The Healthy Height Snack Bars contain the same profile as NGS’s patented shake range that is clinically proven to help increase growth development in children aged 3 to 9 years. The formula contains the amino acids, protein, vitamins and minerals proven to help children grow in height and weight with the help of 1-2 servings per day over a six month period.
Each bar is a single serving and is available in two flavours – Cookies & Cream and Strawberry Cupcake – which proved popular in test trials to determine the ultimate kid-friendly flavours and textures.
“Our snack bars have a sweet taste kids love, yet are low in sugar, while high in the protein, vitamins, and minerals kids need,” said Liron Fendell, CEO and MD of the Israeli nutritional health company, which develops nutritional supplements for children based on research at Schneider Children’s Medical Centre, one of the world’s leading paediatric institutions.
The Healthy Height formula was developed by Prof Moshe Phillip, MD, director of the Institute for Endocrinology, and Prof Raanan Shamir, MD, director of the Institute of Gastroenterology, Nutrition and Liver Diseases at Schneider. Prof Shamir has also served as president of the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN).
Results of their study – published in the Journal of Pediatrics – found that children who included Healthy Height in their diet for a one-year period added 13.8%-34% to their annual growth in height.
Bolstering children’s health
The new bars contain 12g whey protein and 350mg of the amino acid arginine. They are low in sugar and sodium, contain no corn syrup or additives, and are also gluten-free, soy-free and non-GMO.
Aligned with the growing interest in health and wellbeing, parents are increasingly seeking out products that will support specific aspects of their offspring’s health, such as protein for growth, calcium for strong bones, and probiotics for immunity. According to Innova, new launches of kids cereal bars are increasingly focusing on making gluten-free (50%), protein (24%) and whole grain (24%) claims. ‘GMO-free’ and ‘no additives or preservatives’ are also popular in the category that has shown a steady CAGR of 11.3% between 2016-2020.
“My children enjoy eating them daily as preferred snacks. As a busy mom, the bars are especially beneficial as an on-the-go snack instead of the typical kid snacks loaded with sugar and artificial colours,” added Fendell.
The Healthy Height line is manufactured in a solar-powered facility in the US, using a unique custom extruding process. Producing the snacks to meet the specific nutritional parameters of the patented shake proved challenging, with the vitamin C and iron causing unfavourable colour and flavour issues. To resolve the problem, the company instead uses acerola powder (contributing the vitamin C content) and maca root powder for the iron content.
“Our patented formula was developed after more than 20 years of research on the link between nutrition and growth in children,” said Fendell.
“Both forms of Healthy Height, the shakes and snack bars, are ‘picky eater approved’ to help parents seeking alternative options for children who might not qualify for growth hormone therapy.”
Healthy Height snack bars are available on NGS’ website for $19.90 per pack. The company is currently seeking multiple distribution channels to ensure maximum coverage in the market.
Note: The bars are intended for use as supplemental snacks and should not be considered as meal replacements.
Study:
Authors: Yael Lebenthal, Michal Yackobovitch-Gavan, Liora Lazar, Shlomit Shalitin, Ariel Tenenbaum, Raanan Shamir and Moshe Phillip
The Journal of Pediatrics, Volume 165, Issue 6, December 2014, Pages 1190-1193.e1. Portions of the study were presented at the 2014 International Conference on Nutrition and Growth.