Health and nutritional ingredients

‘We believe consumer demand for healthier choices is there’: PepsiCo expands its use of diverse ingredients

24-Nov-2023 By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

Ingredients such as whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds and plant-based protein are highly nutritious. Snacks major PepsiCo, in its shift towards expanding its ‘diverse ingredients’ portfolio, plans to produce products containing...

Consuming the right diet can add years onto our lives even in old age, study suggests

23-Nov-2023 By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

What are the main benefits of eating a healthy diet? Well, according to a new study, living longer for one.. In fact, some longevity-related diets, particularly involving whole grains and nuts, can increase our lives by up to a decade.

From pest to protein? 'Naked clams' a potential solution for sustainable nutrition, find researchers

22-Nov-2023 By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

Naked clams, because of the abundance of nutrients they contain, are already highly beneficial to human health. A recent study showed that they can be made even more so, through combining their wood-based diet with an algae-based microencapsulated feed.

Sugar levy brings fall in hospital admissions, yet sugar in products still high across UK

17-Nov-2023 By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

The UK’s soft drinks levy is responsible for a 5,500 fall in hospital admissions for tooth decay, according to research published by the BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health.

Biofortified crop potential: Researchers discover mutation in peas leading to high iron content

17-Nov-2023 By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

Researchers have discovered the genetic sequencing behind two mutations in peas responsible for high iron content. This discovery could aid future research into improving biofortification.

Ultra-processed foods, but not bread or breakfast cereals, linked to multimorbidity: The Lancet

16-Nov-2023 By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

A recent study published in medical journal The Lancet has found that ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption is often linked to multimorbidity. However the study found no link between multimorbidity and consumption of UPFs including breakfast cereals,...

EU project pushes for adoption of Mediterranean diet as road to ‘healthy, active lifestyle’

15-Nov-2023 By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

The EU is funding a project aimed at promoting the Mediterranean diet as a route to a ‘healthy, active lifestyle.’ Coined MEDIET4ALL, the project will work with ten partners across eight countries, brings together expert knowledge from Europe and Africa...

EIT Food expands to Latin America for burgeoning food tech start-ups

14-Nov-2023 By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), partnering with Foodtech HUB Latam, is expanding its Food Accelerator Network (FAN) to Brazil, where it will open a hub that will help develop burgeoning agrifood-tech start-ups in the Latin America...

‘Cigarette-style’ climate, pandemic and health labels on meat can reduce meat consumption, study suggests

07-Nov-2023 By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

In the past, health warning labels on products such as cigarettes and alcohol have influenced consumer behaviour. Now, a new study shows that, with the right images, warnings on meat products about health effects, contribution to climate change, and potential...

‘The times they are a-changin': Alcohol has gone out of style and out of the music charts, research reveals

01-Nov-2023 By Oliver Morrison

As surveys find that Gen Zs are drinking less than any other age group, new data also shows a significant decline in chart-topping songs that reference being drunk.

Start-up’s chickpea-based protein isolate boosts protein content in dairy-free cheese

01-Nov-2023 By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

Israel-headquartered plant-based ingredients start-up ChickP has developed a chickpea-based protein isolate that can be incorporated into a range of cheese substitutes.

More than half of consumers are ‘climatarians’ and show concern for environment, Tetra Pak Index suggests

30-Oct-2023 By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

Consumers are adapting their attitudes about food to a changing climate and aiming for more sustainable eating habits, research in Tetra Pak’s 2023 Index suggests. The research also indicated that consumers are gravitating towards healthier products,...

Is it time for the ‘outdated’ supermarket free from aisle to evolve?

27-Oct-2023 By Oliver Morrison

As free from brands spot long-term growth potential, a perpetual debate is reigniting: is it best for these products to be in separate or standard aisles?

GUEST ARTICLE

Industry Insights from NIZO: Great flavour without compromise for plant-based food

26-Oct-2023 By René Floris, NIZO Food Research Division Manager

To successfully launch a plant-based product onto the market today, businesses have to go above and beyond in flavour to stand out. How can a new, more holistic flavour approach put an end to organoleptic compromise?

Could ancient Peruvian crops promote a healthy gut and help those living with type 2 diabetes?

24-Oct-2023 By Oliver Morrison

The Andes has traditionally been a source of excellent food and medicinal plants. Now science is turning to ancient Peruvian crops to explore their benefits in boosting the gut health and preventing and treating type 2 diabetes.

