Sweeteners (intense, bulk, polyols)

Welch’s fruit snacks are ‘no more healthful than candy’, says false advertising lawsuit

23-Sep-2015 By Elaine Watson

Welch’s fruit snacks are candy masquerading as healthy snacks, says a false advertising lawsuit filed in New York.

Zerose erythritol is FEMA GRAS and can be used in soft drinks as ‘natural flavor’, says Cargill

22-Sep-2015

Cargill’s Zerose erythritol has been deemed generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use as a flavor in non-alcoholic beverages by the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association of the United States (FEMA), and can be included at up to 1.25% and labeled...

NeuroGum raises more than $10,000 in two days to take on the energy & cognition categories

16-Sep-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

If Indigogo investors’ overwhelming interest in the upcoming launch of NeuroGum is any indication, the self-proclaimed focus-boosting gum could be a formidable competitor in the cognitive and energy food and beverage categories. 

GLG: We will be able to breed stevia plants with commercially viable quantities of Reb D and Reb M

16-Sep-2015 By Elaine Watson

All eyes are now on Cargill and Evolva as they prepare for the 2016 launch of fermentation-derived steviol glycosides Reb D+M. However, Vancouver-based GLG Life Tech Corporation says it is confident it will ultimately be capable of breeding stevia plants...

Pompeo bill would ‘create a competing Non-GMO label with drastically lower standards’, says Non-GMO Project

09-Sep-2015 By Elaine Watson

While supporters of Rep. Mike Pompeo’s Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act (HR1599) welcome its proposal to create a national standard for non-GMO claims, the Non-GMO Project says this would confuse shoppers by creating a competing label underpinned by...

Florida judge approves $3.99m deal in Kashi GMO false advertising lawsuit

08-Sep-2015 By Elaine Watson

 A federal judge in Florida has approved a $3.99m deal to resolve a proposed class action accusing Kashi of misleading shoppers by labeling products made with GMOs as ‘all-natural’.

PepsiCo has started using sweet taste modifiers from Senomyx in Mug Root Beer and Manzanita Sol

28-Aug-2015 By Elaine Watson

Sweetmyx 617, a novel sweet taste modifier developed by flavor innovator Senomyx, is being used in PepsiCo brands Manzanita Sol nationally and Mug Root Beer in two US test markets, the company has confirmed.

Heartland Food buys iconic low-calorie sweetener Splenda from J&J subsidiary

26-Aug-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

Heartland Food Products Group, one of the largest private label sweetener manufacturers, scores one of the most well-known brands in the category with the acquisition of Splenda from McNeil Nutritionals, LLC. 

Mushroom pioneer MycoTechnology secures $6.7m investment

25-Aug-2015 By Elaine Watson

MycoTechnology – which has developed a pioneering new food processing platform using mushroom roots (mycelium) – has secured $6.7m in a Series A round of financing, with a second round expected to close before the end of the year.

FDA warning letter reminds industry whole stevia leaf is not GRAS or an approved food additive

19-Aug-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

A recent FDA warning letter reminds food and beverage manufacturers that whole stevia leaf is not generally recognized as safe for conventional foods, even though many extracts of the plant are.

Coca-Cola defends $1m gift to scientists who shift obesity blame away from soda

13-Aug-2015 By Rachel Arthur

The Coca-Cola Company says it wants to set the record straight on its role in funding scientific research, after coming under fire for funding a program which says there is ‘no compelling evidence’ that sugary drinks and diets are responsible for obesity.

Even low sugar intakes carry risk of caries, finds review

11-Aug-2015 By Nathan Gray

Even low intakes of free sugars can lead to an increased risk of tooth decay and dental caries - a finding that re-emphasises the importance cutting dietary sugar intakes, say researchers.

Making Tasty a household name in kids’ snacks

07-Aug-2015 By Maggie Hennessy

Tasty Brand co-founders Liane Weintraub and Shannan Swanson originally had their sights set on an organic frozen baby food line, but the 2008 economic crash saw the market for premium baby food drying up. So they shifted gears to more seriously pursue...

Research review questions whether low FODMAP diets are solution to digestive woes

07-Aug-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

Limiting consumption of certain carbs may not be the panacea once thought for bloating and abdominal pain caused by irritable bowel syndrome, and actually could cause more harm if not overseen by a healthcare provider, a new data review suggests. 

'We switched from glass to aluminum cans, and the brand just exploded'

Hiball Energy brand worth $15-20m in retail sales, says CEO: ‘The market is finally catching up with us’

03-Aug-2015 By Elaine Watson

Back in 2011/12, nerves were getting very frayed at Hiball Energy, which was doing a steady trade in upmarket energy drinks in elegant glass bottles, but “losing more and more money”, recalls founder Todd Berardi. In May 2012 he switched to aluminum cans,...

'The First Amendment forbids the government from compelling private speakers to express the government’s views:' ABA

Soda industry sues San Francisco over sugary drink warnings

29-Jul-2015 By Rachel Arthur

The American Beverage Association (ABA) is suing San Francisco over mandatory warning labels on soda advertisements, saying the rules violate the First Amendment. 

