Proteins

Harmless Harvest moves into plant-based yogurt: 'We’re making it pretty differently than just about anyone else'

17-Jan-2020 By Elaine Watson

Harmless Harvest – which has carved a distinct niche in the coconut water category via its use of micro-filtration (instead of thermal pasteurization) – is promising to bring the same commitment to novel processing methods, organic ingredients, and clean...

Fewer than 2% of packed school lunches meet key nutritional standards, study finds

16-Jan-2020 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Packed lunches from home have typically been considered the healthier alternative to meals provided by the school cafeteria, but a recent study found that bringing lunch from home doesn’t always mean a child is eating a nutritionally-balanced meal.

Roquette ‘significantly increases’ pea protein supply deal with Beyond Meat

16-Jan-2020 By Flora Southey

Ingredients specialist Roquette has extended its pea protein supply agreement with Beyond Meat for three more years. The amount supplied will ‘significantly’ increase compared to 2019 figures, Roquette executive Jean-Philippe Azoulay tells FoodNavigator.

Califia Farms raises $225m to expand plant-based empire: ‘We're carefully evaluating opportunities to expand beyond beverages'

15-Jan-2020 By Elaine Watson

Plant-based food and beverage brand Califia Farms has raised $225m in a Series D funding round led by sovereign wealth fund Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), and says it is "carefully evaluating opportunities to expand beyond beverages and into many...

NEWS IN BRIEF

Plant-based seafood brand Good Catch raises over $32m in Series B financing round

15-Jan-2020 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Gathered Foods, parent company to plant-based seafood brand Good Catch, has closed a series B funding round led by several industry players including Greenleaf Foods and 301 INC, the venture arm of General Mills.

Atkins Nutritionals & Rob Lowe tackle misinformation about the low-carb diet in new campaign

15-Jan-2020 By Elizabeth Crawford

Recognizing that there is a lot of information – and misinformation – about different diets, weight management brand Atkins Nutritionals is launching a new multi-marketing campaign with spokesman Rob Lowe that aims to set the record straight about what...

Experts urge industry to work with schools to improve kids’ meals even as standards are rolled back

14-Jan-2020 By Elizabeth Crawford

Health and nutrition experts are urging food manufacturers to create healthier options for schools to serve students after new research shows that strengthened nutrition standards in the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 are working and the fears...

Honeycut Kitchen puts a healthier spin on the nostalgic snack cake

13-Jan-2020 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Honeycut Kitchen, an emerging brand out of Los Angeles, is giving fitness enthusiasts an alternative to the monotony of protein bars with a lineup of snack cakes reminiscent of America's best-selling brands, but with a cleaner ingredients deck and...

NPD Group: Consumers pay most attention to sugar and calorie content when reading the nutrition facts label

09-Jan-2020 By Mary Ellen Shoup

When it comes to reading the updated nutrition facts label, consumers are most keyed into sugar and calorie content, reports The NPD Group.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Kraft Heinz appoints new leader for its US business

08-Jan-2020 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Campbell Soup executive Carlos Abrams-Rivera will join the senior leadership team at Kraft Heinz as the new U.S. Zone President, leading all US business operations, the company’s largest business, effective February 3.

Packaged Facts: Gen Z shoppers emerge as strong consumers of organic and natural foods

08-Jan-2020 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Millennials and younger members of Gen X have tended to be the biggest consumers of organic and natural foods, but now, the youngest generation of adult consumers – Gen Z (ages 18-24) – is beginning to command the category.

Plant-based Impossible Sausage to debut at Burger King via the ‘Impossible Croissan'wich’

07-Jan-2020 By Elaine Watson

The plant-based Impossible Sausage – the latest innovation from Impossible Foods – will debut next week at Burger King outlets in five states in the 'Impossible Croissan'wich' for a limited period.

Catalina Crunch launches first keto-friendly, shelf-stable smoothies made with freeze-dried whole fruits and veggies

03-Jan-2020 By Elaine Watson

New York based startup Catalina Crunch – best-known for its ultra-low-carb cereal - is moving into new territory with what it claims is the first keto-friendly, shelf-stable smoothie product made with [freeze-dried] whole fruits and vegetables – not powder....

