Healthy Extracts Inc. (OTCQB:HYEX) has entered an exclusive joint product development agreement with Lelantos Fibre to revolutionize nutritional supplement delivery through innovative fiber drinking straws. The partnership, announced on May 8, 2025, grants Healthy Extracts exclusive rights to develop and market nutrient-infused straw formulations using Lelantos' specialized manufacturing technologies.
The collaboration comes on the heels of the successful launch of the WHITNEY JOHNS Gut Health Straw, described as the world's first fiber pre- and probiotic delivery straw, which has already generated significant market interest and initial sales.
"This innovative, patent-pending oral delivery system will take our already great nutraceutical formulations to the next level," stated Duke Pitts, President of Healthy Extracts. "The technology can conveniently provide up to four grams of prebiotic fiber while delivering other key ingredients that optimize a healthy lifestyle."
Addressing Critical Nutritional Gaps
According to USDA data cited by the company, 95% of Americans fail to consume adequate dietary fiber. The Lelantos straw technology offers a novel solution to this widespread deficiency while simultaneously delivering additional beneficial nutrients.
Fiber plays a crucial role in digestive and overall health by supporting healthy blood sugar levels, cholesterol management, and gut microbiome nourishment. It also aids in appetite control—factors linked to reducing risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers.
The technology's efficiency extends to manufacturing as well. Pitts explained that the just-in-time straw manufacturing process will enable Healthy Extracts to bring new products to market in under eight weeks, with private label options available at significantly lower cost points compared to traditional capsules or gummies.
Expanding Product Portfolio
Building on initial success, the companies plan to co-develop a comprehensive range of functional straws targeting various health and wellness needs, including:
- Hydration enhancement
- Workout recovery support
- Metabolic health management, including GLP-1 infused straws for blood sugar and appetite regulation
These products will be compatible with popular tumblers such as the Stanley Quencher and Yeti Rambler, enhancing consumer convenience.
Thomas Shea, President of Lelantos Fibre, emphasized the transformative potential of the technology: "This proprietary straw technology redefines how consumers experience daily wellness, making supplements more convenient and effective—even fun."
How the Technology Works
The patent-pending process attaches prebiotic fiber, vitamins, probiotics, and other nutritional supplements as a solid to the interior wall of a drinking straw. When inserted into a beverage, the lining dissolves, allowing users to consume the nutrients while sipping.
A key advantage of the technology is its elimination of fillers, artificial disintegrates, and flow agents commonly used in traditional supplement delivery methods. The specialized low-temperature manufacturing process preserves the integrity of the fiber and supplements, maximizing their benefits.
Usage is straightforward: consumers simply drop the straw into their beverage, wait approximately one minute for activation, then sip and enjoy.
Market Potential and Distribution Strategy
The partners plan to launch pilot production of several new products throughout 2025, positioning themselves to capitalize on the global functional foods and beverage market, which Fortune Business Insights projects will exceed $793 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of over 10%.
"We see this new delivery system disrupting the gut health and nutritional supplement market in an unprecedented way," noted Pitts. "It provides us a competitive edge for accelerating our sales and brand growth like no other products we've introduced to date."
The technology enables Healthy Extracts to expand into new distribution channels, including:
- Fitness centers
- Elderly care facilities
- Physical retail locations
- Healthcare provider networks
- Direct-to-consumer subscription services
The company highlights particular benefits for individuals experiencing "pill fatigue" or difficulty swallowing, as well as younger consumers who prefer alternatives to traditional pill formats.
Commercial Availability
The WHITNEY JOHNS Gut Health Straw is currently available for purchase at whitneyjohns.com. The product features a natural lemon flavor, contains no added sugar, and delivers a prebiotic and probiotic blend through a simple sipping action.
Under the agreement, Healthy Extracts has secured exclusive rights not only to co-developed products but also to advancements in the underlying next-generation manufacturing technology, positioning the company for potential long-term competitive advantages in the nutraceutical delivery space.
