News Briefs

Noting that social media is stirring about Berberine—with #berberine racking up 66.5 million views on TikTok, Himalaya Wellness, an herbal supplements and plant-based personal care brand, announced that it has launched a new Berberine supplement with 500 mg of Berberine per caplet.

Berberine has been a part of Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. Himalaya was founded in 1930 using Ayurvedic medicine, the company said.

Himalaya uses the tools of modern science to develop Ayurveda-based herbal products, like Berberine. Himalaya's Berberine is sourced from Indian Barberry root extract, rigorously tested for strength and safety and vegan and gluten-free, the company said.

Himalaya's Berberine is available on Amazon for $29.99/60 caplets.

Korean-born skin care brand Belif is debuting a new product that looks to provide the skin with exfoliating, soothing and hydrating benefits in one.

The Aqua Bomb PHA Exfoliating Toner Pads are soaked with PHA, cica, panthenol, hyaluronic acid and Napier’s aqua formula. The ingredients are designed to aid in exfoliating dead skin cells while giving skin a burst of hydration, the company said.

In addition, the pads are dual-sided, with the gauze side designed to aid the PHA with gentle physical exfoliation and the embossed side is ideal for a softer application, the company said.

Retailing for $24, Belif’s Aqua Bomb PHA Exfoliating Toner Pads are available for purchase at Sephora.com and Ulta.com.

TPG, a global alternative asset management firm, and AmerisourceBergen Corporation have completed their previously announced acquisition of OneOncology, a network of leading oncology practices.

TPG has acquired a majority interest in OneOncology, and AmerisourceBergen has acquired a minority interest in the company.

OneOncology’s affiliated practices, physicians and management team also have retained a minority interest in the company.

The partnership provides OneOncology with additional resources to grow its platform and invest behind clinical, operational and technical capabilities to continue to deliver high-quality, comprehensive patient care, the companies said.

Kroger is making it easier for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to order groceries online as it brings e-commerce electronic benefit transfer (EBT) payments to its Fred Meyer, Smith’s and QFC banners.

The expansion includes Fred Meyer and QFC stores throughout Oregon, Idaho and Washington, as well as all Smith’s locations. Customers can create an account through the respective grocer’s app or through their websites, then add an EBT account number as a new card under the “My Account” and “Wallet” options. Online EBT payment can only be used for SNAP-eligible products.

“Thousands of Fred Meyer and QFC shoppers place digital orders every week. Now, we are opening our digital grocery shopping experience to more people, with fresh, affordable food conveniently available through pickup or delivery,” said Tiffany Sanders, corporate affairs manager. “Fred Meyer and QFC believe in being Fresh for Everyone, and this is another important way we are connecting our neighbors to the foods that will help them live healthier, thriving lives.”

Kroger’s Mid-Atlantic region, which covers stores in Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee, began accepting online SNAP payments in April.

Cincinnati-based Kroger has almost 2,800 retail food stores under a variety of banner names. 

This story originally appeared on Progressive Grocer. 

BelliWelli is continuing to expand its offering snacks with a brand-new flavor addition—crunchy peanut butter chocolate.

Featuring a combination of peanut butter with quinoa crisps, peanut chunks and chocolate chips, the product joins the previously launched chocolate chip, birthday cake, cinnamon swirl and strawberry shortcake flavors.

The product, which is gluten-free, dairy-free, packed with probiotics and low FODMAP certified, will be available as a Sprouts exclusive flavor and then follow a launch to direct-to-consumer channels, including Amazon.

Hum Nutrition’s new Celery Juice Gummies are designed to promote gut health, regularity and help the body’s natural detoxification process while also nourishing the gut microbiome.

Formulated to provide the health benefits of celery juice, the vegan gummies utilize clinically studied FOS prebiotic fiber to improve regularity and nurture the gut. It also contains vitamins A, C, B6, K1, folate and chlorophyll to support the immune system and healthy cell function, the company said.

“We formulated the first of its kind Celery Juice Gummies to provide the vitamins found in a serving of celery juice without messy juicing, plus we added clinically studied FOS prebiotic fiber that helps to nurture our gut microbiome and natural detoxification processes,” Hum’s head of scientific affairs and education, Dr. Jennifer Martin-Biggers said. “Fiber often gets lost in juicing, so these gummies provide additional benefits and taste absolutely delicious.”

Also containing 5 g of fiber per serving, Hum Nutrition’s new Celery Juice Gummies retail for $20 and can be purchased online.