Case Study: New Platform Development for Functional Herbal Teas
Client Challenge
An entrepreneur saw an emerging opportunity in the wellness space and identified a niche for functional herbal teas. The market was ripe for products that offered more than just great flavor, but also health benefits that targeted specific consumer needs, such as stress relief, energy boosting, and digestive support. The entrepreneur sought a partner who could guide the product from initial concept to full-scale commercialization, ensuring that the products not only met functional targets but were also market-ready.
The Ask
The entrepreneur turned to The National Food Lab (TNFL) to provide a full spectrum of support. The request included everything from product design through to commercialization, with an emphasis on ensuring the products met their functional objectives. Specifically, TNFL was asked to:
- Develop prototypes that met functional health targets
- Conduct consumer testing to validate the products' effectiveness
- Review labels and claims for accuracy and compliance with regulatory standards
The ultimate goal was to create a line of herbal teas that were not only functional but also appealing to consumers seeking wellness solutions.
The NFL Investigation Approach
TNFL took a comprehensive approach to support the project, starting with product design and collaborating closely with the client to define key health benefits and flavors. We conducted feasibility studies to select ingredients that aligned with the targeted functions, such as stress relief, energy, and digestion.
To ensure compliance, we reviewed the product’s claims and language, determining whether the teas should be classified as food or supplements. TNFL then moved to prototyping, creating multiple versions that met both functional and taste targets.
Once the prototypes were refined, we conducted pilot scale-up and consumer testing to validate the products’ effectiveness and market appeal. TNFL also managed storage testing to ensure shelf stability and facilitated the technical transfer to a co-manufacturer, ensuring smooth commercialization.
Results
The entire development cycle, from concept to commercialization, took just 10 months. Through TNFL’s end-to-end support, the entrepreneur successfully developed and launched four distinct functional SKUs. These products—each designed to meet specific health needs—were commercialized and ready to hit the market, offering consumers a new and exciting way to boost their health with herbal teas.
The Eurofins Solution
In just 10 months, TNFL helped transform a vision into reality, guiding the entrepreneur from concept to market with a seamless and strategic approach. By combining innovation, compliance, and consumer validation, the project resulted in a successful launch of four functional herbal teas, each addressing key wellness needs. The collaboration between TNFL and the entrepreneur not only ensured the teas were effective and regulatory-compliant but also positioned them as compelling products in the growing wellness space. This case study highlights the power of expert partnership in bringing functional food products to life, proving that with the right support, entrepreneurial ideas can flourish into market-ready solutions
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