SternLife thinks pink: supplements for women lead functional food showcase
German functional food specialist SternLife used the PLMA World of Private Label Trade Show in Amsterdam (19–20 May 2026) to unveil three new private label concepts targeting women’s health, gut health and the protein bar segment. The concepts were presented at stand 1.A39.
Women’s health takes centre stage
The most substantive of the three launches is a range of powder supplements formulated for women at specific life stages: pregnancy, menopause and post-menopause. Rather than relying on broad-spectrum multivitamin blends, each formulation is matched to the distinct physiological demands of its target phase.
The pregnancy product focuses on folic acid, iron, prebiotic fibre and the omega-3 fatty acid DHA. The menopause formulation combines vitamins with plant extracts including red clover and milk thistle, targeting hormonal balance, fatigue reduction and general wellbeing. For post-menopause, SternLife has developed a vegan shake based on plant protein, creatine and a vitamin-mineral complex intended to support muscle mass and bone density.
A gut health drink with some fizz
The second concept, “Fibre Sparks”, repositions dietary fibre supplementation as a sparkling beverage. A carbonate component gives the powder a light effervescence when mixed with water. The formulation combines dietary fibre, fermented plant extracts and micronutrients said to support the gut microbiome and promote digestion via the gut-brain axis.
The effervescent format is a deliberate move to broaden market reach beyond dedicated supplement users, targeting consumers who prefer to address gut health through everyday food and drink rather than conventional supplement formats.
Protein bars go fruity
The third concept, “Fruitylicious”, extends SternLife’s bar portfolio with three high-protein bars featuring creamy fruit fillings: Passionfruit, Buttermilk Lemon and Black Forest. The flavour profiles are notable for their departure from the nut and chocolate variants that currently dominate the protein bar category. All three bars carry “high protein” and “reduced sugar” claims, and the seasonal nature of the flavours makes them suitable for limited edition runs.
A notable technical detail is the vegan white coating applied to the Passionfruit bar. Developing a plant-based, sugar-free alternative to conventional white chocolate has proved a persistent challenge in the sector, and SternLife is positioning this as a differentiating feature for private label customers.
Lars Martensen, Product Manager at SternLife, commented: “The functional food market is dynamic and diverse, as highlighted by our presence and offerings at the show – from powder supplements for women’s health and gut health to protein bars with fruity flavours for active lifestyles. Plus, the vegan white coating gives our customers a rare and unique market opportunity. Every concept … is ready to develop, from formulation to finished product.” SternLife supports customers from initial concept and formulation through to production and market readiness. The company is part of the Stern-Wywiol Gruppe and draws on the resources of 12 specialist companies and approximately 150 R&D experts at the Stern Technology Centre.
For more information, visit: www.sternlife.de
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SternLife Fruitylicious Passionfruit Bar with vegan white choc coating (CGI).