Meet the people behind a2 milk, Yasso, Smári Organics, Tarte Foods, and good culture

The FoodNavigator-USA Dairy Innovation Forum is now available on demand!

29-Jul-2015 By Elaine Watson

Missed our Dairy Innovation Forum? No problem, it's now available on demand to registered delegates for the next three months.

What to do about Diet: How Pepsi, Coca-Cola and Dr Pepper are tackling diet drink declines

27-Jul-2015 By Rachel Arthur

Diet drinks have been in decline for some time now: so what are the big brands doing to improve the category's fortunes?

FDA proposes including DV for added sugars on the Nutrition Facts panel

24-Jul-2015 By Elaine Watson

UPDATED: The FDA is proposing that manufacturers include a percent daily value (DV) for added sugar on the Nutrition Facts panel – set at 10% of total energy intakes (calories) - in addition to listing the amount of added sugar (in grams).

Replacing sugary drinks with artificially sweetened ones unlikely to reduce type 2 diabetes risk, study says

22-Jul-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

Nearly two million people in the U.S. will develop type 2 diabetes in the next 10 years if the current consumption of sugar sweetened beverages remains constant, predict a team of international researchers. 

Expert says dialogue is missing element in development of synthetic biology

21-Jul-2015 By Hank Schultz

The development of synthetic modes of the production of food and dietary ingredients holds great promise both in terms of sustainability and greater functionality. But a prominent researcher says that defeats on the public relations front could endanger...

Sweet taste perception may be (partly) genetic

21-Jul-2015 By Caroline SCOTT-THOMAS

Some people may perceive sweet tastes as weaker than others – perhaps leading them to add more sugar or sweetener to gain the same level of sweetness, new research suggests.

FDA to issue evaporated cane juice guidance before the end of 2016

20-Jul-2015 By Elaine Watson

The FDA says it aims to issue finalized guidance on whether 'evaporated cane juice' (ECJ) is the common or usual name for certain cane-sugar-derived sweeteners before the end of 2016. 

Talking Rain (Sparkling ICE) CEO: We might acquire brands, or build our own new brands

20-Jul-2015 By Elaine Watson

The Sparkling ICE brand notched up sales of more than $500m in 2014, is on course to top $600m in 2015, and has a fighting chance of reaching its well-publicized target of $1bn in 2018, assuming it can secure the shelf space it deserves, says Kevin Klock,...

UK government committee backs halving free sugars limit to 5%

17-Jul-2015 By Nathan Gray

The UK government’s Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) has ditched a 10% upper limit on sugar intake instead recommending that less than 5% of daily energy should come from free sugars.

Souring on sweet: How sugar health concerns are spurring sour flavours

16-Jul-2015 By Caroline SCOTT-THOMAS

Ongoing consumer concern about sugar consumption means some consumers are turning away from sweet tastes altogether, according to market research organisation Mintel.

Diet Pepsi with aspartame will be available online when recipe switches to sucralose, says PepsiCo

10-Jul-2015 By Elaine Watson

While Diet Pepsi will go aspartame-free in August, PepsiCo says fans of the original formula should still be able to buy it online.

Weathering the sugar storm: PepsiCo has faith in its portfolio

10-Jul-2015 By Rachel Arthur

PepsiCo is confident it can weather the prospect of increased regulation around sugary drinks, saying it holds the key to success with its diverse portfolio.

FDA revises warning letter over HFCS and 100% natural claims to ‘avoid any confusion’

10-Jul-2015 By Elaine Watson

The FDA has removed a paragraph from a recent warning letter to a seafood company challenging ‘100% natural’ claims on a product containing high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), following an inquiry from FoodNavigator-USA.

Summer Fancy Food Show

Simply Gum offers all-natural, high-end alternative to conventional products

10-Jul-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

New York-based start-up Simply Gum offers consumers an elegant, all natural alternative to conventional chewing gums, many of which the company founder says include plastic and other synthetic ingredients.

Whole Foods challenges evaporated cane juice lawsuit: Consumers ‘intuitively’ know ECJ is from sugar cane

08-Jul-2015 By Elaine Watson

Consumers intuitively associate ‘evaporated cane juice’ (ECJ) with sugar cane and are well aware that it is a sweetener, Whole Foods Market has argued in a motion to dismiss a false advertising lawsuit.

Study linking sugary drinks to high death tolls ‘cannot show cause and effect,’ say industry bodies

06-Jul-2015 By Rachel Arthur

Industry bodies around the globe have slammed a US study which attributes 184,000 deaths a year to sugary drinks, saying its authors fail to show cause and effect or prove a direct link with beverages.  

Mars backs WHO’s 10% sugar guidance: 'We are not trying to hide behind any science or research’

02-Jul-2015 By Oliver Nieburg

Mars Chocolate North America is going against the industry tide by backing the World Health Organization's guidance that added sugar should account for under 10% of a person's daily calories.

Fructose could lead to lower brain reward than glucose

25-Jun-2015 By Caroline SCOTT-THOMAS

Fructose may lead to overeating by creating fewer reward signals in the brain, suggests a small pilot study published in PLOS ONE.