Broccoli sprouts contain an abundance of polysulfide molecules, research shows

24-Oct-2023 By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

Broccoli is already widely known for its nutritional qualities. However, a new study reveals that broccoli sprouts contain an abundance of polysulfide molecules, which exhibit a range of health benefits. This is significantly more than does mature broccoli....

Denmark unveils the ‘world's first’ action plan for plant-based foods

23-Oct-2023 By Oliver Morrison

Eighteen months after the Agreement on the green transformation of Danish agriculture was approved by the Danish Parliament, Food Minister Jacob Jensen has launched the government's new action plan for plant-based foods.

NPD Trend Tracker: From dandelion-spiced rum to gut-health-boosting dairy-free yoghurt

23-Oct-2023 By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

In this week's NPD Trend Tracker, we have a medical drink to help children with disease-related malnutrition and an educational programme to help children learn about food waste. We also have a dandelion-spiced rum, condiments that help metabolic...

Algae discovery could be used to enhance the productivity of crops

20-Oct-2023 By Oliver Morrison

Scientists have found a ‘climate change coping mechanism’ that may be able to counter the reduction in the productivity of crops.

International food trade has overall positive effect on health, but red meat imports can lead to excess death, study suggests

19-Oct-2023 By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

While international trade in food can lead to positive outcomes, it depends on the food being traded. The trade in nuts, legumes, fruit and vegetables usually leads to improved health outcomes in the country that imports it. However, trade in red meat...

‘It is crucial for consumer acceptance’: Replacing animal fats in plant-based food

18-Oct-2023 By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

While with any food, ‘taste is king,’ texture is also extremely important, especially in products aiming to mimic meat. For optimal texture, many manufacturers argue, animal fats, which contribute significantly to the texture of real meat, must be replicated...

News in brief

French food tech firm Umiami raises €32.5 million to speed up distribution in Europe

17-Oct-2023 By Oliver Morrison

French plant-based whole-cut chicken producer Umiami has secured a further €32.5 million Series A funding, bringing its total raised to date to over €100 million.

‘It’s imperative to recognise that not all CBD is created the same’: CBD players digest potential ‘dagger-blow to the UK industry’

12-Oct-2023 By Oliver Morrison

In a move that has potentially far-reaching implications for the CBD industry in the UK, the Food Standards Agency has issued new precautionary advice, recommending healthy adults should limit their consumption of CBD from food to 10mg per day, down from...

‘CROP is designed for small spaces’: Crops can be grown indoors by new technology

12-Oct-2023 By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

To grow crops, one normally needs a range of resources: soil, access to sunlight and space, and most importantly, an abundance of time. A new technology, which uses an automated system to grow crops, such as nutritious microgreens and mushrooms, indoors,...

Quorn, mycoprotein and the push to grow a ‘third kingdom of fungi proteins’

10-Oct-2023 By Oliver Morrison

Mycoprotein and fungal proteins hope to offer a solution to the negative impact to the environment associated with industrial farming, heard FoodNavigator’s recent Climate Smart Food​​ digital summit.

Aged black garlic extract may improve blood pressure, study suggests

10-Oct-2023 By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

A new study has shown that aged black garlic extract can be used to relieve high blood pressure in people with Grade-1 hypertension who are already receiving prescribed drug treatment.

‘Synthetic vs natural’: Start-up targets fortification category disruption with organic plant-derived nutrients

06-Oct-2023 By Oliver Morrison

UK-based BIOVIT is poised to launch plant-derived nutrient blends targeting fortified food and meal-replacement markets. Its vitamins and minerals, extracted from leaves, flowers, roots and fungi extracts, guarantees nutrient content, it claims, to boost...

BENEO targets ‘scale, cost and timing issues’ as key to plant-based counterattack

06-Oct-2023 By Oliver Morrison

The category’s current woes are a ‘temporary hiccup’, the ingredient supplier tells FoodNavigator.

NPD Trend Tracker: From plant-based steak to Children in Need jam

03-Oct-2023 By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

In this week’s NPD trend tracker, we have a range of new plant-based products, a new look for a dairy-free drinks range, and a jam’s partnership with Children in Need.

‘More than mylk’: Alternatives to coffee, cocoa, salt and sugar on the table at Mylkcubator 3.0

27-Sep-2023 By Flora Southey

The Mylkcubator programme has largely focused on next-gen dairy innovation to date. But for the incubator’s third edition, dairy-major Pascual wants to expand its focus to alt coffee, cocoa, salt, sugar and more.

‘A vitamin B12 deficiency can have very unpleasant consequences’: Can B12 work in plant-based meat?

