A new, first-to-market range of frozen nutrition supplements called icesupp has been launched.
The products were created by Amy Smith and her partner Robert Upton, when they saw how Amy’s father Ray struggled to build and maintain his weight during his cancer treatment.
Ray found traditional nutritional supplements prescribed by the NHS too thick, but he found ice lollies soothing as well as easier to consume.
Amy and Rob realised how effective it could be to combine the benefits of nutritional supplements with the more refreshing and tasty form of an ice lolly and the idea for icesupp was born.
They worked with Reading University’s Food Science Department and a team of specialist advisors, oncologists, GPs and dietitians to create the products.
The main ingredients in icesupp’s 100 per cent plant-based supplements are fruit and pea protein, with a range of vitamins and minerals.
Each 86ml supplement pouch is packed with real fruit, 5g of protein, 2.5g of fibre and 150 calories, to build strength and energy.
The two launch flavours are Mixed Berries and Mango & Passionfruit. A box of 12 supplement pouches has a RRP of £23.75, the products are supplied in ambient liquid form to be frozen at home by the end user into a soothing sorbet-like iced consistency.
Amy said: “There are many reasons why people struggle to eat. When Dad was going through treatment for bowel cancer, he found it difficult to eat a conventional diet, as do many other cancer patients.
“He found solid foods difficult and painful and had little appetite for the thick, sickly meal supplements, meaning it was hard for him to keep on the weight he needed.
“He discovered solace in ice lollies, which provided soothing relief and were effortless to eat. Traditional ice lollies didn’t provide the much-needed nutrients and this sparked an idea – so we have created a product that soothes and refreshes, while providing a delicious source of nutrition for those in need.
“Our goal with icesupp is to help families like ours, who have experienced the devastating effects of dramatic weight loss and malnutrition, which can impact anyone – however those that are particularly at risk include those with an illness like cancer, and those aged over the age of 65, especially if they are in a care home or have been recently admitted to hospital.”
For more information, visit https://icesupp.com
