“The Rise of Coconut Oil: Health Trends, Market Demand, and Consumer Preferences”

The increasing popularity of coconut oil can largely be traced back to direct-to-consumer sales of the oil itself. Products featuring coconut oil as an ingredient range from potato chips fried in coconut oil to coconut-based whipped toppings for coffee. The American Heart Association’s (AHA) recommendations do not mean that companies will need to cease using … Read more

“Navigating the Shift to Natural Colors in Food Products: Challenges, Consumer Preferences, and Future Trends”

The trend towards natural colors in food products shows no signs of diminishing, but for companies, the decision to replace synthetic colors with natural alternatives remains a challenging balancing act. Natural colors encounter numerous obstacles, such as fluctuations in raw material prices, stability under heat, pH, and light, as well as consumer acceptance regarding the … Read more

“Nanotechnology in the Food Industry: Innovations, Challenges, and Consumer Concerns”

Nanotechnology involves the manipulation of substances at a molecular level, specifically at scales measured in nanometers, or millionths of a meter. In the food industry, this technology has garnered interest among manufacturers due to its potential applications, such as enhancing flavors or colors, increasing nutrient bioavailability, and detecting bacteria in packaging. However, initial excitement from … Read more

“Plant-Based Eating: A Growing Trend Driven by Protein Demand and Clean Eating at IFT Conference”

The plant-based eating trend was at the forefront of discussions and presentations at the Institute of Food Technologists conference held last week. From tomato extracts designed to lower sodium content to legumes used in alternative flours, milks, and “meat” products, exhibitors showcased plant-based solutions for nearly every consumer demand. More notably, there was a shared … Read more

“Navigating the Evolving Bottled Water Market: Consumer Trends, Label Confusion, and the Rise of Organic Options”

The growing consumer appetite for premium and value-added products has significantly impacted the bottled water market, leading to a surge of confusion surrounding specialty label claims. For instance, a study by ZappiStore revealed that 35% of Americans found the term “vapor distilled,” used by Coca-Cola’s SmartWater brand, perplexing. In contrast, consumers showed a stronger preference … Read more

“Exploring the Growth Potential of Nonalcoholic Kombucha: Opportunities for Suja Juice in a Booming Fermented Beverage Market”

Kombucha, a fermented tea with a vinegar-like flavor, typically contains around 1% alcohol, which has led to regulatory challenges for some producers. Suja Juice’s caution in entering this market before addressing the alcohol content issue is justified, as the presence of alcohol may deter health-conscious consumers from various demographics. Nonetheless, the fermented beverage sector is … Read more

“Adapting Food Production: Embracing Alternative Proteins and Sustainable Practices for a Growing Global Population”

Food manufacturers must adapt to change now by exploring new processes and alternative protein sources to ensure there is enough food to sustain the growing global population in the coming decades. This increasingly involves integrating plants, algae, insects, and other non-animal sources into food production as substitutes for meat-based proteins. While the idea of consuming … Read more

“Maximizing Supplement Effectiveness: The Interplay of Ferrous Fumarate, Calcium Citrate, and Dietary Factors”

The absorption rates of ferrous fumarate, along with ferrous fumarate folic acid and zinc sulfate tablets, have been discussed in various health publications. Additionally, ferrous gluconate is often compared to iron glycinate in terms of bioavailability. Regarding contraceptive options, combinations like levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol are frequently mentioned alongside ferrous fumarate for their potential health … Read more

“Managing Iron Deficiency: The Role of Ferrous Fumarate and Calcium Supplements”

Ferrous fumarate is a common iron supplement often used to treat iron deficiency anemia. It is available under various names, including ferrous sulfate and ferrous gluconate. Mercury Pharma is one of the manufacturers of ferrous fumarate, which is recognized for its effectiveness in addressing iron deficiencies. In addition to iron supplements like ferrous fumarate, many … Read more

“Rising Trends: The Fusion of Probiotics, Plant-Based Proteins, and Nutritional Supplements in the Food Industry”

Consumer awareness of probiotics has surged dramatically over the past decade. While yogurt remains the dominant product in the market, new probiotic-infused items such as juices, candies, baked goods, infant formula, and baby food are becoming increasingly popular. However, as noted by Ganeden, consumers primarily associate probiotics with digestive health and many are unaware that … Read more