Dairy-based ingredients

Animal-free dairy offers nutrition and functionality of milk without industrial animal farming

Perfect Day in talks with food industry partners to commercialize animal-free dairy ingredients

19-Dec-2017 By Elaine Watson

Berkeley-based Perfect Day – which is creating ‘vegan’ dairy proteins without cows – is in talks with food industry partners about scaling up production in order to introduce dairy ingredients that vegans, vegetarians and dairy lovers alike can enjoy...

OTA promises to fight USDA decision to withdrawal popular organic animal welfare final rule

18-Dec-2017 By Elizabeth Crawford

To the “dismay” of the Organic Trade Association and against the vast majority of comments submitted by industry, the USDA proposes to withdraw a final rule outlining new animal welfare standards for organic producers that was passed in the 11th hour...

'Live cultures are not all probiotic, although all probiotics are live cultures...'

CHR Hansen sees growing demand for probiotics in drinkable yogurts, kids’ snacks, plant-based fermented foods

17-Dec-2017 By Elaine Watson

US consumers are increasingly interested in the relationship between intestinal bacteria and overall health, says CHR Hansen, but there is some confusion about which foods and beverages contain probiotics: live microorganisms that, when administered in...

Soup-to-Nuts Podcast: Challenges in complementary feeding reveal opportunities for baby food

15-Dec-2017 By Elizabeth Crawford

The baby food aisle is undergoing a renaissance with new packaging, processing and flavor combinations aimed at presenting better-for-you options that promise to help children grow up healthy – and yet, childhood obesity remains a huge problem in the...

Nutritional rating systems encourage healthier choices and boost retailer revenues, study finds

07-Dec-2017 By Elizabeth Crawford

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.

Lifeway continues to expand beyond kefir with new Elixir sparkling probiotic beverages

06-Dec-2017 By Stephen Daniells

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.

Claims in high-profile false advertising case vs Dannon not plausible, court rules

Judge tosses ‘speculative’ lawsuit over ‘all-natural’ status of dairy products from cows fed GM feed

05-Dec-2017 By Elaine Watson

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.

Tetra Evero aseptic bottle comes to US market to shift consumer view of shelf-stable dairy

04-Dec-2017 By Mary Ellen Shoup

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...

Chobani unveils new brand identity, launches new ‘Hint of’ range, as it hails double-digit growth for 2017

28-Nov-2017 By Elaine Watson

Chobani has unveiled a bold new visual identity designed to make its brand “friendlier and more accessible” as it celebrates 10 years of national distribution and a year of double-digit topline growth against a backdrop of declining category sales.

FOOD VISION USA 2017... THE TRAILBLAZERS: The Chaat Co. sees a bright future after breaking free from savory yogurt tag

27-Nov-2017 By Elizabeth Crawford

Undeterred by savory yogurt’s failure to find traction in the US, the ever optimistic start-up The Chaat Co. is evolving its portfolio and branding to better meet American consumers where they are and to reinforce its original mission to be a broad-based...

Before Brands' SpoonfulOne tackles food allergies with safe early exposure for children

27-Nov-2017 By Stephen Daniells

With FDA’s recent first-of-kind qualified health claim for peanut allergy prevention and completion of a big national safety study under its belt, the timing couldn’t have been better for Before Brands to launch its SpoonfulOne product aimed early and...

FOOD VISION USA 2017... THE TRAILBLAZERS: Funny Farm launches goat-milk products

22-Nov-2017 By Elizabeth Crawford

Consumers with sensitivities to cow’s milk who have begrudgingly forgone dairy-heavy comfort foods such as pizza and mac & cheeses or turned to plant-based options but miss the taste and texture of “real dairy” now have another option: Funny Farm’s...

Peapod overcomes major hurdles to maximize the full potential of ecommerce for groceries

21-Nov-2017 By Elizabeth Crawford

Americans may say they want to eat at home more in order to save money, improve their health and waste less, but the reality is restaurant spending is up – revealing a paradox and an opportunity for retailers and CPG manufacturers, according to a top...

