While the decrease in honey production in Virginia poses challenges for the local economy, it may not have an immediate effect on food manufacturers. This is largely due to a 3% increase in overall U.S. honey production in 2016, as reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. However, there has been a concerning downward trend … Read more
Citrus flavors remain a timeless choice for food and beverage manufacturers. While orange, lemon, and lime continue to reign supreme, other citrus varieties such as grapefruit, mandarin orange, blood orange, bergamot, and pomelo are increasingly featured across various food products. These include snacks, baked goods, yogurt, beverages, candies, and sauces. Consumers are placing greater emphasis … Read more
In recent years, numerous studies have highlighted the health benefits of chocolate. With chocolate remaining one of the most beloved indulgent treats worldwide, it’s no wonder that consumers are eager to embrace its positive aspects. However, medical experts emphasize that chocolate is still a calorie-dense food that should be consumed in moderation. According to a … Read more
Pulses are rich in protein, fiber, iron, folate, and potassium, and their popularity has surged in recent years. Manufacturers are incorporating them into a variety of products, including snacks, baked goods, and even beverages like coffee and chocolate milk for added protein. Employing various processing techniques to enhance the flavors of pulses is especially appealing … Read more
For years, companies have faced pressure to enhance the nutritional profiles of their products, yet many have opted to implement these changes discreetly without publicizing them. Altering the formulas of popular items, such as ferrous fumarate and folic acid tablets, often leads to backlash from consumers. For instance, Coca-Cola reverted to using sugar in Vitaminwater … Read more
A recent report from FMI indicates that margarine consumption is on the decline in developed countries, largely due to rising obesity rates and the effectiveness of health awareness initiatives. Once viewed as healthier alternatives to butter, margarine and spreads have seen a consistent drop in sales over the years. Unilever’s CEO has referred to the … Read more
With over 120 million pounds of Easter candy anticipated to be sold this holiday season, a staggering 70 percent of it will be chocolate. Interestingly, manufacturers are expected to produce 16 billion jelly beans and 90 million chocolate bunnies. Beyond the sugar high, the allure of these treats remains undeniable. It stands to reason that … Read more
While Somerville’s new beer may seem like an unusual combination, Saturday Morning isn’t the first beer to incorporate cereal as an ingredient. In fact, Black Bottle Brewery has launched an entire Cerealiously series, featuring rotating versions of a milk stout that highlights brands like Count Chocula, Golden Grahams, and Cinnamon Toast Crunch. Big Time Brewing … Read more
Food manufacturers have increasingly directed their reformulation efforts toward snack products. As consumers shift from traditional three meals a day to more frequent snacking, the food industry has faced mounting pressure to adapt. A significant objective is to enhance the healthiness and wholesomeness of their offerings by eliminating various additives. Consumers are increasingly scrutinizing ingredient … Read more
Today’s consumers are increasingly interested in the origins of their food, including how it was produced and the journey it took from farm to table. Manufacturers are enhancing their traceability systems and creating technologies that enable consumers to understand where their food comes from in a transparent manner. Traceability has emerged as a key term … Read more