manager, Mastel’s Health Foods, Minneapolis, MN. “The blister packaging makes them great to tote along with you throughout the day.”

The mints are available for a suggested retail price of $19.99 for 30 mints.

For more information, call (888) 918-1118 or visit www.enzymedica.com.

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

U.T. Vibrance by Vibrant Health

U.T. Vibrance by Vibrant Health (Shelton, CT) is a crisis intervention formula with a combination of D-Mannose and anti-adherent botanicals which work synergistically to eradicate E. coli bacteria from the urinary tract, according to the company. D-Mannose lures the E. coli from the urinary tract wall, while anti-adherent botanicals simultaneously prevent E. coli from reattaching.

• D-Mannose eradicates E. coli bacteria form the urinary tract
• Anti-septic properties help to prevent burning and painful urination
• Diuretic properties help to remove E. coli bacteria from the body

“This past year has also brought in an influx of urinary issues,” reflected Dianna Singh, owner/operator of Elk Grove Vitamins located in Elk Grove, CA. “Vibrant Health has one of the best products I have seen. Their U.T. Vibrance 10 Packets are fantastic. It’s a formula that is quick as well as effective. Not to mention, the packets are convenient, and a perfect alternative for traveling for those with busy lifestyles.”

They are available in stick pads, powder and tablets for $31.20.

For more information, visit www.vibranthealth.com.

Mighty Mushroom Broth by Om Mushrooms

Om’s (Carlsbad, CA) organic Mighty Mushroom Broth is full of earthy, mushroom goodness. This delicious blend of natural ingredients was formulated to nourish the body and mind, and help people rise to the challenges of their days, the company stated.

This broth offers a rich umami flavor. Each serving is packed with 3,600 mg of nutrient-dense functional mushrooms, including shiitake, maitake, turkey tail, reishi, lion’s mane and king trumpet—plus herbs, spices and 7 g of plant protein. Made with simple, natural ingredients, and without caffeine or sugar, the vegan Mighty Mushroom Broth will fill customers up, without letting them down.

Mighty Mushroom Broth can be added to daily wellness routines to support memory, focus and clarity, as well as immune health, nerve health, joint health, bone health, skin, hair and nail health, digestive and gut health, stress-management and healthy aging.* The broth is USDA Organic, gluten free, vegan, keto-friendly, paleo-friendly, kosher and grown in the U.S.

“Tasty and functional nourishing broths are perfect for the cold season coming up here in Minnesota,” said Michele Anderson, purchasing manager, Mastel’s Health Foods. “The Om Mushroom Powdered Broth is the perfect snack and warms me up, too.”

It is available in a package of 20 single serving satchets for $34.99.

For more information, visit www.ommushrooms.com.

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

4 Kids Pain Relief by Hyland’s

Being a kid can be rough. All that activity and energy in one little body, not to mention all the growing and changing every day. Hyland’s knows that parents need natural relief for their child’s muscle aches, headaches and minor joint pain. The company’s newest remedy, Hyland’s 4 Kids Pain Relief, is created specifically for kids ages 2 to 12. Hyland’s 4 Kids medicines are made with natural active ingredients and without acetaminophen, so parents can get them soothing relief, and they can get back to feeling great. It temporarily relieves minor pain symptoms in children, including muscle aches, toothache, headache, cramps, stiffness, back pain and pain in joints or limbs. Hyland’s 4 Kids Pain Relief is FSA/HSA eligible.

“Hyalnd’s sore throat, pain relief and stuffy nose for kids is another great line of homeopathic products from the trusted homeopathic brand Hyland’s,” said Holly Prugar, supplement manager/buyer, The Mustard Seed, Watertown, NY. “These products are safe and easy to take for children ages 2-12.”

It is available in a 4-oz. bottle for $7.99.

For more information, visit www.shop.hylands.com.

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

Clinical Immunity Elderberry Gummies by LifeSeasons

Gummies can finally be taken seriously with Clinical Immunity Elderberry Gummies by LifeSeasons (Lewisville, TX). From the first bite, customers will know the difference—these delicious gummies taste like real elderberries, because they’re made with real elderberries, 75 elderberries per serving of three gummies, according to the company. These gluten-free gummies are great for the whole family and provide not only scientifically validated black elderberry, but also a vital dose of vitamins D3, C and zinc—all known to support a healthy, robust immune response.

