Mindful Extracts Launches Functional Fungi at Holland & Barrett

Mindful Extracts is launching its range of functional mushroom supplements at Holland & Barrett. Functional mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine throughout Asia for centuries and the rest of the world is finally catching on - the global market was valued at nearly $30 million in 2023. Market research indicates the mushroom supplement sector is growing at 10% and many are calling this rapid growth in the sector the ‘Shroom Boom’.

The Mindful Extracts range includes Organic Reishi, Organic Lion’s Mane, Organic Chaga and an Organic Mushroom Blend and will be available online initially at www.hollandandbarrett.com and then in-store from 4th December.

Working with a leading mycologist, Mindful Extracts has formulated every product to be highly potent, dual extracting the mushrooms in hot water and alcohol to concentrate the beneficial compounds including beta-glucans and triterpenes. Mindful Extracts independently lab test their products for any pollutants and are certified organic.

Mindful Extracts Organic Reishi Capsules contain 400mg of Reishi, one of the most celebrated functional mushrooms in Chinese medical literature. Also known as the ‘mushroom of immortality,’ it is believed to promote vitality, longevity and homeostasis (balance) in our system.

One of the key benefits of Mindful Extracts Organic Chaga Mushroom Capsules, is Chaga’s powerful antioxidant properties which may support the body's natural defence mechanisms and promote overall well-being. Chaga is packed full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which can reduce inflammation, support a strong immune system, aid heart health and promote good digestion.

Mindful Extracts Organic Lion’s Mane Capsules are a natural nootropic and can help boost cognitive ability. Many people claim Lion’s Mane improves their focus and concentration, similar to a strong coffee but without the stimulating and jittery effects. It can also promote improvements in mood and general wellbeing, as well as feeling more in the present moment.

Research has shown that Lion’s Mane can increase Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), which is responsible for the maintenance and growth of neurons in the brain. Many neurological diseases such as Dementia, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease are linked to the degeneration of neurons over time, and it is thought that neurotrophic factors like NGF may play a role in preventing these conditions.

The Mindful Extracts Organic Mushroom Blend includes Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Chaga and Shiitake. Each medicinal mushroom brings a huge range of benefits to balance your body and mind: Lion’s Mane, the super mushroom reported to boost memory and support cognitive function. Reishi promotes vitality and longevity with its immune system boosting properties and indications that it can reduce inflammation. Chaga, packed full of antioxidants, is said to reduce inflammation, support a strong immune system and promote good digestion. Shiitake, full of fibre, vitamins and minerals, contains polysaccharides and terpenoids, which have immune-boosting and cholesterol-lowering effects.

Mindful Extracts’ mushroom supplements are certified organic, vegan and contain no fillers or binders. The range is available from Holland & Barrett online from now onwards, from December in-store. 

(Image courtesy of Gordon Johnson from Pixabay)

Holland and Barrett launches new food range

Holland & Barrett, which is the UK’s top health and wellness retailer, is getting back to its roots with the relaunch of its entire food range. 

The first 500 products are hitting the shelves this month, September, and this marks the beginning the biggest transformation of its food category in its entire 150-year history.

Consisting in excess of over 300 entirely new own brand lines, designed from scratch and over 200 branded lines, the new range will see the return of over 70 fresh, chilled food and drinks to H&B’s high-street stores. 

In a market first, the new H&B range will also offer customers foods by key wellness need or specialist diet, with new lines designed by Holland & Barrett’s expert nutritionists, chefs and in-house experts for gut health, women’s health and skin health. 

From fresh foods to healthy snacks, and food cupboard items, the range is designed to complement its customers’ weekly grocery shop with simple, easy swaps that are packed with nutritious benefits. 

The launch sees Holland & Barrett become the first high-street retailer to include the concept of ‘Plant Points’ on food labelling, helping encourage customers to eat at least 30 different plants a week to support their overall wellbeing. 

In what is another first, customers can have free conversations with trained advisors in all stores and online who will be able to personalise a menu that includes the best nutritional solutions based on the goals of their a customers.

Alex Dower, who is the Chief Commercial Officer, Holland & Barrett, said: “We want to make wellness a way of life for everyone and what you eat is the starting place for a healthier life. 

"That’s why we’ve spent two years redeveloping and completely overhauling our food offering. We’ve brought together a team of nutritionists, chefs, ingredient specialists and in-house scientific experts, alongside 50 new artisan and small food suppliers to create a truly pioneering and diet-inclusive range. 

"Our priority has been on creating delicious food, bursting with benefits. This coupled with significant investment in a new proposition, range identity and marketing support will see H&B regain its place as the go to for the latest in healthy food on the high street.”

Alex Dower continues, “We're proud to be the first retailer to include Plant Points on our food labels.  Plant Points are a handy way to make sure you're eating a nutrient-packed diet.  We’re encouraging our customers to aim for at least 30 different plants a week to support their overall wellbeing. 

"There’s growing and emerging evidence that we need to go beyond five-a-day and focus on getting plant variety into our diets to support our gut health, and in turn our overall health. That’s why we’re adding plant points to our labelling, as part of our focus on raising awareness of the benefits of good gut health.”

Holland & Barrett has been a leader in health and nutrition for over 150 years. Established in 1870 as a grocer in Bishop’s Stortford, it has grown to 800 stores in the UK and Ireland alone, and healthy food has remained core to its proposition. 

"Known for supporting millions of people in the UK who follow specialist diets, from introducing the first vegan ranges to foods for lower carb, low and no sugar as well as those with food allergies or intolerances. The new range caters to over 10 different allergies and dietary intolerances as well as support for specific conditions and wellness needs including gut health, women’s health, immunity, energy and more.

As a specialist retailer, H&B’s size means it can work with small, artisan producers across the UK and Ireland to bring local, first to market products to its shelves. This includes Jess’s Dairy, a third-generation dairy farmer from Gloucestershire who H&B has partnered with to bring a kefir drinking yogurt to market. Hodmedods, who supply the range with British quinoa, flamingo peas and further grains and pulses, work directly with farmers committed to increasing biodiversity and are leading the way in regenerative farming. 

The new No 42 vegan sausages are created by Simplicity in partnership with chef, Ian Rankin, and are made with six plants and the power of fermentation to offer a healthier alternative.

The re-launch of H&B Food is being supported by a £5m marketing campaign, across out of home, print, digital, social and PR. It comes at a time when the retailer has also been investing in its store estate, opening 19 new stores and refitting 16 in the last calendar year (Oct ’22 – Sept’ 23). 

(EDITOR: I feel a trip to our nearest Holland and Barrett store in the very near future to stock up on some goodies!)