Kanbo International bets big on sucralose with new factory in China and intl HQ near Chicago

25-Jun-2015 By Elaine Watson

While Tate & Lyle has just announced plans to close its sucralose plant in Singapore, blaming industry overcapacity; rival Kanbo International is building a second factory in Dongying that will take its capacity to 3,000t/year, a move it claims will...

General Mills to remove artificial ingredients from cereals by 2017

23-Jun-2015 By Kacey Culliney

General Mills will remove all artificial flavors and colors from its breakfast cereals across the US over the next two to three years.

Lawsuit over ‘100% natural’ claims on Nectresse monk fruit sweeteners to proceed

19-Jun-2015 By Elaine Watson

Johnson & Johnson’s Nectresse monk-fruit-based sweeteners were discontinued late last year owing to disappointing sales. However, a lawsuit challenging the products’ claims to be ‘100% natural’ is still very much alive.

What are the hottest dairy trends – and companies - to watch in 2015?

19-Jun-2015 By Elaine Watson

What are the hottest new trends in dairy? Grass-fed everything? A whole milk renaissance? High-protein kefir? Quark? And what’s next after Greek yogurt?  

Ingredients made via synthetic biology won’t qualify for Non-GMO Project verified stamp

16-Jun-2015 By Elaine Watson

Food ingredients produced using ‘synthetic biology’ techniques – such as Evolva's vanillin, which is made from genetically engineered baker’s yeast - do not qualify for the Non-GMO Project Verified stamp, says the Non GMO Project.

Judge to FDA: When are you going to make a decision on evaporated cane juice labeling?

15-Jun-2015 By Elaine Watson

A federal judge in California has asked the FDA whether it is planning to clarify its position on evaporated cane juice (ECJ) labeling any time soon as confusion over whether food manufacturers should or shouldn’t use the term continues to abound.

Monk Fruit Corp doubles capacity as more US firms add monk fruit to sugar reduction toolkit

11-Jun-2015 By Elaine Watson

BioVittoria and Guilin GFS Bio-Tech Co have doubled their monk fruit supply and significantly boosted production capacity following a multi-million-dollar investment leading to the formation of a new company - Monk Fruit Corp - boasting an estimated 70%...

Winston Lee: 'We're caramelizing milk and sugar together and then culturing it'

Tarte Asian Yogurt CEO: 'Greek has 47% of the market; we’re going after the other 53%'

09-Jun-2015 By Elaine Watson

When Winston Lee started pitching Tarte Asian Yogurt to retailers three years ago, the market had already hit peak Greek, he says: “Buyers were already looking at what's next after Greek. If you weren't already a brand on the shelf, you had...

Daily sugary drink habit linked to liver disease

08-Jun-2015 By Nathan Gray

Consumption of a sugar-sweetened drink on a daily basis may be associated with an increased risk of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), say researchers.

U.S. confectionery Goliaths losing market share to SMEs – IRI

03-Jun-2015 By Oliver Nieburg

The top four U.S. candy manufacturers are growing at slower rates than smaller companies, that are able to bring new products to market quicker, says an IRI analyst.

Allegations of misleading baby food labels spurs changes in market

03-Jun-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

Beech-Nut Nutrition Company is going above and beyond the legal labeling requirements of ingredients to reassure parents following allegations that other baby food companies’ labeling misleads consumers about the quality and quantities of ingredients...

Americans believe ‘preservatives / chemicals’ are significantly more harmful than added sugar, saturated fat and sodium, says new poll

02-Jun-2015 By Elaine Watson

A poll* of more than 4,200 US consumers conducted in April 2015 by CivicScience shows Americans believe that ‘preservatives / chemicals’ are significantly more harmful to their heath than added sugar, saturated fat and sodium.

Driving consumer demands for chocolate includes nuts, dried fruit

01-Jun-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

Chocolate marketers likely will gain more traction if they appeal to consumers emotionally and emphasize the health benefits of inclusions, such as nuts and dried fruit, suggest the results of a recent survey conducted by the Almond Board of California. 

Chobani refreshes Simply 100 Greek yogurt range; appeals to ‘thoughtful weight managers’

01-Jun-2015 By Elaine Watson

Dollar sales of Chobani’s Simply 100 Greek yogurts have grown 25% in the first five months of 2015 vs the same period last year, while unit sales are up 28%, says the firm, which is re-launching the range with ‘blended’ formulations (rather than fruit-on-the-bottom)...

Nutritionist says science backs importance of carbohydrates for sports formulations

29-May-2015 By Hank Schultz

Has the low carb craze finally been consigned to the dustbin of history? Nutritionist Susan Kleiner, PhD thinks so, and it’s high time, she said.

Mars appeals to health-conscious consumer with goodnessknows national launch

29-May-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

The inclusion of dried fruit in Mars Chocolate North America’s goodnessknows snack squares helps deliver the sweetness consumers seek from confections, while also helping the candy-giant deliver on its commitment to offer options with limited added sugar.