Barry Callebaut has leveraged its knowledge of the cacaofruit and its health benefits by developing the first nutraceutical fruit drink. 

Elix cacaofruit elixir – made from 100 percent pure cacaofruit – has a zesty, fruity taste. It is uniquely crafted to preserve the nutrients of the cacaofruit.

Composed of almost 20,000 different types of molecules, the seed of the cacaofruit is one of the most complex food substances on earth. The R&D behind the cacaofruit elixir Elix took Barry Callebaut more than 15 years. In addition, there is data available from more than 100 human clinical studies which provide sound scientific proof of the health effects of the cacaofruit flavanols.

Cacaofruit is also a good source of iron, magnesium and potassium. Besides the 100 percent pure cacaofruit elixir, combining it with herbs and other fruits can enrich the range with new taste combinations and additional nutrients. The nutraceutical fruit drink contributes to personal, as well environmental, health. Since it upcycles the whole cacaofruit, Elix positively impacts nature and communities.

Elix has been tested and validated through consumer research by independent global research agency MMR in the UK and the US. As part of these studies Elix’s consumer appeal and purchase intent have been tested, indicating a high interest in the new nutraceutical fruit drink category.

“The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated consumers’ interest in their own health as well as in the health of their environment,” said Barry Callebaut Group CEO Peter Boone. “The introduction of this new category of nutraceutical fruit drinks is another proof point of how Barry Callebaut, through its innovation capabilities and its profound knowledge of the cacaofruit, is able to cater to evolving consumer trends.”

Barry Callebaut’s scientific knowledge of cacaofruit and the effect of the fruit’s flavanols on circulatory health are recognized by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which resulted in the approval of the related health claim under the EU Nutrition and Health Claims regulation. Approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is pending in spring 2022. Cacaofruit flavanols help maintain the elasticity of blood vessels which benefits the blood flow to organs such as the heart, muscles, brain and skin.