Competitors, judges, and industry friends joined together at Agua Barcelona (May. 6) to celebrate and award this year’s 16 outstanding winners.
“2026 stood out as a year of real breakthroughs for the nutraceutical industry,” said Ewa Hudson, Lumina Intelligence director of insights and chair of the judging panel. “From patented technologies to clinically robust science, this year’s winners introduced innovative, scalable, and cost‑effective nutritional solutions addressing key consumer needs — from mind and mood and microbiome health to women’s health across the lifespan.
“Judges were impressed by the strength of the clinical foundations, the genuine disruptive potential of the innovations, and clear evidence of commercial success. Above all, the winners demonstrated how thoughtful innovation can translate into meaningful health benefits for consumers worldwide.”
After a record number of entries, those who made the shortlist had to really shine in order to stand out from the crowd, said Nikki Hancocks, NutraIngredients Europe Editor.
“As always, our industry expert panel of judges were meticulous in their assessment of applications to ensure prizes were won by the best of the best,” she added. “A huge congratulations to our very worthy winners.”
The awards categories are built to recognize all aspects of the nutraceuticals community, from research and initiatives, to innovative products and commercial successes.
The 2026 winners are:
Ingredient of the Year
Beauty from within - Elissara, Monteloeder by Suannutra.
Elissara is a patented botanical blend designed to support scalp health for stronger, better-looking hair from within. The ingredient is clinically backed to help balance sebum, improve hydration, and reinforce barrier function to improve hair appearance and visible radiance.
Elissara stood out to judges due to its intriguing multi-herbal composition, format versatility and proven benefits for both skin and scalp.
“Its ability to target aging, acne, inflammation and irritation meets consumer demand for holistic beauty solutions and its established commercial success demonstrates its industry-wide impact,” said judges.
Botanical - Vanizem by Nektium
This fast-acting, non-sedative botanical extract from Aframomum melegueta uniquely breaks the stress-mood-sleep cycle by inhibiting the FAAH enzyme. It is clinically shown to reduce anxious feelings, enhance mood, and improve sleep at a low daily dose.
Judges liked Vanizem’s compelling blend of innovation, scientific credibility, commercial success, and responsible sourcing.
“As a relatively new entrant to the market, it distinguishes itself through proprietary extraction methods and a patent pending encapsulation technology that elevates its performance and reliability,” said judges. “The ingredient is supported by a robust scientific dossier including toxicology, mode of action research, and clinical studies.”
Healthspan - Levagen by Saanroo
As a cold-water-dispersible Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), Levagen+ uses LipiSperse technology to ensure maximum absorption and target the root causes of cellular aging. With more than 18 published clinical studies, it has been shown to manage systemic inflammation and support joint comfort, muscle recovery, and cognitive function.
“We selected Levagen+ as our winning Healthspan ingredient because it combines solid clinical backing across various health benefits, commercial traction, versatility in applications and innovative potential,” said judges. “Its proven track record with established brands make it a strong candidate for the Healthspan category.”
Microbiome Modulation - HOWARU GI Complete by IFF Health Sciences
HOWARU GI Complete is a pre-formulated blend of five GRAS-approved, clinically documented strains (NCFM, Lpc-37, Bl-04, Bi-07, HN019). It is recognised for its strong scientific foundation, uniting five well characterised probiotic strains backed by extensive clinical research demonstrating broad and reliable benefits for digestive wellness.
“With sales in several European countries established in a short period of time, robust safety, and proven consumer relevant outcomes, HOWARU GI Complete stands out as a trusted, evidence based solution capable of supporting millions seeking comprehensive gut health support,” said judges.
Sports Nutrition - L. plantarum TWK10 by Synbio Tech
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum TWK10 is clinically proven to support endurance, recovery and body
composition through the gut–muscle axis. Uniquely available in both probiotic and postbiotic formats, TWK10 offers exceptional flexibility for use across supplements and functional foods.
“Supported by credible human data from multiple studies, TWK10 stood out in a competitive category for boosting endurance, recovery, and enhancing protein absorption,” judges said.
The panel further noted the ingredient’s strong commercial success as well as its formulation flexibility, making it a worthy winner of this award.
Mind and Mood - Vanizem by Nektium
This fast-acting, non-sedative botanical extract from Aframomum melegueta was recognised for its highly innovative vanilloid technology, delivering fast acting improvements in mood and sleep through modulation of the body’s endocannabinoid system.
“With a distinctive mechanism, strong early clinical signals, and impressive commercial momentum, Vanizem stands out as a breakthrough botanical with genuine disruptive potential and exciting opportunities for future expansion,” said judges.
Product of the Year Awards
Beauty from within - RINGANAbty by RINGANA
RINGANAbty is an innovative drink that delivers a fresh skin boost through a unique, study-backed combination of hero ingredients. VeCollal provides vegan, fermented amino acids inspired by type I collagen, while vitamin C supports natural collagen formation for firmness and structure. GreenIuronic hyaluronic acid from silver ear mushroom hydrates the skin for a plumper, smoother look. Omegia sea buckthorn seed and berry oil supplies beauty omega fatty acids (3, 6, 7, 9). Miliacin and ceramides support skin quality and fuller-looking hair.
Judges felt RINGANAbty stood out for its compelling, consumer-friendly format,which uses a differentiated emulsion concept that combines aqueous and oily actives in a convenient RTD solution.
