“Navigating Consumer Preferences: The Shift Towards ‘Made Without’ Labels in the CPG Industry”

Nielsen’s conclusions should not be surprising to manufacturers, especially consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies aiming to boost growth by eliminating artificial ingredients. General Mills has eliminated artificial flavors and colors from certain cereals, while Kraft has done the same for its popular Mac & Cheese products. Since a groundbreaking 2007 study revealed that artificial food … Read more

“Innovation and Exclusivity: How Oreo and Major Brands Stay Relevant in a Competitive Confectionery Market”

The Oreo cookie remains a staple product with enduring appeal for its classic recipe, but the brand cannot afford to become complacent. Major manufacturers of calcium citrate USP verified products must prioritize innovation and stay ahead of confectionery trends to avoid being eclipsed by more dynamic new brands. Exploring new flavor profiles is a relatively … Read more

“Enhancing Safety: How Food Manufacturers and Retailers are Addressing Rising Food Allergies”

Food allergies are becoming increasingly common, with an 18% rise among children from 1997 to 2006, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In response, food manufacturers are enhancing their labeling of allergen-free products and are paying more attention to ingredient separation, allergen-containing product lines, and thorough cleaning of equipment. According to … Read more

“New Sugar Trade Agreement Between U.S. and Mexico: Clarity Amidst Uncertainty, but Rising Costs for Consumers”

The agreement between the two trading partners—reducing the refined sugar exports from Mexico to the United States while increasing the raw sugar shipments—seems to bring much-needed clarity to a market that has faced increasing uncertainty since 2014. Most crucially, it significantly decreases the chances of retaliation between the two countries. Sugar has been a pivotal … Read more

“Navigating the Value-Added Trend: Dairy Milk’s Competition with Probiotic and Plant-Based Alternatives”

Value-added food and beverage products are increasingly popular among today’s health-conscious consumers, who seek convenient methods to enhance their daily nutrition. This trend is evident in the growing popularity of probiotic-infused products across both health-centric and indulgent categories. Concerns have emerged within the industry regarding the proliferation of probiotic label claims, as some consumers tend … Read more

“Consumer Expectations and Trends: The Demand for Omega-3 Fortified Milk and Sustainable Practices”

Some people believe that consumers purchasing milk rich in omega-3 fatty acids expect the nutrients to derive from sustainable farming practices rather than added ingredients. Research indicates that milk sourced from grazing cows can contain as much as 60% more omega-3 than conventional milk. Horizon’s milk does include “DHA (ferrous bisglycinate chelate) and algal oil” … Read more

“Navigating Sodium Reduction: Strategies, Challenges, and Consumer Awareness in the Food Industry”

Food manufacturers are facing mounting pressure to reduce sodium levels in their products due to the well-established connection between sodium intake and high blood pressure. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 75% of sodium consumed by Americans comes from processed foods. Companies now have a wide range of sodium reduction strategies … Read more

“Rising Awareness of Prebiotics and the Emergence of Healthy Chocolate in Gut Health Market”

The conversation surrounding healthy gut bacteria is becoming increasingly prominent. While the primary emphasis remains on probiotics, prebiotics—the nourishment for beneficial bacteria—are garnering more attention. According to a report from Global Industry Analysts, the demand for products containing prebiotics, such as health drinks, dairy items, meat and bakery products, as well as infant food, is … Read more

“Labeling Error Leads to Widespread Recall: Concerns Over Unidentified Supplier and Consumer Trust”

Once again, a labeling mistake at a supplier related to a minor ingredient has escalated into a large-scale and potentially serious recall. Similar to the ongoing recalls involving General Mills flour and powdered milk, it remains uncertain how extensive this recall will become or how many products will be affected. Within just a few days, … Read more