Beverage company Rebbl has launched three new plant-based, indulgent beverages that tout functional benefits due to their adaptogenic ingredients, such as ashwagandha. By investing in local economies and employing organic and sustainable agricultural practices, the company also aims to boost its sustainability and transparency profile. The new flavors of the “super herb elixirs” include Yerba Mate Mint Latte, Hazelnut Chocolate Protein and Mint Chip Protein.

The beverages boast a low sugar content (4g per bottle), as they are sweetened with organic coconut sugar and stevia extract. The new line includes a wide range of “super herbs” and adaptogens, used in optimal levels of efficacy, according to the company. At the same time, the drinks include no gums, thickeners or artificial flavors.

The new range of beverages include herbs like moringa, matcha, ashwagandha, maca, and reishi, all of which boast functional benefits, notes Rebbl.

“Each ingredient has been carefully selected to nourish the body, while also supporting producers practicing sustainable agricultural methods and suppliers investing in their local communities,” the company says.

Adaptogens market growth

Adaptogens, hailed as able to stabilize physiological processes and promote homeostasis, are increasingly popular. There are several ingredients which are thought to have properties that would put them in the class of adaptogens. Currently, the “official” adaptogens are limited to the Asian and American ginseng, ashwagandha, eleutherococcus, schisandra (also known as magnolia berry or five-flavor-fruit), rhodiola rosea, rhaponticum (also known as Maral root) and cordyceps.

Ashwagandha is seeing an impressive uptake in usage in particular. Innova Market Insights data has shown a comparative increase of 48 percent in the number of food and beverage launches globally when comparing 2015 and 2018.

New product launches featuring adaptogens, such as ashwagandha, have included various innovative delivery forms that include chocolates, chewing gums, nutritional bars, burgers, soft chews, gummy bears, juices, ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages, coffee, tea and granola.

Yerba mate and transparency in sourcing

The Yerba Mate Mint Latte is formulated by a combination of the South American staple energy boosting mate and matcha, moringa and spirulina infused coconut milk. Additionally, the beverage is keto-friendly as the low sugar content and coconut help ketosis, according to Rebbl.

The mate for the drink is sourced from a small Argentinian farm that has developed a sustainable and organic way to cultivate it. The moringa comes from Kuli Kuli Foods, a US-based, moringa superfood company, which also supports sustainable agricultural practices.

Hazelnut Chocolate Protein and organic ingredients
Boasting a creamy chocolate taste and toasted hazelnut aftertaste, the Hazelnut Chocolate Protein is enriched with reishi for immunity and ashwagandha for vitality. Moreover, stamina-boosting, maca is included, sourced from an indigenous Peruvian community from the Lake Junin area.

Mint Chip Protein without the sugar crash
The classic mint chip flavor is reimagined with fresh peppermint and dark cocoa in a blended coconut smoothie that boasts 16g of clean plant protein. The beverage also includes maca, ashwagandha and reishi, with only 4gof sugar that helps avoid sugar spikes and crashes.

Rebbl has partnered with a cocoa cooperative from the fertile Cibao region of the Dominican Republic to cultivate and ferment pure, organic cocoa. The co-op helps local farmers achieve a better standard of living.

The collaboration is part of the Equal Partner Direct Buying Program, a sustainable, ethical business model that has become the foundation of sustainable cocoa bean sourcing. Over the years, the Equal Partner Direct Buying Program has been tested and proven to improve the quality of life for farmers and increase the quality of cocoa beans they produce, growing their business and economic capacity. Guaranteed business and premium price allows co-op communities to have money to build schools, health clinics and expand social programs.

“Our partner suppliers also work with local farmers to teach tree care techniques and organic farming practices that are conducive to a healthy ecosystem,” the company notes.