“Exploring the Sweet Connection: Caffeine’s Impact on Consumer Preferences and Marketing Strategies for Coffee and Snack Products”

The connection between caffeine and sweet taste perceptions presents intriguing possibilities for coffee producers, as products containing caffeine may ignite consumer cravings for sweet snacks such as cookies, scones, and donuts. This opens up a chance for marketing packaged sweets in conjunction with coffee grounds to maximize sales. Conversely, it may also lead retailers to … Read more

“Emerging Solutions for Food Allergy Management: The Role of Technology and Transparency in Supporting Gluten-Free Diets”

An increasing number of applications, tools, and technologies are emerging to support consumers with food allergies, particularly those affected by celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. These resources assist consumers—especially those with specific dietary needs within their families—in conducting product research, simplifying special dietary requests, and ensuring that food is safe to consume. According to the … Read more

“Maple’s Sweet Revival: How The Maple Guild and Innovative Brands are Capitalizing on the Growing Demand for Maple Products”

A short drive from the Canadian border in upstate Vermont reveals an intricate network of tiny plastic tubes, nearly 6,000 miles long—about 25% of the circumference of the Earth—extending from 450,000 maple trees. Each drop of sap collected from these trees slowly travels through this system to a nearby building, once an Ethan Allen factory, … Read more

“Revolutionizing Beer Production: Carlsberg’s Beer Fingerprinting Project and the Future of Flavor Innovation in the U.S. Brewery Market”

This technology essentially acts as a sensor platform capable of swiftly and accurately evaluating the flavors and aromas of any beer. It will assist the Danish beer manufacturer in product development, quality control, and ensuring product safety. According to Jochen Förster, Director and Professor of Yeast Fermentation at the Carlsberg Research Laboratory, the Beer Fingerprinting … Read more

“Navigating Clean Labels: Consumer Demands, Industry Challenges, and the Cost of Transparency in Food Products”

Consumers are increasingly demanding that the meat and other food products they purchase be free from additives and preservatives like nitrates, sodium benzoate, calcium propionate, and potassium sorbate. However, the absence of these ingredients can lead to faster spoilage, resulting in food waste, as noted by Iowa professors. MacDonald highlighted that some preservatives occur naturally; … Read more

“FDA Considers Expanding Dietary Fiber Definition Amid Industry Concerns and Consumer Health Demands”

According to the FDA website, current regulations allow for “fibers in foods to be labeled as dietary fiber without necessarily demonstrating physiological benefits that are advantageous to human health.” Naturally occurring fibers, like those found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, are already recognized for their health benefits, so accurately labeling products containing these ingredients … Read more

“Corbion’s Strategic Acquisition of TerraVia: A Game Changer in the Microalgae Market”

Earlier this year, when TerraVia filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, Corbion made a strategic move by placing a $20 million “stalking horse” bid to acquire the company. This bid, which sets a baseline for other offers, culminated in a successful acquisition by late September, involving Corbion’s cash payment along with the assumption of TerraVia’s debts. … Read more

“Enhancing Flour Safety: Challenges and Innovations in Decontamination Methods Amid Recalls and Consumer Awareness”

The 2016 recall of General Mills flour, along with numerous subsequent product recalls and this year’s flour recall by Smucker Foods of Canada, has underscored the urgent need for manufacturers to improve safety measures. Various decontamination techniques are currently being utilized or tested for flour, including heat treatment and pasteurization, which can adversely affect baking … Read more