From kombucha to energy and protein products, we test new health drinks

THE health and wellbeing business has become a huge industry – and drinks are now a massive part of this money-spinning mass market.

From stomach-sorting kombucha – fermented and sweetened black tea – to energy and protein products, there is something for everyone.

The Berry Company has launched a delicious green tea and blueberry juice blend[/caption]

Today Jane Atkinson looks at the latest health drinks to hit the shops and online retailers. 

Juice

THE Berry Company has launched its latest product – the delicious green tea and blueberry juice blend with aronia and juniper extract.

I was dreading trying this because I am not a huge fan of green tea.
But all you can really taste is a dry, fruity flavour.

It is refreshing. In terms of health benefits, blueberries are packed full of vitamin C, aronia berries are considered one of the richest sources of plant antioxidants and juniper extract has been used for the treatment of gastrointestinal and autoimmune disorders

This juice blend contains just 4.6g sugar and 20 calories per 100ml. £2.25 for a 1-litre carton, see theberrycompany.co.uk.

Malted-drink firm Horlicks is joining the world of protein products[/caption]

Gut health

AFTER 150 years, malted-milk drink firm Horlicks is joining the world of protein products.

Protein, as we know, is good for gym bunnies but is also key to preventing muscle loss as we age.

Its Healthy Gut drink is specially formulated with Vitamins B12, B6, C and D to contribute to the function of the immune system.

It also contains prebiotics and the amino acid glutamine, which is great for immune function – especially if you are stressed.

You add hot or cold milk to make a drink and it tastes great, just like the original with that familiar malted milk. Gorgeous.

Watch the calories though – 271 calories per 40g serving with 300ml semi skimmed milk, 17.7g sugar and 15.4g protein.

£14.99 for a 400g pouch, see horlicks.co.uk and Amazon.

Plant milk

Haydon Perrior (@haydonperrior)

Lilk milk alternative which also happens to taste great[/caption]

I LIKE milk. The normal stuff, from the cow. And I do struggle with the alternatives.

But this one is good. Lilk’s Common Blend is a combination of five per cent oats and five per cent rice, with water, rapeseed oil, calcium, stabilisers and vitamins.

It was designed to be used in tea and coffee, which is probably why I like it.

Many of the plant milks I’ve tried in the past can ruin a good cuppa.

The genius apparently is in the mixing of the oats and rice. If I had to choose a milk alternative, this would be it.

Just 53 calories per 100ml, 2.6g fat and 3.1g of sugar. £1.90 per litre, see lilk.co.