“Legal Challenge to FDA’s GRAS Rule Highlights Concerns Over Ingredient Safety and Self-Regulation”

It appears somewhat precarious for the FDA to depend on food companies to self-regulate regarding the safety of ingredients, but this approach has been the norm for many years. The lawsuit aims to protect consumer interests and appears to have considerable merit at first glance. The FDA’s finalized rule, enacted last year, has faced criticism … Read more

“American Academy of Pediatrics Revises Guidelines on Fruit Juice Consumption for Children: Emphasis on Whole Fruits and Portion Control”

In the report, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) acknowledges that juice can be included in a healthy diet for older children, but emphasizes that it does not provide any additional benefits compared to whole fruit. This represents another setback for fruit juice producers, who experienced a significant 60% decline in sales from 2008 to … Read more

“Flavor Innovations in Confectionery: Wrigley and Mars Explore Savory Trends While Hershey Leads with ‘Snackfection'”

Dive Insight: Wrigley appears to be seeking to leverage ingredient trends that are gaining traction in the savory snack market. Bold flavors have surged in popularity over recent years, as consumer demand for authentic ethnic flavor profiles increases. It will be intriguing to see how these flavors are received in the confectionery sector. Pepsi has … Read more

“Kale’s Sales Surge: Will Drinking Vinegar Follow in the Footsteps of the Superfood Trend?”

According to data from Nielsen, kale has experienced remarkable sales growth over the past year. Frozen breakfast items featuring kale saw a staggering 391% increase in sales from 2016 to 2017. Additionally, sales of kale-based vitamins and supplements rose by 125%, while pasta sauces incorporating this superfood saw a 60% surge during the same timeframe. … Read more

“Raising Awareness: Addressing Carcinogenic Risks of Well-Cooked Meats and Opportunities for the Meat Industry”

The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes heterocyclic amines (HCAs) as known carcinogens, yet public awareness regarding the risks associated with well-cooked meats—particularly those that are pan-fried, grilled, barbecued, or charred—is just beginning to grow. Media coverage has started to highlight the carcinogenic properties found in cooked and processed meats. In 2015, the Dietary Guidelines Advisory … Read more

“Rethinking Dairy: The Impact of Women’s Dietary Choices on Bone Health and the Dairy Industry”

In recent years, an increasing number of women have eliminated dairy from their diets. This trend has been fueled by concerns regarding bovine growth hormones, animal welfare, and digestive issues, along with the availability of a wider range of milk and dairy alternatives. Women are particularly vulnerable to osteoporosis and reduced bone density after menopause, … Read more

“Navigating the Sweetener Shift: Consumer Skepticism and Industry Innovations Amid Sugar Scrutiny”

As sugar faces negative scrutiny in the media, manufacturers are actively exploring alternatives, yet many consumers remain wary of artificial sweeteners. Natural sweeteners like honey and agave present other options, but they come with high calorie content, potentially contributing to obesity in much the same way as traditional sugar. By July 2018, manufacturers will be … Read more

“Revolutionizing Pasta: The Emergence of Shape-Shifting 3D Pasta for Culinary Innovation”

This 3D pasta can be flavored and colored much like traditional pasta; however, its fundamental ingredients—gelatin, starch, and cellulose—have a distinctly different taste compared to regular noodles. The outcome is an elegantly designed pasta that curls into its intended shape upon contact with liquids, whether that be water, broth, or a more robust sauce. The … Read more