Arjuna Natural, a global leader in botanical extract innovation since inception, proudly announced that its newest ingredient, Shoden-R®, has been crowned the winner of SupplySide Global’s Ingredient Idol in the relaxation category. This recognition marks a major milestone for the brand as it expands deeper into the functional food and beverage space.
A Standout at the SupplySide Ingredient Idol Showcase
The SupplySide Ingredient Idol – Food & Beverage Edition brings R&D specialists, formulators, and marketing experts together to spotlight the industry’s most promising emerging ingredients. Finalists take the stage for a live pitch, presenting the science, formulation advantages, and market relevance behind their innovations to an expert judging panel and engaged show attendees.
Shoden-R® earned top honors for its breakthrough potential as an adaptogenic ingredient crafted specifically for relaxation-focused applications.
“We are so excited to receive this recognition as a breakthrough relaxation ashwagandha ingredient for the food and beverage industries,” said Keely Johnson, VP of Marketing at Arjuna Natural. “Shoden-R provides clinically backed benefits at just 60 mg per day for a long-lasting, non-GMO, and clean-label product that matches—and exceeds—consumers’ expectations.”
What Makes Shoden-R® Unique?
Shoden-R® is a root-only version of the established Shoden® extract, and is standardized to 35% withanolide glycosides—a level rarely seen in the industry. This profile makes it one of the most bioavailable and long-lasting forms of ashwagandha, enabling wide use across food and beverage categories.
Its versatility makes it ideal for:
- Functional foods
- Gummies and chews
- RTDs and powdered beverages
- Carbonated and non-carbonated drinks
- Quick-dissolving oral beads
- Pills and capsules
- And more
Dr. Benny Antony, Managing Director at Arjuna Natural, noted that most conventional ashwagandha extracts contain far lower concentrations of active compounds and rely on withanolide aglycones, which tend to be less stable and less efficiently absorbed.
“For formulators, Shoden-R provides the only water-soluble extract for a highly bioavailable and effective product,” he explained. “This 100% root extract is odorless, tasteless, and nearly transparent, making it ideal for a wide range of applications that support resilience against physical, emotional, and biological stressors.”
Selected For Its Science, Stability & Formulation Ease
Shoden-R® competed alongside nine other finalists, with entries divided across three key innovation themes—focus, relaxation, and formulation technology. Judges highlighted Shoden-R® for its:
- Long-lasting adaptogenic effect
- Low daily dosage
- Excellent organoleptic profile
- Exceptional versatility
- Solid scientific foundation
This recognition further reinforces Arjuna Natural’s dedication to combining advanced science with clean-label, consumer-focused innovation.
