Latest news with #Benefiber
Forbes
20-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
How A Gut Health Journey Turned Into A Beverage Brand Revolution
In a crowded beverage market dominated by sugary, traditional options, Halfday is carving a new path with its prebiotic-infused iced teas. I sat down with co-founder Mike Lombardo to hear the story behind the brand's creation and growth, starting from a personal health journey to a successful product on shelves nationwide. In this interview, we dive into Halfday's origin story, its innovative approach to flavor and health, and how the brand is challenging industry norms. Halfday CoFounders Kayvon Jahanbakhsh and Mike Lombardo created a gut-healthy iced tea brand. Dave Knox: Let's start with the origin story. What inspired you to launch Halfday? Mike Lombardo: Halfday started when my co-founder, Kayvon, was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at 18. As part of improving his microbiome, he began experimenting with prebiotics to boost his gut health. Eventually, he started adding prebiotics to the teas he made daily. One summer, he put it in iced tea, and that was the beginning of it. Knox: When did you realize there was a business opportunity here? Lombardo: What's interesting about our origin is that it started so naturally. Kayvon and I were hanging out when he shared the tea with me. We liked it and thought others might too. We decided to test it at a farmer's market, partly to get some hands-on experience over the summer. As we expanded, we noticed a lack of iced teas that resonated with us as millennials. Looking at the iced tea market, we saw that the leading brands were nearly 50 years old and hadn't seen innovation. We also realized that 95% of Americans aren't getting enough fiber, and over half of sugar consumption in the U.S. comes from beverages. This all led us to see an opportunity. Knox: Over the past few years, prebiotics have exploded in popularity across beverages and supplements. Why did you choose to incorporate them into a beverage? Lombardo: Beverages are a great form factor for prebiotics because they're consumed regularly. Iced tea is a large category worth nearly $8 billion in the U.S., and people typically drink it for refreshment. It's an ideal opportunity to add functionality without compromising the enjoyment. I remember growing up and seeing my mom mix Benefiber into water every night, grimacing as she drank it. I think our product offers a better way to get those fiber benefits — it's delicious and easy to integrate into your routine. Knox: In the early days, how did you find a co-packer and manufacturer to turn your homemade product into something for retail? Lombardo: It was a wild journey. We didn't know much about the industry, so we started Googling things like "bottlers near me." Eventually, we learned about co-packers and pieced together a supply chain. It took us from 2017 until 2021 to truly understand what it takes to scale a product like this. When it came time to launch, we found a co-packer who could fit us into their schedule — just in time for a retailer to pick us up. Knox: What was that first major retail deal, and how did it come about? Lombardo: It's crazy — we actually sold into our first retailer while Kayvon was recovering from surgery in the hospital. He reached out to Giant, a retailer in the Philadelphia area, via LinkedIn, and they liked the concept. Despite not having samples, they asked if we could deliver in six weeks. That's when the scramble began to turn our samples into a product for shelves. Knox: You recently did a rebrand. What led to that decision, and how's it going so far? Lombardo: The rebrand was essential as we expanded from 2,000 to 7,000 doors in six months. We realized we could do a better job of communicating who we are and what makes us different from other sugary iced teas. The rebrand was a year in the making, but we wanted a timeless, premium feel that resonated with our core demographic. It was important for us that the brand didn't feel gimmicky but rather like a staple beverage. Knox: How have you approached flavor innovation, and where do you plan to go next? Lombardo: Early on, we Googled the top-selling iced tea flavors and started with lemon, peach, and green tea with honey and ginseng. We wanted three SKUs to start, as two felt too few, and four would complicate our logistics. As we expanded, we launched new flavors like raspberry and a sweet tea with only five grams of sugar. Our latest launch is a half-and-half iced tea lemonade, also with just five grams of sugar. Knox: How do you decide where to innovate next? Lombardo: The fun part of innovation is that we don't have to stick to traditional flavors. We can experiment. This summer, we're launching a limited-edition flavor exclusively with Whole Foods. It's not your typical iced tea flavor but fits well with summer. Our goal is to create new classics that will define the next generation of iced tea drinkers. Knox: Iced tea has regional and generational