Vitamins, Diet and Sports Nutrition

OAKMONT, Pa. — NuGo Nutrition is expanding its line of products by launching NuGo Protein Cookies, a gluten-free, vegan pea protein cookie.

"We're proud to have made a deliciously baked cookie satisfying the consumer demand for plant-based protein products that cater to many lifestyles," stated David Levine, NuGo CEO. "Consumers who eat gluten-free and vegan can now enjoy the classic cookie flavors they crave, while getting the protein and fiber they need."

CHICAGO — More Americans are contributing to the protein trend, according to a recent SPINSights report on protein, with as many as 66% of Americans looking to consume "as much protein as possible" in 2016. That has helped feed growth across several protein segments, including liquid protein and meal replacements, which are up 6.1% to $2.5 billion for the 52 weeks ended July 16, SPINS noted. Sales of powder proteins across conventional multi-outlets were up 2.8% to $851.9 million and perofrmance bar sales were up 2.7% to $311.6 million.

AUSTIN, Texas — Consumers in the United States spent an estimated 7.7% more on herbal dietary supplements in 2016 than in the previous year, according to the recently published HerbalGram Herb Market Report for 2016.

NEW YORK — Health bar sales online totaled $80 million for the first seven months of 2017, according to a new report released earlier this week from 1010data, marking a 60% year-over-year increase.

Quest Nutrition bars are the most popular online, with a marketshare of 25%, followed by RxBar (14%) and ThinkThin (6%). RxBar, however, is the fastest-growing bar sold online, realizing a growth rate of 398%.

BOULDER, Colo. — Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy on Wednesday announced its expansion into the Chicagoland market with the acquisition of Aaron's Apothecary on Clark st. in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood.

Pharmaca also announced the acquisition of Roxbury Pharmacy in Beverly Hills, Calif.

NEW YORK — A new report from Nielsen is highlighting the big role that easy-to-understand labels can play in driving product sales. The report shows that consumers want clarity from their product labels about what they contain, and that products with specific product claims are seeing dollar growth.

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — Pharmavite and consumer retail software firm Qliktag Software announced Tuesday a partnership to incorporate SmartLabel across Pharmavite's line of Nature Made brand products.

WASHINGTON — The Council for Responsible Nutrition on Tuesday announced several keynote speakers for its upcoming event, The Conference, taking place Oct. 18–21 at The Ritz-Carlton in Marana, Ariz.