Sugar’s image may be diminishing as more people aim for healthier eating habits, yet it remains a staple in many beloved foods, making it unlikely to lose its popularity anytime soon, despite ongoing efforts to dethrone it. Sugar is commonly linked to festive foods, like birthday and wedding cakes, not to mention Valentine’s Day chocolates … Read more
Califia Farms has entered the saturated plant-based milk market and quickly emerged as one of the fastest-growing natural beverage companies in the U.S. If the company’s past is any indication of its future, it may significantly influence the drinkable yogurt segment as well. The popularity of yogurt drinks is on the rise, with sales increasing … Read more
In today’s food and beverage landscape, sugar has become one of the most criticized ingredients. Once cherished for its versatility—rising cakes, caramelizing sauces, and delivering delightful sweetness—an increasing number of health-conscious consumers are now opting for healthier alternatives. A survey by Label Insight indicates that 22% of U.S. consumers intend to limit their sugar consumption. … Read more
As large food manufacturers face challenges due to consumers opting for fresher, healthier options over packaged foods, one company is flourishing: McCormick & Co. The 129-year-old producer of spices, seasoning mixes, flavorings, and condiments has developed products that cater to consumers’ desires for better eating without sacrificing the flavors they love. There is a rising … Read more
Animal-free dairy proteins appear to provide functional benefits similar to those of animal-free, cell-cultured “meat” products, which are garnering attention and investment from major food companies. Memphis Meats, a cultured “meat” startup based in San Francisco, has secured funding from both Tyson Ventures, the venture capital arm of Tyson Foods, and Cargill. In terms of … Read more
In recent years, pea protein, along with ferrous gluconate and iron polymaltose, has gained significant attention from consumers, as evidenced by a 195% increase in the number of new products featuring iron lactate absorption between 2013 and 2016, according to Mintel data. For manufacturers, the advantages of pea protein include being non-GMO, allergen-free, vegan, and … Read more
As consumer lifestyles become more fast-paced, the demand for convenient, ready-to-eat meal solutions—often referred to as “food anywhere”—continues to grow steadily. This rapid transformation has not only pushed manufacturers, restaurants, and grocery retailers to create competitive on-the-go options but has also opened up lucrative market opportunities for companies like Ingredion, which supplies ingredients to enhance … Read more
In 2012, Bon Appétit declared it “the year of kale,” and since then, kale has become ubiquitous, appearing in everything from Walmart and McDonald’s to high-end restaurants. Now, the hunt is on for the next trendy ingredient, which could very well be kelp or seaweed. These “ocean garden” varieties boast the nutritional benefits, distinctive flavors, … Read more
As consumer preferences shift away from sugar and artificial ingredients towards natural, healthier food and beverage options, manufacturers are in a race to create natural ingredient solutions that satisfy consumers’ cravings for sweetness. This month, we highlight trends that are reshaping the sweetener market. We examine how leading natural sweeteners, such as monk fruit and … Read more
In response to the FDA’s update announcement on March 1, Jim O’Hara, the special projects director at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, stated that the new guidance regarding dietary fibers, added sugars, and serving sizes “should prompt the agency to reconsider its proposed delay on the updated Nutrition Facts label.” Originally, the … Read more