In its 2019 global health survey of consumers across the globe, DSM discovered that energy levels are a number one concern for consumers.
Since then, the firm has probed further into its data to find out exactly what consumers are most concerned about energy and what solutions they want.
Showcasing the firm's range of energy drink prototypes at FiE in Paris, Martin Mei, food and beverage lead, EMEA, human nutrition & health at DSM, told NutraIngredients, the firm realised this is a health concern that spans all ages and interests.
"We found that energy is a rising concern, both in terms of physical energy and mental clarity and this concern spans from the sports athlete to the ageing consumer who just wants to remain active."
“We’ve created a different energy solution for every area of the market, from the young to the elderly.”
e-gamers
For the young online gamers, DSM showcased its ‘energyXTREME’ canned fizzy drink. This concept includes sugar, caffeine, taurine, B vitamins, Vitamin C, magnesium, zinc, plus lutein for eye health - the second biggest health concern according to DSM's survey.
Mei says the firm believes lutein is going to become ever more popular with all age groups as awareness about the health impacts of blue light grows.
“Eye health continues to be a big concern. We’ve created a concept that addresses the energy concern and the eye health concern which we believe will particularly appeal to the gamers, especially in Asia where this is a very big market, but elsewhere as well.”
All ‘Natural’
With DSM's survey revealing the importance of ‘naturalness’ to many consumers, the firm also showcased an ‘ENERGYnatural’ prototype - a kiwi and strawberry still juice drink with coffee beans, green tea, ginseng, ginger, B vitamins, vitamin C and E, calcium and magnesium.
Mei explains that this 'natural' ingredients list would appeal to consumers who prefer to follow a plant-based or 'clean' diet.
Energy and immunity
For the business person on the go, the firm created a canned coffee solution containing caffeine, sugar, B vitamins, vitamin A, C and E, plus zinc and selenium.
“We’ve created a solution for the business person who needs to keep up their mental clarity throughout the day but who also needs to look after their immune system as they might be travelling the globe, meeting new associates and shaking lots of hands!” says Mei.
Ageing well
Finally, DSM’s solution for the ageing consumer was an isotonic raspberry and blackcurrant isotonic sports drink in a carton, providing glucose, maltodextrin, whey protein, B vitamins, vitamin C and D3, magnesium, calcium and potassium.
Mei explains: "This solution was created for the growing market of ageing consumers who want to remain fit and active during their retirement."