WATCH: FOOD FOR KIDS trailblazer Scramblers gears up to launch an industry first: shelf-stable omelet bars

21-Dec-2019 By Elaine Watson

Consumers are demanding simple, wholesome, convenient snacks and mini-meals with cleaner labels, and you can’t get much simpler – or more nutritious - than eggs, says Phoenix-based startup Scramblers, which has developed what it claims is an industry...

Coalition pushes for ‘low-carb’ diet to be added to 2020 Dietary Guidelines

20-Dec-2019 By Mary Ellen Shoup

A coalition of doctors, academics, and American consumers called the Low-Carb Action Network (LCAN) is urging US nutrition leaders to include a low-carb diet as part of the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA).

Daring Foods launches clean label chicken made from five plant-based ingredients: 'This is not an alternative but an upgrade'

19-Dec-2019 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Chicken is the world's most popular animal-based protein, but when it comes to a plant-based version, the market is due for some innovation, said CEO of Daring Foods, Ross Mackay.

Eat JUST, Inc. scales up to full-time production of JUST Egg mung bean protein to meet consumer demand

18-Dec-2019 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Through the acquisition of a 30,000-square-foot facility in Appleton, Minnesota, Eat JUST, Inc. can now scale up to 24/7 production of its plant-based protein isolate extracted from mung beans, the key ingredient in JUST Egg.

Kroger begins test of plant-based meat retail concept in 60 stores

17-Dec-2019 By Elaine Watson

Kroger has started trialing dedicated three-foot plant-based meat sets within its conventional meat department in 60 stores in Denver, Indiana and Illinois in partnership with the Plant Based Foods Association (PBFA).

Euromonitor: Where next for plant-based eating and alternative proteins in 2020?

17-Dec-2019 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Consumers are still seeking a balance of animal and plant-based foods in their diet, says Euromonitor, which says plant-based meats are currently in the 'honeymoon period,' but could evolve over time as consumers demand less processed plant-based...

Survey: How do consumers feel about cell cultured meat, and dairy minus the cows?

13-Dec-2019 By Mary Ellen Shoup

New research from strategic marketing and communications Charleston|Orwig firm suggests that younger consumers are open to the idea of cell-cultured meat, and milk and ice cream made from microbes rather than cows, even when they are described with far-from-neutral...

Soup-To-Nuts Podcast: Knorr’s three-prong approach to increase access to healthy, sustainable food

13-Dec-2019 By Elizabeth Crawford

The buzz around fresh, healthy and sustainable eating is so intense it is easy to think that everyone now eats this way – but the reality is the premium prices and extra time often needed to prepare these on-trend items place them out of reach of millions...

Judge blocks Arkansas from enforcing state law restricting ‘meaty’ terms on plant-based products

12-Dec-2019 By Elaine Watson

A federal court has blocked the state of Arkansas from enforcing a law restricting the use of 'meaty' terms to products derived from slaughtered animals while a legal legal challenge* proceeds through the courts.

Former PepsiCo exec bets big on lupini beans with new snack brand

12-Dec-2019 By Elaine Watson

Lupin or lupini beans, which Italians enjoy pickled as a bar snack, are high in protein, high in fiber, and super low in carbohydrates, but are still a novelty this side of the Atlantic, something New York-based startup Lupii hopes to change by showcasing...

Perfect Day raises $140m to scale up animal-free dairy platform, prepares for 2020 launches in multiple categories

11-Dec-2019 By Elaine Watson

Perfect Day, a startup producing milk proteins via microbial fermentation (minus the cows), has raised $140m in a Series C round led by Temasek with substantial involvement from past investors including Horizons Ventures, bringing its cumulative funding...

Investing in the Future of Food: Vite Ramen co-founder shares strategies for crowdfunding success

11-Dec-2019 By Elizabeth Crawford

Crowdfunding is a popular option for entrepreneurs looking for an infusion of capital without having to handover equity in exchange, but according to Kickstarter only 25% of food-related projects successfully reach their funding goals – a discouraging...

Targeting the plant-based consumer: Promote craveability and taste above all else, says Mintel

09-Dec-2019 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Appealing to a growing audience of flexitarians who are striving to introduce more plant-based foods into their diets requires different brand communication strategies than when engaging with vegetarians and vegans, according to Mintel.