Consumers will seek comfort and escape through food to balance economic, political uncertainty in 2018

21-Nov-2017 By Elizabeth Crawford

Next year, Americans will seek food that comforts them and helps them escape from reality as the unpredictable political climate, wobbly economy and emotionally draining natural disasters that impacted so many in 2017 continue to create a sense of uncertainty,...

‘Needed’: FDA issues draft guidance for best practices for GRAS panels

20-Nov-2017 By Stephen Daniells

Hailed by experts as ‘needed’ and ‘significant’, the US Food and Drug Administration has issued draft guidance on best practices to follow when convening a panel of experts to evaluate whether a substance is “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS).

The new marketing playbook acknowledges consumers are in control of brands’ fate

20-Nov-2017 By Elizabeth Crawford

The days of pushing out a refined, tightly controlled marketing message without listening to what consumers want to know are long over, and brands that want to make it in the modern world must listen first, according to a top marketing professional with...

Hispanic shoppers emerge as heavy natural, organic buyers in the US

14-Nov-2017 By Elizabeth Crawford

Hispanic shoppers buy significantly more natural, organic and better-for-you items than the overall US population, which suggests manufacturers in the space could generate even higher sales by targeting the demographic, according to new research from...

Organic industry fights back against USDA delay of animal welfare rule

13-Nov-2017 By Elizabeth Crawford

Against the vast majority of stakeholders’ wishes, the US Department of Agriculture once again is delaying the widely supported Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices because the department believes the final rule oversteps Congress’ mandate ‘for the...

Per capita consumption of dairy milk beverages plunges 22% between 2000 and 2016; plant-based alternatives pick up the slack

09-Nov-2017 By Elaine Watson

US per capita consumption of dairy milk beverages decreased by 22% from 197 pounds to 154 pounds between 2000 and 2016, according to data* from USDA’s economic research service, with the biggest drop in fat-free and skim milk (whole milk in contrast is...

Beyond brogurt... Powerful raises $4m, plans more high-protein innovations

07-Nov-2017 By Elaine Watson

Powerful – the four-year-old brand credited with launching the ‘brogurt’ category – has raised $4m to support its protein-fueled ambitions, and says it now does more business with women than men.

New flavors, textures and transparency requirements will shape 2018 food trends

07-Nov-2017 By Elizabeth Crawford

Early predictions from Whole Foods Market about what will be hot suggests 2018 will be a year of contradictions with consumers balancing health and indulgence, while at the same time pursuing both bold and subtle new flavors.

Which states are net producers versus net consumers?

03-Nov-2017

Are potatoes the top selling edible product of Idaho and oranges in Florida? It’s actually dairy from Idaho and beef from Florida, according to a new analysis that looks at food production vs food consumption in the US.

Revelé Gelato uses air to create better-for-you profile without compromising quality ingredients

27-Oct-2017 By Elizabeth Crawford

The entrepreneurs behind the startup Revelé Gelato thought health-conscious consumers seeking to indulge in frozen dessert faced an unfair decision: choose between high quality, recognizable ingredients that typically come with a higher fat and calorie...

60-second interview: Stephen Cobbe, R&D director, dairy, Kerry

Formulating with dairy: More protein, less sugar, a cleaner label

26-Oct-2017 By Elaine Watson

Less sugar, more protein, a cleaner label, savory flavors, and new formats from farmer’s cheese bars to ambient moon cheese… What’s keeping dairy formulators busy these days? FoodNavigator-USA caught up with Stephen Cobbe, R&D director, dairy, at...

Dairy farmers use technology in effort to cut greenhouse gas production by 25% by 2020

26-Oct-2017 By Elizabeth Crawford

Animal agriculture in the US is often criticized for its heavy environmental impact, but data from the National Dairy Council tells a very different story – one of farmers using technology to improve the sustainability of their lands and dairy production....