variations. How does your marketing approach these differences? Lombardo: Regionality is definitely something we pay attention to. For example, sweet tea is big in the South, so we focus on that in Southern markets. Our brand name, Halfday, resonates with an active lifestyle, and we try to meet consumers where they are. For instance, we recently sent product to the Masters, where half-and-half iced tea is a popular flavor, to tap into the golf crowd. We think strategically about how to activate around specific flavors and locations. Knox: You and Kayvon didn't have industry experience when you started. How has that influenced your approach? Lombardo: Not having industry experience was actually a big advantage. We didn't know how hard it would be, and that gave us the freedom to try things without fear of failure. We were just excited about the brand. We reached out to experienced people, and they were happy to help because we were passionate and open to learning. That openness helped us build a network of supporters and mentors who later became part of our team. Knox: As the team has grown, how has your approach to building the team evolved? Lombardo: It started with just Kayvon and me, but we knew we needed more expertise. As we built relationships, we tapped into people who had the skills we lacked. When the time came to grow our team, those same people were eager to join because they had been part of the journey. We focused on hiring people with more experience than us and made sure they could bring something unique to the table. Knox: How do consumer behaviors impact your innovation and business growth? Lombardo: Flavor has become a bigger priority. Early on, functional benefits mattered most, but consumers now expect great-tasting products that also offer health benefits. People are more willing to accept some sugar if the flavor is right. We also see more awareness around prebiotics and gut health, and we've updated our packaging to highlight that. Meeting consumers where they are has been key to our growth. Knox: What's next for Halfday in the coming years? Lombardo: We're launching a new flavor and expanding into multi-pack formats to meet consumer demand. We're also launching in Big Geyser in New York City, which is exciting because it's a major market for ready-to-drink tea. On the marketing front, we're leaning into our brand name with a campaign focused on taking time off. We're encouraging people to take PTO, and the response has been great — we've had almost 1,000 submissions in the first few days. There's a lot more to come as we continue to grow.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
You're Probably Not Eating Enough of This Nutrient
It's estimated that 95 percent of us are deficient in one key nutrient, and it's not protein. Or calcium. Or Vitamin D. It's fiber. 'It's a real crisis,' Federica Amati, PhD, the head nutritionist at health-research institute ZOE, tells us. But why are things so urgent? Isn't fiber's primary function to keep us regular — and to keep things moving down there? It turns out that's only part of fiber's job. In fact, the nutrient's importance to our overall health can't be understated, Dr. Amati tells us: Not eating enough of the stuff is associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, as well as certain cancers and chronic diseases. 'Its effects touch every part of the body,' says Dr. Amati, a self-proclaimed fiber fanatic. Fiber is a carbohydrate that the body can't break down, and there are two types: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber dissolves in water, forming a sludge-like substance in the gut. (If you've ever let a glass of Metamucil sit too long, you've got a sense of what it looks like.) While insoluble fiber passes through the intestines mostly intact, providing 'roughage' and adding bulk to stools. Fiber also famously plays an important role in regulating the digestive system. It slows the rate at which food moves through the gut and it makes you feel full, which can help with weight management. But scientists have also known for a long time that fiber has a profound impact on our cardiovascular health, too, because it helps the body excrete excess cholesterol, Dr. Amati says. 'If you're eating enough fiber, that fiber surrounds the cholesterol in your intestines and keeps it from being reabsorbed,' she says. That's why a high-fiber diet has the potential to lower cholesterol and can help prevent heart disease. Beyond that, the nutrient supports the gut microbiome — the community of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes living in your digestive tract. There's a growing (ahem) body of evidence that this ecosystem plays an important role in regulating our immune system, making sure our hormone levels remain in check, and much more. Fiber provides fuel for the so-called 'good' microbes in the microbiome — the ones that produce beneficial vitamins and other metabolites that decrease inflammation. That may be why eating enough fiber appears to have so many