“LifeSeasons Elderberry Gummies have twice the number of elderberries in each gummy compared to any other brand, and the flavor is amazing,” said Bill Ayzin, owner of Wealth of Health Natural Market located in Idaho Falls, ID. “Our customers are loving them.”

They are available for $24.99 in a 30-day supply of 75 gummies.

For more information, call (877) 455-2826 or visit www.lifeseasons.com.

Lung Capaci-T by LifeSeasons

Lung Capaci-T by LifeSeasons (Lewisville, TX) increases oxygen uptake in the lungs and helps thin mucus, and also soothes the respiratory tract, according to the company. It usually helps with breathing difficulties within 30 minutes of taking it. Most people experience an opening of the lungs, the ability to take in deeper breaths and a reduction in phlegm. Even greater results are typically seen when taking this product over a longer period of time, specifically for one to two months.* Everyone is different, and results will vary from person to person; the key is to maintain consistent use every day to see best results.*

Lung Capaci-T is a nutritional tonic, with many nourishing ingredients to help promote healthy breathing. The company said it uses vitamins D-3 and C, along with coQ10, n-acetyl cysteine, boswellia, mullein, green tea, Coleus forskohlii, grape seed, ginkgo, cordyceps, bromelain, eucalyptus, nettle and peppermint to soothe the respiratory tract and to help thin mucus. Three capsules can be taken with or without food.

“This product increases oxygen uptake in the lungs, thins mucus and soothes the respiratory tract. It also opens up the lungs and gives the ability to take deeper breaths,” said Susanne Engelbert, co-owner of Eterna Health Foods located in Mansfield, TX. “I have had many customers with lingering lung issues after COVID-19, and this product has helped them get some relief and continue the healing process. Many of my customers have reported a reduction in breathing difficulties within 30 minutes of taking.”

They are available in a 30-day supply of 90 vegetarian capsules for $36.99.

For more information, call (877) 455-2826 or visit www.lifeseasons.com.

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

CBD+CBG Gummies by WYLD

CBD+CBG Gummies by WYLD (Clackamas, OR) are pear flavored and infused with real fruit. Each gummy contains 20 mg of CBD and 10 mg of CBG, and they are made with broad spectrum hemp extract and are THC free. These gummies, according to the company, are perfect for balancing body and mind. It’s a little like a bubble bath for the brain. The gummies are third-party tested, vegan friendly and gluten free.

Singh said she has been impressed by the gummies. “It’s great to see CBD brands that are continuing to expand beyond just full-spectrum or broad-spectrum hemp extract and WYLD is doing just that,” she said. “They launched a delicious new gummy this year that included the ‘mother of all cannabinoids,’ CBG, paired with their already popular broad-spectrum CBD. Infused with real pear juice concentrate, these exciting gummies are a treat to add to any regimen.”

The gummies are available in a 20-ct bottle for $39.95.

For more information, visit www.wyldcbd.com.

PlusCBD Calm Gummies by CV Sciences

San Diego, CA-based CV Sciences’ PlusCBD Calm gummies support healthy stress responses. Each gummy contains 10 mg of CBD derived from sustainable hemp and two neurologically active amino acids: 5-HTP and L-Theanine. Their synergy, together with PlusCBD, promotes a balanced brain chemistry, which may help consumers manage occasional anxiety that can result from life’s stressors, the company stated.

“I love to see brands that treat CBD like a traditional supplement and include it in formulas with other herbs and supplements,” stated Lemon. “That is exactly what CV Sciences is doing with their new Calm & Sleep gummies. Each formula starts with 10 mg of their full-spectrum CBD and includes supplements like L-theanine and 5-HTP in their Calm gummies or magnolia bark, lemon balm and melatonin in their Sleep gummies. These new formulas have quickly become a customer favorite in our store.”

The strawberry lemonade-flavored gummies are available in a 30-ct container for $29.99.

For more information, visit www.pluscbdoil.com.

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