Last week British grocer Waitrose launched a new private brand range designed for Holistic Living – which brings together a number of different health-focused products to help people live a more balanced lifestyle.

The new Waitrose Gut Health range is the UK’s first own brand range to have a certified gut health claim. The range of 11 new lines has been proven to help maintain a healthy and balanced digestive system and are a selection of delicious tasting fruity smoothies, juices and kefir products that introduce bacteria to the gut and create an environment where they can prosper.

Joanne Lunn, Nutrition Manager at Waitrose says, “This range of products contain Bacillus coagulan, calcium and chicory inulin. These are all types of prebiotic which don’t get absorbed by our small intestine but instead reach the large intestine and the bacteria found naturally in the gut ferment it.”

As reported in the latest issue of Waitrose Health magazine, “The microbiome is having its moment”. Gut health is increasingly popping up on shoppers’ personal health agenda and shoppers are faced with a range of probiotics and advice on how to nourish their gut. To help customers with ways to improve their gut health, and also tackle the – sometimes confusing – terminology, Waitrose Nutritionist Jo Lunn shares her top tips:

• Prioritize calcium to support your digestive system (700mg a day is advised for adults aged 19-64: 200ml milk contains 250mg and 100g steamed tofu contains 510mg)
• Aim for 12g of wheat, barley and oat fiber a day (found in wholemeal bread and porridge). It improves your digestive health
• Boost your intake of chicory inulin. Added to many products, it’s a type of fiber that improves stool transit time, supporting a healthy gut. Sprinkle Waitrose Milled Golden Flaxseed with Maca, Cacao & Chicory Inulin onto your daily porridge or smoothie

Highlights from the range:

• Waitrose Gut Health Kefir Natural Cultured Milk Drink – £1.25
• Waitrose Gut Health Kefir Raspberry Cultured Milk Drink – £1.25
• Waitrose Gut Health Kefir Mango & Passionfruit Cultured Milk Drink – £1.25
• Waitrose Gut Health Kefir Natural Yogurt – £1.50
• Waitrose Gut Health Kefir Raspberry Yogurt – £1.50
• Waitrose Gut Health Kefir Mango Yogurt – £1.50
• Waitrose Gut Health Orange Juice – £1.85
• Waitrose Gut Health Apple & Pear Juice – £1.85
• Waitrose Gut Health Raspberry & Cherry Smoothie – £1.85
• Waitrose Gut Health Berry Granola & Flakes – £3.25
• Waitrose Gut Health Apple & Almond Granola – £3.25

Waitrose Thrive is a range of products that have been created to fit into daily routines and help maintain a balanced lifestyle. With a focus on fresh ingredients that are packed full of flavor, the new Thrive range is a mix of 11 new meals that have been designed to be the perfect portion size and offer a quick and healthy lunch or dinner.

Highlights from the range:

• Waitrose Thrive Chicken Laksa & Black Noodles – £4.00
• Waitrose Thrive Tandoori Chicken & Tarka Dal – £4.00
• Waitrose Thrive Naked Chicken Katsu & Brown Rice – £4.00
• Waitrose Thrive Harissa Chicken & Kale – £4.50
• Waitrose Thrive Turkey Chilli & Brown Rice – £4.00
• Waitrose Thrive Roasted Mushrooms & Aubergine Ragu – £4.50
• Waitrose Thrive Peri Peri Chicken & Sweet Potato Wedges – £4.50
• Waitrose Thrive Chickpea Satay Curry & Roasted Turmeric Cauliflower – £4.00
• Waitrose Thrive Falafel Mezze with Beetroot and Feta Crush – £4.00
• Waitrose Thrive Chicken & Mushroom Nozotto – £4.00
• Waitrose Thrive Lamb & Bean Meatballs & Za’atar Roasted Vegetables – £4.50

Elen Ormson, Waitrose Health Brand Manager says, “This year, research from our Waitrose Food & Drink Report 2021, found that almost 70% of us feel there’s more of a need to keep up our mental and physical health now than before the pandemic. We’ve seen customer behavior shift with many of us looking for ways in which we can make sure we are getting the nutrients and vitamins we need to stay well.

“Being the first in the UK to have a certified gut health range is groundbreaking and as customers become more aware of the benefits we hope they love the selection as well as the delicious flavours. And with more of us working from home, the quick, nutritious, and delicious Thrive meals will be a great go-to product for lunches or dinner after a long day.”