Digital grocery rankings underscore importance of a frictionless customer experience

06-Dec-2019 By Mary Ellen Shoup

A grocery retailer's digital capabilities are factoring in more strongly in long-term sales growth and customer satisfaction, reveals a new report by Incisiv and Winsight Grocery Business.

FOOD FOR KIDS: Where is the plant-based trend heading with parents and kids?

06-Dec-2019 By Mary Ellen Shoup

We know the plant-based alternatives trend is strong with adult consumers, but what about kids? Linkage Research & Consulting sees an immense untapped opportunity in plant-based food and drink products targeted towards kids.

Soup-To-Nuts Podcast: How breaking school lunch free from ‘trap of cheapness’ can bolster business

06-Dec-2019 By Elizabeth Crawford

The National School Lunch Program serves approximately 4.9 billion meals a year to children nationwide, and for many recipients it is their only source of nutrition, and yet, according to a new book by Jennifer Gaddis, the program is chronically underfunded...

Whole Foods Market talks sustainability: 'I think consumers are interested more than ever about where their food comes from'

05-Dec-2019 By Mary Ellen Shoup

The grocery retail landscape is hyper competitive with conventional and discount retailers stocking organic and natural options, yet Whole Foods Market continues to push the envelope in terms of product quality, particularly in the area of sustainability...

What did consumers order through food delivery apps in 2019? GrubHub shares most in-demand menu items

04-Dec-2019 By Mary Ellen Shoup

GrubHub analyzed tens of millions of orders placed by more than 21 million customers on its app (from January through November 2019) and uncovered a clear move towards plant-based eating and a craving for cauliflower pizza.

Investing in the Future of Food: Country Archer CEO attributes innovation success to data investment

04-Dec-2019 By Elizabeth Crawford

Syndicated market data’s high price keeps it out of reach for many startups, but it is well worth the investment – even if it is means forgoing other investments that might provide shorter-term returns, according to the co-founder and CEO of the thriving...

FOOD FOR KIDS trailblazer Cerebelly: 'Veggies are the first ingredient in all of our products … and often the second and third too'

03-Dec-2019 By Elaine Watson

Based on research from Canadian neurosurgeon Dr Teresa Purzner - best known for her pioneering work with novel approaches to tackle childhood brain cancer – Cerebelly seeks to give babies the key nutrients their growing brains need, exactly when they...

PepsiCo acquires BFY Brands, the maker of PopCorners snacks, for undisclosed sum

02-Dec-2019 By Elaine Watson

PepsiCo has struck a deal to acquire BFY Brands, the maker of air popped snack brands PopCorners, Flex Protein Chips, and Flourish Veggie Crisps, from private equity firm Permira for an undisclosed sum.

noosa launches hilo yogurt to appeal to more health-aware consumers monitoring their protein and sugar intake

02-Dec-2019 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Tapping into what it believes is the next pocket of growth in the yogurt category, noosa yoghurt has launched hilo, a high protein, lower sugar yogurt containing 12 grams of protein and 12 grams of sugar (compared to 7g protein and 17g sugar in its core...

What does 2020 hold? Most food and beverage industry professionals expect sales and employment growth

27-Nov-2019 By Mary Ellen Shoup

A majority (84%) of food and beverage industry professionals surveyed by Mazars USA Food & Beverage Group expect sales growth in 2020 driven by growing consumer interest in private label and free-from products, while many are interested in entering...

FOOD FOR KIDS summit 2019: The highlights, from lunchables 2.0 to stealth nutrition, brainfood, and reimagining the kids' menu

26-Nov-2019 By Elaine Watson

If you didn't make it to Chicago last week for the FoodNavigator-USA FOOD FOR KIDS summit, you missed an inspirational ensemble of industry experts, pediatricians, consumer health advocates, Chicago parents, market researchers and brand strategists,...

Presence Marketing talks CBD and hemp: 'We need a few things to happen before CBD can realize its destiny'

25-Nov-2019 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Presence Marketing, the largest independent natural and organic food broker in the US, sees CBD as a massive "bankable trend" for the broader CPG industry with products such as tinctures and supplements - which consumers perceive to be more...