Noosa co-founder: ‘We continue to be the darling of grocery stores with such explosive growth’

25-Oct-2017 By Stephen Daniells

Honey-infused Aussie-style yogurt Noosa has expanded into the snacking category with its new Mates line, and is on course to generate revenues of $220m this year, says co-founder Koel Thomae.

Social media posts reveal what foods Millennials think are hot, and what ones are not

19-Oct-2017 By Elizabeth Crawford

Millennials may not be as into snacks and last minute meal planning as previously thought, new research from CBD Marketing suggests.

COYO counts on price cuts to get in the door at conventional grocers, and high quality to stay there

18-Oct-2017 By Elizabeth Crawford

The US team behind the coconut-based yogurt COYO hopes slashing its suggested retail price will help the brand jump from the natural to the conventional channel and that its creamy texture will keep it there by captivating mainstream shoppers who place...

Upcoming webinar reveals what is next for protein snacks, including hot sources & trendy platforms

17-Oct-2017 By Elizabeth Crawford

Not so long ago high-protein products and ‘snacks’ were on opposite ends of the health spectrum with one appealing to fitness enthusiasts or people trying to manage their weight or build muscles, and the other aimed at fun-seeking consumers who ate for...

Soup-To-Nuts Podcast: Where to next for the $6.5B ‘free-from’ category?

13-Oct-2017 By Elizabeth Crawford

New research revealing a dramatic increase in the number of insurance claims related to severe allergic reactions to food reinforces other evidence indicating that food allergies are on the rise, and bolsters the marketing opportunity and potential longevity...

What is driving the success of challenger brands?

10-Oct-2017 By Katy Askew

The disruptive influence of challenger brands continues to shake up the food sector, not least because agile companies have proven skilled at responding to – and sitting at the forefront of – emerging consumer demands. FoodNavigator looks at how and why...

Icelandic Provisions CEO: Skyr could be as big as Greek

06-Oct-2017 By Elaine Watson

Could skyr – which is higher in protein and lower in sugar – be as big as Greek yogurt, or is the ‘Icelandic’ segment of the dairy aisle likely to remain a quirky niche? Ten years ago, people were asking the same question about Greek yogurt, says the...

VERŪ’s ‘shock-freezing’ tech creates ice cream with ‘more taste, less calories’

06-Oct-2017 By Katy Askew

Germany company VERŪ has developed a patent protected “shock-freezing” production process that, it claims, enables it to produce ice creams that deliver “more taste” with fewer calories and no additives.

Soup-To-Nuts Podcast: How brands can defend their shelf-space against encroaching private label

22-Sep-2017 By Elizabeth Crawford

The Great Recession of 2008 may be long over, but the penny-pinching it inspired in consumers and their subsequent shift to store brands is not – prompting national brand marketers to explore new ways to reach consumers and downplay the competitive threat...

Animal-based protein tops consumer choice, but plant-based options are rising fast, Nielsen finds

19-Sep-2017 By Elizabeth Crawford

When it comes to meeting consumers’ growing demand for protein, animal-based products continue to reign supreme in the US and Canada for now – but plant-based options are gaining traction and hold significant sales potential, according to the market research...

New produce coalition stands against potential anti-dumping revisions in NAFTA

18-Sep-2017 By Elizabeth Crawford

A new coalition of US and Canadian produce companies hopes to protect the North American Free Trade Agreement from potentially “traumatic” revisions based on “protectionism and a very narrow view of trade,” according to one co-founder.

OTA sues USDA to implement final rule raising animal welfare standards for organic

13-Sep-2017 By Elizabeth Crawford

The Organic Trade Association is suing the US Department of Agriculture for repeatedly and allegedly illegally delaying and threatening to potentially suspend indefinitely the widely popular Organic Livestock and Poultry Production final rule, which was...

Frozen desserts and snacks are the next frontier for plant-based protein, Euromonitor

06-Sep-2017 By Elizabeth Crawford

Much of the focus for growth of plant-based proteins in the US to date has been on alternatives to meat and cow’s milk, but new research from Euromonitor International suggests significant potential lies in the frozen desserts and emerging protein snacks...

