New Products

DENVER — A new mobile app-driven social network devoted to medical marijuana has attracted $150,000 in seed money from an investment group.

MassRoots announced Thursday that it had closed the seed investment from members of the ArcView Group. The social network, launched in July 2013, has more than 25,000 active users. MassRoots allows users to maintain their privacy and anonymity by not requiring their name, email or phone number to join.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — PureCircle, a producer and marketer of stevia, announced that the Food and Drug Administration has approved PureCircle's Rebaudioside M (Reb M) as a general purpose sweetener for foods and beverages in the United States. 

DALLAS — Skimpy Mixers, a new drink mixer, will be available Dec. 26 to Jan. 2 at select Walmart locations across the nation as part of a limited-time only promotional launch. The mixers are made with real fruit juices and are low in sugar content and calories. The product will officially launch in February.

The company’s founders first came up with the idea while attending a friend’s Bachelorette pool party. They loved the drinks that were being served and were surprised that they couldn't taste the alcohol content. 

MONROVIA, Calif. — Regulators in Canada have given a maker of health kiosks the green light to start marketing its products there.

Stayhealthy said Health Canada's Medical Devices Bureau had granted it a license to sell its HealthCenter Kiosk, models 650 and 650-C. The kiosks measure blood pressure, heart rate, total body weight, body-mass index, total body composition and vision and can incorporate data on blood glucose.

Probiotics have continued to rake in sales this fall, and it’s a product category that still has plenty of growth potential. According to a survey by Procter & Gamble, 53% of women still don’t know what probiotics are, but 74% are interested in how their digestive system works.

(For the full category review, including sales data, click here.)

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Core Science Medica has targeted consumers in need of a gluten-free lifestyle with its launch of Gluten Cutter, a dietary supplement to help gluten-sensitive consumers occasionally enjoy their favorite foods again. The supplement contains GCX50, a proprietary blend of enzymes, along with licorice, peppermint and ginger. The complex is designed to target and break down gluten, support intestinal health during gluten exposure and aid digestion.

DENVER — Following the BB cream craze in the face makeup category, these multitasking beauty balms are hitting the hair care aisle.

One of the newer entrants is Mineral Fusion, which has four formulations of  beauty balms: Curl Care, Hair Repair, Vibrant Shine and Volumizing. The leave-in formula is infused with anti-aging botanicals and minerals to revitalize and strengthen hair follicles. The beauty balms are priced at $12.99 each.

NEW YORK — SoftSheen-Carson in September introduced its Dark and Lovely Au Naturale Beyond Gentle & Sulfate-Free Wash.

Part of the Au Naturale Anti-Shrinkage line, the new wash is a gentle shampoo that is specifically formulated for naturalistas who frequently wash their hair. The wash is formulated with mango oil and bamboo milk for wash and go curls and coils. The suggested retail price is $9.99.