For 22 years, WholeFoods Magazine has presented the Natural Choice Awards (NCAs) annually to recognize the brands and products that independent natural products retailers love. Now, we are expanding our awards to recognize the branded ingredients that pave the way for innovative, winning formulations with this ingredient edition of the Natural Choice Awards (NCAs) in the October issue. Awards are presented to ingredient suppliers in 14 categories, as voted on by industry members.

We would like to extend a special thank you to everyone who took the time to vote—your input is appreciated! This year, those who completed the voting form were entered into a drawing to have a $100 donation to Vitamin Angels made in their name. Congratulations to Susan C. Frecker of Ottera, for winning the drawing!

And now, your winners of the premier WholeFoods Magazine Natural Choice Awards: Ingredients Edition!

Active Lifestyle

FrieslandCampina Ingredients - Biotis® Fermentis

Biotis® Fermentis is a first-of-its-kind solution that combines the benefits of whey protein, prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharides (Biotis® GOS) and probiotic cultures by fermenting them together, creating a unique formulation that supports both athletic performance and holistic health. Biotis® Fermentis can be added to protein or gut health portfolios to attract the attention of health-conscious active consumers or sports professionals. It is also suitable for brands looking to provide solutions that target the gut-muscle axis.* www.biotis.com/ingredient/biotis-fermentis/

Sleep/Stress Support

Natural Remedies - Holixer™

Unlock the inner calm and restful nights. Natural Remedies’ Holixer™ is a clinically validated extract of Holy Basil derived from the proprietary innovative Bioactive Optimization Technology (B.O.T.) to deliver Ocimum Bioactive Complex (OBC) making it effective at a low dose of 250 mg per day. Backed by a gold-standard clinical trial, Holixer™ is evaluated and found effective in both acute and chronic stress management, while enhancing sleep quality and overall wellness. Holixer™ led to a significant 66% reduction in hair cortisol levels and sleep improvement in Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), which is reflective of the excellent experiential experience it offers.* www.naturalremedieshumanhealth.com/holixer/

Bone/Joint Health

Gnosis by Lesaffre - MenaQ7® Vitamin k2 as MK7 Matrix

MenaQ7® is a branded form of Vitamin K2 and is primarily known for its role in supporting cardiovascular and bone health. It activates matrix Gla-protein preventing calcium from depositing in the arteries, therefore helping to maintain arterial flexibility and reduces calcification. MenaQ7® Matrix is a proprietary technology developed with two main objectives: 1) to facilitate the success of manufacturers by making it easier to create more complex formulations utilizing vitamin K2, and 2) to open new formulation opportunities. At its core, MenaQ7® Matrix offers formulators versatility, whether they are creating products based on traditional format and synergistic combinations, or a formulation that requires specific delivery technology in innovative complex formulations. www.menaq7.com

Heart Health

Lycored - Lycomato™

Lycomato™ is Lycored’s proprietary nutrient complex containing optimal concentrations of lycopene, phytoene, phytofluene, phytosterols, tocopherols, beta-carotene, and essential vitamins. Studies show supplementation with Lycomato™ supports a healthy circulatory system by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, lowering LDL cholesterol oxidation, and maintaining blood pressure and endothelial function, which plays an important role in the control of blood fluidity, platelet aggregation and vascular tone. In studies, Lycomato™ has been shown to have high antioxidant properties and also has been associated with significant reductions in systolic blood pressure.*www.lycored.com/lycomato/

Cognitive Health

Kyowa-Hakko USA - Cognizin®

A proprietary form of citicoline, Cognizin® is a potent brain-health nutrient that’s been clinically tested to support attention and focus. Tested in human clinical trials and developed using a patented fermentation process, Cognizin® is a pure, allergen-free GRAS ingredient that’s stable and effective. For a functional difference add the proven brain power of Cognizin® to your next product.*www.kyowa-usa.com/ingredients/branded-ingredients/cognizin-citicoline

Digestive Health

Gnosis by Lesaffre - ibSium®

ibSium® (Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM-I-3856) is an exclusive proprietary and patented strain of probiotic yeast, clinically proven by 20 years of research on this strain with four clinical studies and one meta-analysis to support overall intestinal comfort and improve quality of life. Some symptoms that ibSium® can improve include abdominal discomfort, bloating, and regular bowel habits. ibSium® provides fast-acting support within the first 15 days of consumption, targeting relief to individuals impacted by gastrointestinal discomfort. The most recent independent meta-analysis highlights that ibSium® is the only probiotic strain demonstrating significant benefit for abdominal pain management.*www.gnosisbylesaffre.com/ingredient/ibsium/

Weight Management

Nutrition21 - Chromax®

Chromax® is the most clinically tested form of Chromium Picolinate proven to offer superior bioavailability compared to most other forms of chromium. Extensively studied and supported by more than a dozen clinical studies, Chromax® is demonstrated to be safe and effective, offering several metabolic health benefits including improved body composition, maintaining lean muscle mass, supporting healthy carbohydrate and glucose metabolism, promoting healthy insulin function, and managing cravings and appetite. An ideal component of a weight loss and exercise program, Chromax® is USP-grade and easily incorporated into tablets, capsules, powders, beverages, and bars.* www.nutrition21.com/chromax/

