It has surged in popularity in recent years thanks to its complex flavor profile, health benefits, versatility in sweet and savory applications, and ‘artisanal’ culinary associations, says flavors giant Firmenich, which has selected fig as its flavor...
On-shelf nutritional rating systems, such as Guiding Stars, not only help consumers make healthier purchases, but they can boost retail sales by encouraging larger baskets with more expensive items, according to new research.
Identifying the geographical origin of palm oil is now quicker and more accurate thanks to a method developed by Spanish researchers, who claim it could help fight palm oil fraudulently labelled as certified sustainable.
PureCircle has partnered with tobacco farmers in North Carolina (US) to commercially grow its StarLeaf stevia for the next planting season, to meet growing demand for food and beverage launches using the plant-based sweetener.
With 95% market share in kefir, Lifeway Foods continues to explore opportunities in the probiotics space, and its new Elixir sparkling probiotic beverages will soon be joined by Icelandic skyr and plant-based protein drinks.
Portland-based Brew Dr Kombucha has notched up another year of triple digit growth in 2017, with revenues likely to be “close to $30m,” says founder and CEO Matt Thomas, who is planning to introduce a canned version of the brand sometime next year.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) new School Meal Flexibility Rule has drawn sharp criticism from leading consumer groups, with the CSPI claiming the new rule slows down progress on combating obesity and sodium reduction.
For once, more actually may be better – at least when it comes to additional functional benefits, nutrients and notched-up heat levels that consumers will seek from their food and beverages in the coming year, according to one industry veteran and influencer....
Consumer demand for healthy options and Millennial preferences for adventure and interactive experiences will heavily influence emerging flavor and culinary trends in 2018, according to flavor innovators.
Good nutrition, sustainable agriculture and low food waste aren't the preserve of wealthy nations: France has been ranked number one in a global sustainability index but low-income Ethiopia outperforms the USA.
While household penetration of plant-based alternatives to meat in the US is only a small a fraction, innovation and sales in the category are poised for growth and could mirror the trajectory of plant-based milks, predicts a senior scientist with the...
With consumer interest in fermentation, raw foods, probiotics, authentic cuisine and sustainable production all on the rise, Legacy III Partners is introducing to the US Alive & Well Organic Probiotic Olives, which check all these boxes by using traditional...
A judge has granted Dannon’s motion to dismiss a high-profile false advertising lawsuit alleging shoppers were misled by its ‘all-natural’ claims on dairy products from cows that may have eaten GM feed.
The ease of buying food online may diminish the sense of psychological ownership, which may ultimately make it easier for people to discard food, suggests a new analysis with implications for retailers.
In an ironic twist, consumer desire for cleaner nutrition labels is extending to their preferences for minimalist packaging that is free-from the certification logos and claims that call attention to simpler, easy-to-understand ingredient decks as illustrated...
Food and beverage brands are responding to consumer demand for hotter, spicier, foods with over 50 new hot and spicy products launched every day around the world in 2016, says Michigan-based natural extracts specialist Kalsec.
The sweetened beverage tax in Cook County, Illinois, expired on Friday after four months of “overwhelming and relentless opposition” from retailers, consumers and policy makers.
The Tetra Evero aseptic carton bottle and the Tetra Pak A6 filling machine have launched in the US where brands like Kahlua Coffee Creamers and Healthy Living dairy alternative beverages will be among the first to use the novel 1-liter bottle shape with...
Healthier food choices at college vending machines can be achieved by using principles of choice architecture and point-of-purchase labeling, without affecting financial performance, says a new study from UCLA.
Negative consumer perceptions around ingredients like carrageenan and xanthan gum are challenging their usage in the US, but darlings like pectin are booming and now is the time industry should be talking more to consumers, says a leading hydrocolloids...
Hidden hunger due to malnutrition can have devastating consequences not only for those who suffer from it, but also on the economy – prompting governments to seek help in a way that is creating business opportunities for innovators with solutions.
Meat producers do not need to restrict salt in school meals for the 2018-19 academic year, after the Trump administration said companies needed more time to reformulate products.
A former senior VP of Global Snacks at Kraft Foods has launched the startup Farm & Oven in Boulder, Colorado, hoping to sell his vegetables- and probiotics-added snacks on Amazon by mid-December.
Natural Grocers will slash the pace of new store openings to focus more on shoring up the performance of existing outlets, the company announced recently.
As consumers increasing seek out healthy snacks, scientists at the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) are working on bringing persimmon into the limelight.
Snack products with specific healthful claims have experienced the strongest uptick in sales, say a new insights from Nielsen, as the category reaches $33 billion in the US.
Clearlake Capital Group, L.P. and CPG veteran Bill Moses have launched Disruptive Brands, a new platform focused on investing in and supporting emerging better-for-you food and beverage brands.
Despite the rising popularity and much-touted health benefits of plant-based diets, new research suggests a complete shift away from animal-based food production in the US would “create a food supply incapable of supporting the US population’s nutritional...
The M&M’s maker Mars will take a minority stake in KIND Snacks, a deal that aims to bring KIND's nutrition bars and granola products onto the global stage.
Cricket powder has the potential to be used in emulsified meat products as a non-meat functional ingredient, according to a new study from scientists at Purdue University and Texas A&M.
With sales doubling year-on-year and two of its founders named in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Class of 2018 in the Food & Drink category, Soom Foods is showing how success in food service can drive retail sales.
Cold brewing – along with its health benefits, unique flavor profile and its market energizing success – is no longer restricted to coffee thanks to Argo Tea’s launch earlier this fall of three ready-to-drink Single Estate Cold Brew Teas.
Consumers no longer have to trade nutrition for convenience when shopping the frozen snack aisle thanks to innovative companies, such as Smart Flour Foods, that are revamping classic comfort foods with cleaner ingredient decks that also deliver on taste...
The ‘free-from’ phenomenon is reaching a tipping point. Originally born out of dietary necessity, it’s now taken a global grip with hyper-health conscious consumers, who love to experiment with new food and drinks that deliver all of the good stuff free...
Beyond Meat’s revolutionary plant-based burger has secured a listing at US supermarket Shaw’s, meaning the patty can now be bought in over 4,000 supermarkets.
Former KIND Snacks’ investment firm, VMG Partners, was asked during the recent Food Vision USA in Chicago if big food companies like Kraft Heinz and PepsiCo should acquire emerging products or create their own brands to scale up innovation. Its response:...
Kellogg will open its permanent cereal café in New York City’s Union Square neighborhood on December 14, 2017, after experiencing its first year of ‘success’ in Times Square.
Regular consumption of walnuts, tree nuts, and peanuts (yes, we know it’s a legume and not a ‘nut’) can slash the risk of developing cardiovascular disease or coronary heart disease, says the largest study of its kind.