Healthspan – Medox by MedPalett
Medox is an extensively researched anthocyanin formulation developed to support vitality and vascular and cellular function. Backed by decades of clinical research and consistent real-world use. The product has been commercially successful for over two decades, clearly showing high brand recognition, and strong retail and commercial interest with 30% YOY growth.
“Medox is a clinically substantiated product with an unusually strong depth of finished-product human evidence across biologically meaningful biomarkers,” said judges.
Microbiome Modulation - Gabapral by PharmExtracta
Gabapral is a clinically validated probiotic designed to support microbiota–gut–brain axis balance in children and adolescents with recurrent abdominal pain and irritable bowel syndrome. It contains Bifidobacterium adolescentis PRL2019, a high GABA-producing strain selected for its targeted neuroenteric activity.
“Gabapral represents a significant breakthrough in the microbiome arena by introducing clinically validated psychobiotic innovation into the pediatric space,” said judges. “The product stands out on a solid scientific foundation with compelling early clinical evidence.”
Sports Nutrition - CurraNZ Original New Zealand Blackcurrant by Health Currancy
CurraNZ is a next‑generation blackcurrant anthocyanin sports supplement containing the proprietary extract, Enzans. Naturally sourced, Informed‑Sport certified and clinically researched, its unique anthocyanin profile changes muscle metabolism and increases endurance.
“CurraNZ stood out in a competitive category with strong science supporting the product’s efficacy for performance and recovery,” judges said. “The documented effects on glycogen storage and muscle metabolism combined with the validation from professional athletes using the product gave CurraNZ the differentiating X-factor.”
Specialty Awards
Editors Award for Sustainability Initiative of the Year – Ocean Actives H+ by Oceanium
Derived from regenerative seaweed and manufactured using a low-waste biorefinery, Ocean Actives H+ delivers gut health benefits at microdose levels, significantly reducing resource use. The model supports ocean restoration, biodiversity and coastal livelihoods, while offering a scalable alternative to land-intensive prebiotics.
Judges felt this application stood out for its ability to create zero-waste, high-value ingredients for nutrition, cosmetics and biomaterials.
They said: “Supported by strong commercial interest and engagement from sustainability stakeholders, Oceanium delivers measurable sustainability impact while remaining scientifically credible and commercially viable.”
Innovation in Women’s Health – iNatal by PharmExtracta
iNatal is a probiotic formulation developed to support maternal health during pregnancy. It combines four well-characterized strains Enterococcus faecium L3, Bifidobacterium BB-12, Lactobacillus casei R0215, and Lactococcus lactis SP38 selected for their targeted action on vaginal and intestinal microbiota. Clinical evidence supports its ability to reduce key risks in pregnancy: premature rupture of membranes (PROM), antibiotic use, and pathogenic colonization.
“With strong clinical foundations, clear differentiation, and the potential to reduce reliance on antibiotics, the judges commend iNatal as an impactful innovation that deserves widespread clinical advocacy,” judges said.
Marketing Initiative of the Year – The Unsponsored Supermarket Truth – Tonic Health
One of Europe’s fastest-growing and most followed nutrition brands, Tonic exposes misleading claims, ultraprocessed foods, sugar, and industry tactics in this educational marketing initiative. Its goal is to empower consumers with clear, evidence-based swaps, delivered through shortform social video, publishing around 2,000 videos per year for its 1.6M followers.
“This initiative has achieved the near‑impossible by capturing the full imagination of its channel’s audience, marking a powerful turning point in digital nutrition education. Its extraordinary engagement levels rival those of public health communication campaigns, setting a new benchmark for authentic, high‑impact wellness content,” said judges.
Nutrition Research Project – Magtein Brain Magnesium Research Program
The Magtein research programme addresses a key limitation in nutrition: the minimal impact of conventional magnesium on brain function.
Since 2010, the program has driven the generation of 45+ peer-reviewed publications globally, including five clinical human trials, with additional studies ongoing through 2030. Conducted across 3 continents and multiple populations, these studies demonstrate significant improvements in cognition, sleep quality, and physiological resilience markers such as heart rate variability.
Judges said: “The programme combines preclinical and peer-reviewed human clinical trials, and the breadth and depth demonstrate Threotech’s commitment to robust research infrastructure that set it apart from the other entries.”
Startup – Nucaps
NUCAPS is an international biotech company using proprietary protein-based microencapsulation technology for probiotics, bioactives and flavours, to enhance theeffectiveness and cost of bioactive natural products and probiotics.
“With a remarkable commercial trajectory, robust clinical proof, patents, and wide relevance across human and pet markets, it represents a genuine game changer for large scale manufacturers and the future of functional ingredients,” judges said.
NutraChampion - Dr. Ralf Jager
This year’s NutraChamp is a highly influential member of the industry that has moved the science forward significantly across multiple categories.
His research portfolio includes studies on biotics, beta-glucans, omega-3s, botanicals, and much more. He contributed to the early clinical understanding of creatine supplementation, helping to establish its role in strength and performance.
He was a pioneer in demonstrated that high-quality plant proteins can match animal proteins in supporting muscle and training. And his work has expanded established ingredients into many new applications.
He connects stakeholders, joins the dots scientifically and commercially, and he’s an inspiration to many.