“Spicing Up Health: The Expanding U.S. Hot Sauce Market and the Benefits of Capsaicin”

The U.S. market for hot sauces has expanded significantly and become more diverse, with companies exploring a variety of chili peppers from around the globe—such as habanero, ghost pepper, and chipotle—alongside an array of fruity flavors. Additionally, a niche market has developed for those adventurous individuals who enjoy exceptionally spicy peppers. Hot sauces targeting this … Read more

“Glyphosate Controversy: Balancing Health Concerns and Consumer Trust in the Food Industry”

The use of glyphosate has sparked significant controversy within the food industry. Some individuals assert that the herbicide may lead to cancer in humans; however, opinions among scientists were mixed following a recent four-day meeting held by the Environmental Protection Agency. In 2015, the World Health Organization labeled glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic.” Yet a subsequent … Read more

“Embracing Healthy Fats: Shifting Perspectives on Dietary Fat Intake and Its Role in Health”

Fat is one of the three essential macronutrients, along with protein and carbohydrates, and plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy body. However, a misleading public health message from the 1980s led many consumers to think that instead of substituting polyunsaturated fat for saturated fat, they should minimize fat intake altogether. This misconception resulted … Read more

“Whey Protein: Transforming a By-product into a Market Leader in Nutritional Bars”

Whey protein, a significant by-product of cheese production, was historically regarded as waste. However, the growing consumer demand for protein-rich foods and drinks has piqued the interest of food manufacturers in whey. A report from ResearchAndMarkets projects that the protein ingredients market will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6% from 2017, … Read more

“Rising Trends in Yogurt and Probiotic Snacks: Frito-Lay’s Innovative Approach to Healthier Indulgence”

The popularity of yogurt has surged dramatically in recent years, with sales increasing nearly 50% from 2009 to 2014. This growth is largely attributed to the rise of Greek yogurt and yogurt beverages, which saw a 62% sales increase from 2011 to 2016. However, the high moisture content in yogurt has posed challenges for companies … Read more

“Progress and Challenges in the USDA’s GMO Labeling Law Implementation: Insights from the Food Label Conference”

The GMO labeling law, signed by former President Obama on July 29 last year, set a two-year timeline for the USDA to complete its rulemaking process. During a presentation at the Food Label Conference earlier this month, Andrea Huberty, a senior policy analyst for the USDA’s AMS Livestock, Poultry, and Seed Program, noted that the … Read more

“Blue Apron’s IPO: Navigating Growth Challenges Amidst Competitive Pressures and Investor Caution”

In its IPO filing earlier this month, Blue Apron indicated a valuation of $100 million. Shortly thereafter, the company significantly raised this figure to $510 million and announced plans to sell 30 million shares at prices ranging from $15 to $17 each. This increase highlighted Blue Apron’s necessity to expand its operations and market share … Read more

“McCormick’s Strategic Growth: Expanding Flavor Portfolio and Commitment to Sustainability”

McCormick’s extensive portfolio, which includes a diverse array of 250 U.S. and international brands, alongside collaborations with top packaged food firms and global restaurant chains, has fueled the spice manufacturer’s steady growth. The rising consumer interest in authentic cultural flavors has also led to increased demand for spices, herbs, and seasonings. Recently, McCormick expanded its … Read more

“Enhancing Ingredient Transparency: The Push for Clearer Food Labeling in Response to Consumer Demands”

The latest report serves as an additional impetus for food companies to improve their ingredient labeling, or at the very least, to provide consumers with clearer information about the contents of their products. The shift toward cleaner labels—characterized by shorter and simpler ingredient lists—has become a prevalent trend in the food industry. According to Innova … Read more

“Unlocking the Potential of Green Banana Flour: A Clean-Label Ingredient Revolution in Food Manufacturing”

Banana flour has been utilized as an economical substitute for wheat flour in regions where the fruit is cultivated for many years, but it has only recently emerged in the U.S. market over the past few decades. Until now, its sales have predominantly been confined to retail and boutique shops. However, with the increasing demand … Read more