different benefits, from heart health to cancer prevention and even longevity. One large-scale analysis found that people who had the most fiber in their diets had a 15 percent to 30 percent reduced risk of death and chronic diseases, compared with those with the lowest intake. One easy way to get your fill is to start your day with a bowl of high-fiber cereal, like Fiber One or All-Bran, per Harvard Health. You can also try taking a supplement, like Metamucil or Benefiber, which contain a type of soluble fiber. As we mentioned earlier, these powdered products turn into a gel-like substance, which may help with managing food cravings and lowering cholesterol. But to cultivate a healthy microbiome, you need to feed all the different types of microbes in your intestines with different types of fiber, Dr. Amati says. That means packing your diet with fiber-rich foods. Seeds are a great place to start, she tells us. Chia, flax, and pumpkin seeds are all very high in fiber, and you can sprinkle them into salads, soups, and even yogurt. Beans, nuts, and whole grains — like barley, quinoa, farro, and whole oats — are another excellent source. Currently, the average American eats about 14 grams of fiber a day. But it's recommended that we consume up to twice that: Men 50 and under should be getting 38 grams daily, while women need 25 grams, according to the National Institutes of Health. (Doctors recommended that older men have 30 grams and older women have 21 grams per day.) If we've convinced you to up your fiber game, Dr. Amati suggests changing your diet gradually — if you dive in with an extra-large lentil soup and bran muffin, you're going to experience some bloating, she warns. But over time, consuming the proper amount of fiber can have 'a transformative effect on your health,' she says. 'You'll be doing yourself a massive favor in the long term.' The post You're Probably Not Eating Enough of This Nutrient appeared first on Katie Couric Media.
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Best Fiber Supplements of 2025
Getting plenty of fiber in your diet is important. Fiber can help you maintain a healthy digestive system. It can also lower your cholesterol levels, regulate your appetite and even stabilize your blood sugar levels. But most people aren't getting enough fiber. Adding fiber-rich foods like lentils and chia seeds can help bring some soluble and insoluble fiber into your system, but if you're struggling to meet your daily needs through diet alone, it may be time to try a fiber supplement. That can be easier said than done, with the large number of supplements on the market, but our CNET experts are here to help. They have years of experience researching vitamins and supplements, and they've used what they've learned to identify the top fiber supplements for you. Read on. There is a lot of variety in fiber supplements, from food sourced -- where its found naturally -- to sugar-free to organic options. If you're looking for a budget fiber supplement, consider Benefiber Original. It's super affordable and easily dissolves in both hot and cold liquids. Before we dive deeper into our curated list of the six best fiber supplements, there's one thing you need to know. There are two types of fiber in supplements: soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber dissolves in water and helps lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Insoluble fiber is the type that helps move food through your digestive system. So it isn't only about eating more fiber but also about consuming the right kind of high fiber foods. OK, now you're ready. Benefiber Original is wheat dextrin, a byproduct of milling wheat. It takes our spot as the best budget fiber supplement thanks to its low cost and versatility. That low price means it has less fiber per serving than other brands. Benefiber only has soluble fiber, which makes it a great option for people who want to use a fiber supplement to manage their blood sugar. Soluble fiber dissolves in water and is good for both diarrhea and constipation, while insoluble fiber helps with constipation. This fiber supplement is tasteless and dissolves easily in cold and hot liquids. You can also add it to food while you cook; it won't thicken or add flavor. See at Amazon Vitafusion Fiber Well Fit Gummies is one of the best gummy fiber supplements you can get for children or people who have trouble swallowing pills. These gummies are sugar-free and come in natural berry, peach and strawberry flavors. User reviews rave about the taste and how easy these gummies are to chew. They also praise the effectiveness of this product. With each serving, you also get essential B vitamins, folic acid and biotin. Many fiber supplements don't have other vitamins or minerals included. See at Walmart If you're looking for a food-source fiber supplement, consider Spectrum Essentials Organic Ground Chia Seeds. These ground chia seeds are a whole food form of fiber. They're a little less versatile than other fiber supplements, as they