Probiotic straws

Probiotic straws attached to ambient packaging is the result of a joint marketing agreement between Tetra Pak and the research and development company BioGaia Biologics.

"Tetra Pak wants to provide innovative solutions to its clients," commented Jacquelyn Paul, Global General Manager, COE Nutritionals, Tetra Pak. "With a great product like LifeTopTM Straw, Tetra Pak and BioGaia can drive both consumer satisfaction and a health conscious product at the same time."

The straw contains the lactic acid bacterium Lactobacillus Reuteri (Reuteri™). Research shows that Reuteri helps reduce the risk of stomach disorders and contributes to the body's immune defence system.

The straws are individually wrapped and come attached to the outside of beverage cartons, releasing the probiotics when the product is consumed. While products that contain probiotics, like yoghurts and other dairy foods and beverages, are seen in the refrigerated section of stores, Tetra Pak and BioGaia will be the first to offer ambient stored cartons with probiotic straws.
 
The concept is to keep the ingredients separated from the liquid until the moment of consumption. This way, existing packages can be used and virtually any beverage can be added with probiotics - without compromising on ingredients or taste. On top of that, the straws extend the shelf life of Reuteri from a few weeks to many months.

BioGaia has patents pending for the LifeTop Straw in all key markets and this will be the first time ambient stored cartons with probiotic straws are marketed in the US.

For further information:
Biogaia - www.biogaia.com 
Tetra Pak - www.tetrapak.com
Reuteri - www.reuteri.com

News from "Aarhus and Karlshamns to merge"

• 10 July 2005
  Aarhus and Karlshamns to merge
• 28 April 2005
  World's first microwaveable aseptic package
• 21 March 2002
  Probiotic straws
• 21 March 2002
  Pig genome mapping in cooperation with China