Last summer, NutriSystem Inc. introduced its Aquaescents refillable empty plastic water bottles with closures that release desirable aromas that give consumers the perception that they’re experiencing flavors such as lemon, peach, or grape—but without calories, sweeteners, or additives. That’s important for the Horsham, PA-based weight management products and services firm that sells via its www.nutrisystem.com Web site.
Aquaescents use ScentSational Technologies’ CompelAroma, an Encapsulated Aroma Release technology that ScentSational describes as the inclusion of “generally recognized as safe” (and preapproved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration) flavor additives during cap manufacture. The technology can also be used in plastic films, bottles, liners, sheet for thermoforming, or other plastic packaging.
“The natural scents are right in the cap,” says Dr. Jay Satz, vice president of product development at NutriSystem. “We urge all our customers to drink at least 10 glasses of water a day, which can get boring. We thought this would be an easy way for them to consume water and enjoy different flavors. It’s water with a kick that livens up a diet with a fun way to stay properly hydrated every day.” Satz acknowledges that consumers refill the bottle with water that’s not flavored. “But understand that much of flavor [is perceived] through aroma.” The aroma in each cap is designed to last about three months.