Sargento defends 'natural cheese' claims

05-Sep-2017 By Elaine Watson

Courts should dismiss the ‘daisy-chained’ logic underpinning a new wave of ‘natural’ lawsuits looking beyond the ingredients list to factors such as animal feeding and rearing practices, says cheesemaker Sargento.

Soup-To-Nuts Podcast: The rise and potential of high pressure processing for fresh, clean products

01-Sep-2017 By Elizabeth Crawford

In general, talking about how a food or beverage is processed is not a way to win the hearts, minds and money of today’s consumers, who increasingly want products that are fresh, made with clean ingredients and as close to their natural state as possible. 

My/Mo mochi ice cream to hit 6,000 stores in September

21-Aug-2017 By Adi Menayang

Mochi ice cream is quickly catching up to North American frozen treat staples like ice cream sandwiches and Klondike bars, according to category newcomer My/Mo, with market research firm IRI pegging the brand as the fastest growing frozen novelty item...

As organic gains prominence, shoppers increasingly seek lower cost and higher value

21-Aug-2017 By Elizabeth Crawford

Rising sales and household penetration of organic is a double-edged sword for the industry in the US as more Americans have started looking for lower prices, bulk packaging and easier access through direct to consumer channels, according to purchasing...

Kwik Trip illustrates how c-stores are an emerging go-to channel for better-for-you products

17-Aug-2017 By Elizabeth Crawford

Manufacturers of healthy and better-for-you snacks looking to enter the convenience store channel might find an in with Kwik Trip, which, according to the Partnership for a Healthier America, is looking to increase healthier options in the checkout area.

FDA allows use of ultrafiltered milk in cheese to ease fallout from new Canadian pricing scheme

15-Aug-2017 By Elizabeth Crawford

FDA’s decision late last week to allow manufacturers in some cases to use ultrafiltered milk and ultrafiltered nonfat milk to make cheese could help ease the negative impact on US dairy farmers of less expensive UF milk from Canada that currently is flooding...

No light at the end of the tunnel for Dean Foods as milk price wars escalate, says Bernstein

08-Aug-2017 By Elaine Watson

Milk price wars are “compressing the margin of private label retail prices over the Class I milk input cost to abnormally low levels,” say analysts at Bernstein.

Farmers’ markets gaining traction in US offer opportunities and challenges

08-Aug-2017 By Elizabeth Crawford

Sales at farmers’ markets currently may be only a small fraction compared to conventional grocery stores, but the channel is gaining traction – especially among millennials – and offers a unique marketing opportunity for agricultural producers of all...

Morinaga Nutritional Foods gets self-affirmed GRAS for Aloe vera gel to dispel confusion about carcinogens

04-Aug-2017 By Adi Menayang

Aloe vera is an increasingly common ingredient in packaged food and beverage products, but self-affirmed GRAS for a specific aloe vera gel was still necessary to market Morinaga’s new aloe yogurt in the US, according to the company.

Soup-To-Nuts Podcast: What does it take to win a pitch slam?

04-Aug-2017 By Elizabeth Crawford

For time-strapped entrepreneurs who are brave enough to take the stage, competing in pitch-slams is a good way to secure funding, meet potential business partners and weave a network of supporters who can help shine a spotlight on them without investing...

The Chaat Co lands more than money with Jain Farm Fresh investment

03-Aug-2017 By Elizabeth Crawford

For US-based Indian street snack maker The Chaat Co, $1 million in seed funding including investment from India’s Jain Farm Fresh Foods is about more than just the money -- it is also about securing a supply line for authentic ingredients to make its...

Good Food Institute, NMPF, to FDA: Give the industry some clarity on plant ‘milk’ labeling

31-Jul-2017 By Elaine Watson

The FDA – which has continued to maintain radio silence over plant-based ‘milk’ labeling despite mounting frustration from stakeholders – should clarify its position in the face of increasing commercial, legal and political pressure, says the Good Food...