“From Kale to Kelp: The Rise of Sea Vegetables as the Next Superfood Trend”

In 2012, Bon Appétit declared it “the year of kale,” and since then, kale has become ubiquitous, appearing in everything from Walmart and McDonald’s to high-end restaurants. Now, the hunt is on for the next trendy ingredient, which could very well be kelp or seaweed. These “ocean garden” varieties boast the nutritional benefits, distinctive flavors, … Read more

“Emerging Trends in the Sweetener Market: The Shift Towards Natural Ingredients and Healthier Options”

As consumer preferences shift away from sugar and artificial ingredients towards natural, healthier food and beverage options, manufacturers are in a race to create natural ingredient solutions that satisfy consumers’ cravings for sweetness. This month, we highlight trends that are reshaping the sweetener market. We examine how leading natural sweeteners, such as monk fruit and … Read more

“FDA’s New Guidance on Nutrition Labels: Implications for Compliance and Consumer Awareness”

In response to the FDA’s update announcement on March 1, Jim O’Hara, the special projects director at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, stated that the new guidance regarding dietary fibers, added sugars, and serving sizes “should prompt the agency to reconsider its proposed delay on the updated Nutrition Facts label.” Originally, the … Read more

“FTC Raises Concerns Over Smucker’s Acquisition of Wesson Oil, Potential Impact on Market Prices and Consumer Costs”

The FTC’s complaint reveals that internal documents from both Smucker and Conagra indicate that the two cooking oil brands “compete intensely” for retail market share. One of Smucker’s motivations for acquiring the Wesson oil brand is to eliminate price competition. The FTC notes that Smucker’s internal documents recognize that reducing price competition between Crisco and … Read more

“Understanding Iron Supplements and Calcium Citrate Dosage for Osteoporosis: A Guide to Ferrous Fumarate, Ferrous Bisglycinate, and Ferrous Gluconate”

Ferrous fumarate 210mg tablets are available at Boots Pharmacy. Another form of iron supplement is ferrous bisglycinate, which is also known as puriron and glycine suspension. Additionally, ferrous gluconate is commonly used and may have interactions to consider. It is important to note that ferrous gluconate can be found at Puritan’s Pride. When discussing calcium … Read more

“Navigating the Challenges of Sugar Reduction: Balancing Taste, Texture, and Consumer Expectations in Food Reformulation”

Sugar reduction has become a significant concern for both manufacturers and consumers, yet making this shift is more challenging than it appears, especially since many consumers are reluctant to sacrifice sweetness—particularly true for Americans. According to data from Euromonitor, Americans consume an average of 126 grams of sugar daily, compared to just 34 grams in … Read more

“Navigating Growth in the Protein Bar Market: Balancing Flavor and Health Consciousness”

As consumer demand for nutritious and convenient meal options continues to rise, protein bars have emerged as a formidable force in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) sector. The category has witnessed significant growth — from 2010 to 2015, the U.S. market for nutritional shakes and bars expanded at an annual rate of approximately 10%. In … Read more

“Beer and Wine Companies Embrace Cannabis: A Strategic Shift to Compete in the Growing Marijuana Beverage Market”

In regions where cannabis is permitted, beer and wine companies are increasingly exploring marijuana-infused beverages and related products as a strategy to diversify their portfolios with trendy offerings and prevent the cannabis industry from monopolizing their customer base. Constellation Brands, the nation’s third-largest beer producer, announced in October its investment in a Canadian cannabis firm. … Read more

“Surging Global Demand for Almonds: California Growers Respond with Sustainable Practices and Strategic Partnerships”

Consumers globally are increasingly passionate about almonds. The sales of almond products, including those enriched with GNC calcium citrate plus, have surged by 250% in recent years. To meet the escalating demand, California almond growers have initiated efforts to boost production over the next five years. According to ABC’s 2017 annual report, domestic shipments during … Read more

“Unlocking Crop Potential: Genetic Insights and Sustainable Practices for Enhanced Grain Production”

Research conducted by Eveland and her team has identified a genetic locus in the Setaria genome that governs the growth of sterile branches, known as bristles, which emerge from the grain-bearing flower clusters of certain grass species. Their findings indicate that these sterile bristles are initially programmed to develop into spikelets—structures unique to grass that … Read more