New Survey Finds Antioxidants #1 Nutrient Concern Amongst Consumers

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 1, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new consumer survey (1) by Bossa Nova, the Superfruit Company, half of adults rank antioxidants as the top nutrient they are most concerned about adding to their diets – ahead of calcium, fiber and iron. However, despite this desire, the online survey found that the majority of adults don't know which fruits provide the most antioxidants.

In light of the popularity of acai juice beverages, some may find it surprising that 32 percent of consumers mistakenly select blueberries over acai berries for highest antioxidant content (2) when selecting from a list of fruits that include blueberries, pomegranates, cranberries, red grapes and oranges. In addition, the company reports as many as 15 percent of consumers simply don't know which fruits are highest in the nutrient.

Adding to the confusion, many consumers who are familiar with acai have misperceptions about the superfruit's health benefits. In fact, 25 percent of those surveyed mistakenly believe acai juice helps with weight loss.

"These results tell us we have a long way to go in terms of educating the public about food and its health benefits, especially superfruits such as acai berries which are rich in antioxidants, but do not contribute to weight loss," said Jeremy Adams, head of marketing for Bossa Nova. "Part of the problem, unfortunately, is the many unsubstantiated health claims about acai that have led to misinformation for consumers. At Bossa Nova, we pride ourselves on delivering delicious, meaningful nutrition, without false promises."

The survey results also showed that:

• Most superfruits are super-mysterious: Fifty-eight percent of consumers are familiar with pomegranates, while less than 20 percent are familiar with acai. The number drops significantly (seven percent and fewer) when consumers are asked whether they are familiar with other superfruits such as goji, acerola and mangosteen. Younger adults, however, are more superfruit-savvy than older adults.
• What do women want? Variety: Women are more likely to try a new fruit or vegetable, while 150 percent more men than women would not try a new fruit or vegetable.
• Eat my veggies? No way! Adults are more than twice as likely to try new fruits (65 percent) than to try new vegetables (28 percent).

Antioxidants on-the-go: Meaningful nutrition from Bossa Nova

Juice has gone 'mainstream' for adults with 91 percent reporting they drink it regularly. A healthy option for families includes Bossa Nova's acai juices beverages which are made from sustainably harvested acai berries picked by hand from the acai palm tree in the Brazilian Amazon rainforest. To optimize our antioxidant levels, the berries are harvested at the peak of ripeness. Bossa Nova acai juices are made with 80 percent juice and are not diluted with filler juices such as apple and white grape juice.

Bossa Nova developed a patent-pending technique to create a delicious juice abundant in antioxidants. "Our process aims to capture the most delicious and antioxidants-rich portion of the acai berry, eliminating fats that tend to be over-represented in the American diet, such as Omega 6's which add unnecessary calories, and create a less enjoyable drinking experience. It's important to note that Acai doesn't contain significant levels of Omega 3's, the healthy Omega's which are under-represented in the American diet, so antioxidants are really the key benefit that acai juices can deliver. As an industry, we need to start clearing up the misinformation around acai and focus on the real, exciting benefits this fruit can deliver," says Adams. Bossa Nova's acai berry pulp is turned to juice within 10 hours of harvest. This process allows Bossa Nova to maximize the antioxidants captured in each bottle.

About Bossa Nova

The Bossa Nova Superfruit Juice Company researches, explores and delivers nature's most potent superfruits. Headquartered in Los Angeles, Calif., Bossa Nova introduced its antioxidant-rich acai juice in the North American market in 2005. In 2008, Bossa Nova broadened its product line to include 10 total superfruit flavors: Acai Original, Acai Blueberry, Acai Mango, Acerola Mango, Acai Passionfruit, Acai Raspberry, Acerola Red Peach, Mangosteen Passionfruit, Mangosteen  Dragonfruit, and Goji Berry Tart Cherry. Beverages Holdings, LLC, acquired Bossa Nova in 2009, enabling the company to take advantage of its world class supply chain and manufacturing practices. Available in 10-oz. and 32-oz. bottles, Bossa Nova superfruit juice beverages are calorie-conscious and lightly sweetened with low-glycemic agave. For more information, including where to purchase Bossa Nova products, please visit www.bossausa.com. Become a Facebook fan at www.facebook.com/BossaNova.  

(1) All survey data, unless otherwise stated, has been derived from a StrategyOne survey conducted among a U.S. sample of 1,000 adults age 18 years or older on September 9-12, 2010. Results were weighted to represent the U.S. Census based on gender, age, geographic region and race to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the total U.S. population.

(2) United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service. (2010, May) Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) of Selected Foods, Release 2. Retrieved from USDA Products and Services Online: http://www.ars.usda.gov/SP2UserFiles/Place/12354500/Data/ORAC/ORAC_R2.pdf.

SOURCE Bossa Nova Superfruit Juice Company