have a nutty taste and don't dissolve into drinks. So you'll always know the chia seeds are there, but if you like the taste, they can give water, smoothies or food a boost of fiber. Chia seeds are full of fiber and offer a great way to aid digestion. As a bonus, chia seeds also have omega-3 fatty acids, which have been linked to decreasing the risk of heart attacks or strokes. See at Amazon Metamucil sugar-free fiber powder is a natural psyllium husk powder four-in-one fiber supplement that's meant to help digestive health, control appetite and lower cholesterol and sugar levels. A review of research supports the claims that psyllium husk has cardiovascular, cholesterol and blood sugar benefits. You can choose from either unflavored, berry or orange powders. Note that reviews suggest that the strong orange flavor can be polarizing -- you either like it or you don't. Other users say that Metamucil is smooth and easier to drink than other brands, allowing you to add it to water, juice or smoothies without issue. See at Target If you're looking for a budget-friendly fiber supplement that includes both soluble and insoluble fiber, consider NOW Supplements' psyllium husk powder. It's a good addition to your diet if you struggle with constipation. You can bake it into food or add it to your daily smoothie. This fiber supplement has the highest fiber concentration on the list, with seven grams of dietary fiber, one gram of insoluble fiber and six grams of soluble fiber. You also get 8% of the recommended daily value of iron for the day. See at Amazon Garden of Life Organic Fiber Supplement contains no added sugars. It's made from five natural ingredients, including acacia fiber, organic orange peel, organic baobab fruit, apple peel and cranberry seed. Each serving delivers 5 grams of prebiotic fiber. You can choose from unflavored powder or citrus. If you want to mix in the powder with drinks or food, we recommend the unflavored version. This fiber supplement includes both soluble and insoluble fiber, making it one of the best fiber supplements for constipation. Garden of Life is a certified B corporation. This means that all of its products produced comply with social and environmental standards. See at Garden of Life When choosing the best fiber supplements for this list, we considered the price, type of fiber supplement and ingredients. Additionally, as the supplement industry isn't well regulated by the FDA, we relied on additional certifications that vouch for the quality and purity of products. We did not test these fiber supplements in-house. There are a lot of fiber supplements on the market, all varying by price, type and form. When you start your search, keep these key factors in mind: Type of fiber: There are two types of fiber: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber benefits your cholesterol and blood sugar. In comparison, insoluble fiber is what will help with constipation and regular digestion. Dosage: According to Mayo Clinic, women should aim for 21 to 25 grams of fiber daily, while men should eat 30 to 38 grams. If you're not getting enough fiber, you may consider a supplement. You should start with lower fiber content and slowly increase it over time. This way, you avoid side effects like bloating or excess gas. What's in the supplement: Some fiber supplements may include additional sweeteners or gluten, while others may include other vitamins and minerals. Always keep your dietary preferences and limitations in mind. Form: Fiber supplements come in several forms, the most common being powder or gummy. Whole food fiber sources are also available, like chia seeds. Note that chia seeds won't dissolve like a powder, and they also have a taste. Fiber is an essential carbohydrate that our bodies use to manage the body's sugars, hunger and digestion. Our bodies can't break down fiber, so it passes through our digestive systems undigested. This adds weight and softens stool, making it easier to pass. Fiber-dense foods: Beans Edamame Berries, pears, apples Brussels sprouts and broccoli Chia seeds Carrots and beets Quinoa Oats Despite fiber being present in so many foods, many people don't get enough of it from their diet. That's where fiber supplements come in. Studies show that fiber supplements have metabolic benefits such as lowering cholesterol and improving glycemic control. They also can help normalize and maintain bowel movements, which is great for people with constipation. Fiber supplements are an effective way to increase your intake, but remember that eating fiber-rich foods is always the best option. Fiber supplements are generally considered safe for everyday use. You should only take them if you're not getting enough fiber from your food. There are side effects to fiber supplements that shouldn't be ignored. Your fiber supplement can cause constipation if you take too much too quickly or if you aren't drinking enough water. When you start your fiber supplements, it's best to start slowly and at a lower dose, then work your way up.
