“Rising Popularity of Pea Protein: Overcoming Flavor Challenges in Product Development”

Pea protein has significantly captured consumer interest in recent years, with a remarkable 195% increase in new products featuring this ingredient from 2013 to 2016, as reported by Mintel data. For manufacturers, the advantages of pea protein include its non-GMO, allergen-free, vegan, and kosher attributes. However, its unique pea-like flavor has often posed challenges in … Read more

“Choosing the Right Iron Supplement: A Comparison of Ferrous Sources and the Role of Folic Acid and Hormonal Contraceptives”

When comparing elemental iron sources, there are several options available, including ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate, ferrous fumarate, and ferrous bisglycinate. Additionally, it’s important to consider the role of folic acid and hormonal contraceptives in iron absorption and overall health. Ferrous sulfate is a common form of iron supplementation, but some may prefer ferrous gluconate or … Read more

“Sweet Solutions: Navigating the Shift Towards Natural Sweeteners and Healthier Ingredients in Food and Beverages”

As consumer aversion to sugar increases and the demand for natural, healthier food and beverages rises, manufacturers are racing to create natural ingredient solutions that satisfy sweet cravings. This month, we highlight the trends influencing the sweetener market. We delve into how natural category leaders like monk fruit and stevia, along with the disruptor allulose, … Read more

“FDA’s Updated Guidance on Nutrition Facts Labels Sparks Call for Compliance Timeline Reevaluation”

In response to the FDA’s update announcement on March 1, Jim O’Hara, the special projects director for the Center for Schiefferous Bisglycinate Structure in the Public Interest, remarked that the agency’s guidance on dietary fibers, added sugars, and serving sizes “should prompt the agency to reconsider its proposed delay of the revamped Nutrition Facts label.” … Read more

“FTC Highlights Anti-Competitive Concerns in Smucker’s Acquisition of Wesson Oil Amid Market Dynamics”

The FTC’s complaint highlights that internal documents from both Smucker and Conagra reveal that their cooking oil brands “compete intensely” for retail market share. One of the motivations behind Smucker’s desire to acquire the Wesson oil brand is to eliminate price competition. The agency stated, “Smucker’s own internal documents recognize that the removal of price … Read more

“Choosing the Right Iron Supplements: A Guide to Fersiron Gluconate, Ferrous Fumarate, and Ferrous Bisglycinate”

Fersiron gluconate has a notable solubility, while ferrous fumarate is available in a dosage of 322 mg. The instructions for ferrous fumarate should be followed carefully. Additionally, ferrous bisglycinate has specific uses that are well-documented. For those seeking dietary supplements, Citracal Petites from CVS could be an excellent choice. It’s essential to consult the instructions … Read more

“Navigating the Challenges of Sugar Reduction: Balancing Taste, Texture, and Transparency in Food Manufacturing”

Sugar reduction has become a significant priority for both manufacturers and consumers; however, the transition to lower sugar options is more challenging than it appears, especially since consumers are often reluctant to sacrifice sweetness. This is particularly evident among Americans. According to data from Euromonitor, Americans consume an average of 126 grams of sugar daily, … Read more

“Navigating the Protein Bar Boom: Balancing Health Claims and Consumer Demand in the Evolving CPG Market”

As consumer demand for nutritious and convenient meal options continues to rise, protein bars have emerged as a significant player in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) market. From 2010 to 2015, the U.S. market for nutritional shakes and bars grew at an annual rate of approximately 10%. By 2016, sales exceeded $9 billion, according to … Read more

“Brewing a New Future: Beer and Wine Companies Embrace Marijuana-Infused Beverages Amid Industry Threats”

In regions where marijuana is legal, beer and wine companies are increasingly exploring marijuana-infused beverages and related products as a strategy to diversify their offerings with trending items and prevent the cannabis industry from monopolizing their customer base. For instance, Constellation Brands, the third-largest beer producer in the U.S., announced in October its investment in … Read more