With a name reminiscent of the Four Loko alcoholic energy drink phenomenon from several years back, Coco Loko seeks to capitalize on the rising interest in club-drug alternatives, as snorting raw cacao gains traction in Western Europe. Users report that cacao produces a mild euphoric effect, as its active components prompt the brain to release … Read more
Ketchup has maintained a significant presence in the condiments aisle for several years, competing with hot sauces, barbecue sauces, chili sauces, and various types of ketchup. In the United States, while major brands like Heinz and Hunt’s still hold the bulk of the market, they are gradually losing ground to smaller competitors. For instance, in … Read more
Fat is one of the three essential macronutrients, along with protein and carbohydrates, vital for maintaining a healthy body. However, a simplistic public health message from the 1980s led many consumers to believe that saturated fat should be avoided altogether instead of being replaced with polyunsaturated fat. This misconception contributed to a surge in low-fat … Read more
Whey protein is a significant by-product of cheese production that was previously deemed a waste material. However, with the growing consumer demand for protein-rich foods and beverages, food manufacturers have shown increased interest in whey. A report from ResearchAndMarkets indicates that the protein ingredients market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate … Read more
In recent years, yogurt has seen a remarkable surge in popularity, with sales increasing by nearly 50% from 2009 to 2014. This growth is primarily fueled by the rise of Greek yogurt and yogurt drinks, which experienced a 62% sales increase from 2011 to 2016. However, due to its high moisture content, yogurt has posed … Read more
The GMO labeling law, which was signed by then-President Obama on July 29 of last year, mandates that the USDA complete the rulemaking process within a two-year timeframe. During a presentation at the Food Label Conference earlier this month, Andrea Huberty, a senior policy analyst for the USDA’s AMS Livestock, Poultry, and Seed Program, emphasized … Read more
In its initial public offering (IPO) documentation submitted earlier this month, Blue Apron reported a valuation of $100 million. A few weeks later, that figure surged significantly to $510 million, with the company indicating plans to sell 30 million shares priced between $15 and $17 each. This valuation increase highlighted Blue Apron’s urgent need to … Read more
McCormick’s product lineup, which includes a diverse array of 250 U.S. and international brands, along with its collaborations with prominent packaged food companies and multinational restaurants, has enabled the spice manufacturer to achieve steady growth. The company has also reaped the benefits of rising consumer demand for spices, herbs, and seasonings as individuals increasingly seek … Read more
The latest report serves as an additional incentive for food companies to enhance their ingredient labels or, at a minimum, provide consumers with clearer information regarding the contents of their products. According to Innova Market Insights, the movement towards cleaner labels—characterized by shorter, simpler ingredient lists—has become standard practice in the food industry. In 2014, … Read more
Banana flour has served as an affordable substitute for wheat flour in regions where the fruit is cultivated for many years, but it has only recently made its way into the U.S. market over the past few decades. Up until now, sales have primarily been confined to retail and specialty stores. However, with the growing … Read more