Immune Support

Artemis International - ElderCraft®

ElderCraft® is the most clinically studied elderberry extract on the market. Made exclusively from premium quality European black elderberries of the Haschberg variety, ElderCraft® is produced with a proprietary gentle extraction technology that does not use harsh solvents and therefore retains more of the whole fruit matrix. ElderCraft® is the subject of large-scale clinical trials demonstrating its significant immune health benefits, i.e. reducing the severity and duration of cold/flu symptoms, and gut-induced immune health by possessing prebiotic activity. This immune powerhouse is standardized to both anthocyanins and polyphenols and comes in a variety of options, including organic and excipient-free.* www.artemis-nutraceuticals.com/branded-ingredients/

Botanicals

Maypro - EubioQuercetin™

EubioQuercetin™ is a formulation which addresses the loss of the natural properties of quercetin which occurs with the current methods of extraction. With the retention of these properties, it is a more bioavailable and water-soluble form of quercetin which can also act as a prebiotic. In addition, EubioQuercetin™ includes a unique non-digestible oligosaccharide prebiotic, rutinose. This quercetin-rutinoside ingredient outperforms conventional quercetin as it is 6,500 times more water soluble, holds an ORAC score 1,300 times greater, and significantly suppresses reactive oxygen species (ROS) better than standard insoluble quercetin. Researchers believe EubioQuercetin™’s benefits serve formulations related to the microbiome, cognitive health, healthy aging, weight management, and even detoxification.*www.maypro.com/products/eubioquercetin

Women’s Health

Akay Bioactives - FenuSmart®

FenuSmart® is a patented, plant-based solution supporting hormonal balance before, during, and beyond menopause, and enhancing sexual health and mood in young menstruating women. Clinically substantiated, it is effective at a low dosage (250-mg twice daily). FenuSmart® modulates the HPG axis, alleviating vasomotor, psychological, and urogenital discomforts for women's wellness throughout their lifespan. This full-spectrum fenugreek seed extract is standardized for total saponins, protodioscin, and trigonelline, and integrates into various formats. Patented and clean-label (Organic, Halal, Kosher, Non-GMO, Allergen-free, Gluten-free, Vegan), FenuSmart® is responsibly sourced, exemplifying ethical practices and sustainability, making it the premium choice for women's health products.*www.akaybioactives.com/product/fenusmart/

Men’s Health

Lycored - Lycomato™

Lycomato™ is Lycored’s proprietary nutrient complex containing optimal concentrations of lycopene, phytoene, phytofluene, phytosterols, tocopherols, beta-carotene, and essential vitamins. In men, Lycomato™ may benefit prostate health and comfort, as its antioxidant properties help combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation, lowering the risk of prostate-related symptoms. Studies have shown that high levels of lycopene from supplementation (such as Lycomato™) can slow down prostate cell growth, which has a beneficial effect on prostate gland volume and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, a primary marker for prostate cancer.*www.lycored.com/lycomato/

Nutri-Beauty

Gencor - Levagen®+

Levagen®+ is Gencor’s branded Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) enhanced with Pharmako Biotechnologies’ LipiSperse cold-water dispersion technology. In a new published study, Levagen®+ was studied in a topical formulation to evaluate its effectiveness on skin health. The gold standard clinical trial showed that Levagen®+ supported a significant reduction in skin dryness, skin redness, and a reduced total POEM score when compared to a comparator cream. This indicates that Levagen®+ is a viable and effective option for topical creams and beauty brands.* www.gencorpacific.com/ingredients/levagen

Microbiome Support

Clasado Biosciences - Synbiotic (Bimuno® GOS + Probi Defendum®)

Signposting the future of synbiotic formulation, Clasado Biosciences and Probi® AB, have collaborated to develop science-backed synbiotic combinations. Featuring Clasado’s Bimuno® GOS (prebiotic) and Probi Defendum® (probiotic), together, these ingredients have been proven to demonstrate selective utilization of the prebiotic by the probiotic, offering a synergistic outcome and making it ideally positioned for products designed to support immune health based on microbiome modulation. Showing strong potential in immune health product applications, the combination was shown to significantly increase lactate levels and increase short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) butyrate by 26%, with both components being important to the body’s immune function.*www.clasado.com/

Delivery Systems/Excipients

Aker BioMarine - PL+ Technology

Aker BioMarine’s patented PL+ Technology is a healthier, label-friendly delivery platform that optimizes the cellular uptake and absorption of ingredients like curcumin, CoQ10, CBD, and Omega-3s by using natural marine phospholipids (PL’s) that are sustainably sourced in the Antarctic. Being both water and fat soluble, PL’s naturally create micelles that help emulsify non-soluble and oil-based substances which are then easily digested by the body and absorbed into the cells. By combining PL's with other ingredients that have low bioavailability, we can enhance the uptake of these ingredients up to 25 times, bringing new and better cost-effective supplements to market.* www.phospholipid.plus

RUNNERS UP

Active Lifestyle 

Sleep/Stress Support

Bone/Joint Health

Heart Health

Cognitive Health

Digestive Health

Weight Management

Immune Support

Botanicals

Women’s Health

Men’s Health

Nutri-Beauty

Microbiome Support

Delivery Systems/Excipients

Pharmako Biotechnologies - AquaCelle®
Melotime, Nutriventia Limited
TSI Group - FZZR™

*THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE.