“Sweet Revolution: Candy Industry Embraces Health with Sugar Reduction and Nutritional Innovations”

Dive Insight: Tracey Massey, the president of Mars Chocolate North America, shared with Fortune that the recent commitment to sugar reduction marks the first time the candy industry has collectively addressed health and wellness concerns. This strategic move is particularly relevant for the confectionery sector, as Mintel’s 2017 Consumer Trend report highlighted a significant “backlash … Read more

“Pistachios: The Rising Star of Nutritious Snacking and Culinary Innovation”

As more consumers recognize nuts as a nutritious and guilt-free food choice, it’s no surprise that pistachios are experiencing a surge in popularity. These nuts are abundant in fiber, which nutritionists emphasize is crucial for weight management and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Numerous studies have indicated that pistachios serve as a healthy snack … Read more

“Choosing the Right Iron Supplement: Options and Benefits of Ferrous Gluconate, Ferrous Fumarate, and Calcium Citrate”

Ferrous gluconate 325 mg is available at Walmart, while ferrous fumarate can be found on Amazon. Gentle ferrous sulfates are also an option, and you might wonder if ferric pyrophosphate is a good choice. It’s important to note that ferric pyrophosphate is equivalent to elemental iron. When considering iron supplements, one might also look at … Read more

“Shifting Tastes: The Rise of Natural Sweeteners Amidst Declining Trust in Artificial Alternatives”

Today’s consumers are highly conscious of the ingredients in their food and beverages, particularly wary of two things: sugar and artificial sweeteners. While manufacturers can reformulate their products to reduce sugar content—either by altering the sugar molecule like Nestlé or simply pledging to use less sugar as Danone does—artificial sweetener producers are facing significant challenges. … Read more

“Opportunities and Challenges in the Transition to Cage-Free Eggs: Insights from Industry Leaders”

This study indicates that food manufacturers have a significant opportunity to enhance consumer perception by opting for cage-free eggs. A number of companies have already committed to this change in their egg supply. For example, Nestlé announced in 2015 that by 2020, all eggs used in its U.S. products would come from cage-free hens. Other … Read more

“Unlocking the Potential of Spearmint in Functional Beverages: A Growing Market for Healthier Alternatives”

Spearmint-flavored teas and waters present a compelling opportunity for this ingredient. In particular, the market for functional waters is booming, and incorporating a hint of spearmint could enhance both taste and functionality. Established products, such as those containing electrolytes to help replenish fluids lost during exercise or illness, are already popular. The demand for functional … Read more

“Consumer Acceptance Challenges for Insect-Based Ingredients and the Rise of Alternative Oils”

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations highlights that the primary challenge for insect-based ingredients, including oil derived from fruit fly larvae, is gaining consumer acceptance. The FAO suggests that feelings of disgust can be overcome relatively quickly, pointing to the swift acceptance of raw fish in sushi as a prime example. … Read more

“Exploring the Potential of Stevia Sweeteners in Diabetes Management: Unraveling Mechanisms and Future Research Directions”

Zero-calorie sweeteners have been widely recommended for diabetics, allowing them to enjoy sweet foods without causing spikes in blood sugar levels. However, stevia-derived sweeteners may offer additional benefits by actively helping to regulate those levels. Recent research is the first to provide a compelling explanation for this phenomenon, indicating that specific components of stevia could … Read more

“Navigating Dairy Trade Tensions: U.S.-Canada Relations and the Quest for Policy Change under Trump”

Leaders in the dairy industry have long hoped that this issue would attract Trump’s attention since his election, as it aligns with his campaign platform. Critics argue that unfavorable trade policies are leading to the closure of American farms and displacing workers. Given Trump’s popularity in rural regions, particularly among farmers, the issue seemed primed … Read more