Return to 'real fruits and vegetables' and 'unexpected protein' lead Specialty Food Association's top food trends for 2020

25-Nov-2019 By Mary Ellen Shoup

The Specialty Food Association (SFA) predicts a 'meat replacement pushback' after a year of multiple plant-based meat product launches as well as consumer demand for 'fun' and functional foods and beverages in its 2020 food and beverage...

NEW PRODUCTS GALLERY: From Twinkies cereal and CBD-infused tea to Coca-Cola's AHA moment and Chobani Oat

20-Nov-2019 By Elaine Watson

Check out FoodNavigator-USA’s latest gallery of new products hitting US shelves, from a slew of CBD-infused beverages to Coca-Cola's AHA flavored sparkling water and a flurry of innovation from Chobani, which is heading into two new categories: Creamers,...

PepsiCo seeks to empower, attract women to agriculture to help create more sustainable food system

19-Nov-2019 By Elizabeth Crawford

Recognizing that feeding a growing population sustainably will “require the talent and energy of all,” PepsiCo is working closely with global partners to uplift and better leverage the agricultural contribution of women, many of whom work without the...

The Hartman Group: How are consumers talking about social responsibility and sustainability?

18-Nov-2019 By Mary Ellen Shoup

When it comes to the health of the planet and social wellbeing of the population, consumers feel they have less of an impact as an individual and that large companies and government organizations have a bigger role to play, according to new research from...

Nestlé tie up with Corbion gives fresh impetus to algae in the alternative protein market

14-Nov-2019 By Elaine Watson

Algae has not – yet – gained much traction in the ‘alternative’ protein market. However, things could be about to change following a deal between Corbion (which acquired assets from algae ingredients pioneer Terravia in 2017) and Nestlé to develop the...

Merit Functional Foods secures FDA GRAS status for entire plant proteins portfolio

14-Nov-2019 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Merit Functional Foods has received a letter from the FDA saying the agency has no objections to its GRAS (generally recognized as safe) determination for its specialty pea proteins.

GROW Välling draws on Swedish heritage to launch a better-for-you alternative to toddler milks

14-Nov-2019 By Elizabeth Crawford

Transitioning children from breast milk to cow’s milk and solids can be frustrating and frightening for parents if their little ones regularly push away new foods, creating a market demand for so-called toddler milks and follow-on formulas that claim...

Parks & Nash finds an opening in bone broth category with powdered instant soups

12-Nov-2019 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Bone broth has taken off in recent years as consumers embraced the collagen-packed savory liquid, but despite the number of market entrants, few have made bone broth as convenient and easy to prepare as instant soup, according to emerging brand Parks...

Chickpea-fueled pasta brand Banza raises $20m, plans move into foodservice

12-Nov-2019 By Elaine Watson

Chickpea-fueled brand Banza has raised $20m in a financing round led by Enlightened Hospitality Investments and Prelude Growth Partners. Both will take a seat on the board.

PBFA, Upton’s Naturals drop lawsuit as Mississippi revises plant-based meat labeling law: ‘This is a total victory’

08-Nov-2019 By Elaine Watson

Upton’s Naturals and the Plant Based Foods Association have dropped a lawsuit* challenging legislation banning plant-based foods sold in Mississippi from using ‘meaty’ terms on labels, after the law was revised to allow them to use such terms with qualifiers...

CoreFX CEO talks convenient, healthy fats and ambitions to become a 'holistic nutrition and wellness company'

07-Nov-2019 By Mary Ellen Shoup

CoreFX Ingredients -- a Chicago-based supplier of dry, stable functional powdered fats and oils -- is experiencing increased demand across it portfolio, especially for its plant-based offerings such as avocado, evening primrose, and Sacha Inchi oils....

Siggi’s seeks to stay ahead of competition with new products & partnerships with dietitians

07-Nov-2019 By Elizabeth Crawford

In the next few weeks, Icelandic-style yogurt maker siggi’s will begin rolling out a suite of new products that the company’s CEO Carlos Altschul described as “the most exciting since the launch of the brand” 15 years ago.