20-Sep-2023 By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

Despite the abundance of NPDs for plant-based meat in recent years, concerns about nutrition still resound in the sector. There are many nutrients, critics claim, that are difficult to find outside of animal products. One of these is B12. Yet it is possible...

More studies reveal potential health benefits of turmeric

18-Sep-2023 By Oliver Morrison

Turmeric may be as good for treating indigestion as drugs to curb excess stomach acid.

‘The risk we have here is enough to manage’: Athlete turned entrepreneur Floyd Landis discusses how regulatory uncertainty threatens the global CBD industry

15-Sep-2023 By Oliver Morrison

Regulatory bottlenecks are threatening to hinder CBD innovation on both sides of the Atlantic, the former professional road racing cyclist Floyd Landis tells FoodNavigator.

Seaweed start-up secures fresh funds million to scale and commercialise

15-Sep-2023 By Oliver Morrison

Scotland-based OCEANIUM announces a $2.6 (€2.4) million fundraise to scale up its proprietary biorefinery technology to meet market demand for its seaweed ingredients and materials.

Neuroscience ramps up personalisation, connection and experience

14-Sep-2023 By Natasha Spencer-Jolliffe

Research into dietary preferences and novel releases by food-focused neuroscience companies are helping to expand and shape consumers’ food experiences based on their specific preferences.

Maolac NPD: Gut support and anti-inflammatory activity targeted with AI and breastmilk

05-Sep-2023 By Flora Southey

Israeli start-up Maolac is launching two new products made from biofunctional proteins in breastmilk (sourced from colostrum) that can be used in functional beverages, sports bars and smoothies.

‘Many forgotten crops have been neglected by global food systems’: Threats to agrobiodiversity and the benefits of crop diversification

04-Sep-2023 By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

While there are a wide range of edible crops in the world that have the potential to become part of our diets, humans tend to rely on only a tiny handful of them in large numbers. Could diversifying what we eat by introducing new crops to the global market...

Adding ‘complex component’ of milk to infant formula confers long-term cognitive benefits

04-Sep-2023 By Oliver Morrison

New research into milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) suggests early exposure to these nutritional components contribute to the long-term structure and function of the brain.

Campaign targeting dramatic rise in global bean consumption eyes Kenyan consumers

31-Aug-2023 By Oliver Morrison

A campaign aiming to double global bean consumption by 2028 will focus on Kenyan consumers and producers in a pilot effort for East Africa.

‘Lack of clarity has left the industry in limbo’: UK CBD suppliers warn of ‘existential threat’

29-Aug-2023 By Oliver Morrison

UK CBD players are warning more products may be taken off shelves and have issued an ‘urgent’ appeal to the Home Office to protect the industry.

Brain health emerges as a ‘key health priority for Europeans’

28-Aug-2023 By Oliver Morrison

New consumer research reveals brain health to be second only to heart health in Europe’s most important geographies.

UK government report presents strategy on obesity-linked conditions

25-Aug-2023 By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

The UK Government’s Major Conditions Strategy, outlining the six major health conditions and the government’s plan to address them, reveals the key role obesity plays in UK health, and the government’s plans to tackle this.

Reduced consumption of meat could help develop reasoning skills, study finds

22-Aug-2023 By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

A study in Finland has found that reducing meat consumption, along with spending more time reading and playing organised sports, helped develop children’s reasoning skills.

New tool to boost fruit and vegetable shelf life and cut waste

21-Aug-2023 By Oliver Morrison

The technology – from Poland-based food-tech company Fresh Inset – promises to preserve freshness, vitamins and antioxidants.

Food environments push consumers away from healthy and sustainable options, report shows

17-Aug-2023 By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

A new report shows that food environments, from promotional offers to the placement of food in shops, can influence consumers to make less healthy and less sustainable food choices.

Large font sizes for low calorie counts can influence healthy eating choices, study shows

10-Aug-2023 By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

There are many reasons why people choose to order healthy food at restaurants, and a new study shows that the font size of calorie counts on menus is one of them. People can be influenced to order healthy options, the study suggests, by the calorie count...

From taste to texture and nutrition: How can plant-based meat reboot category growth?

10-Aug-2023 By Flora Southey

Faced with a global market slowdown, plant-based meat players are looking is renew demand and encourage repeat purchases of their vegan beef, pork, and seafood alternatives. Pulling levers from taste to texture and nutrition, how can plant-based meat...

From securing cross-sector collaboration to managing red tape: tips for food tech start-ups traversing today’s headwinds

09-Aug-2023 By Oliver Morrison

In a squeezed investment climate, we spoke to Fiona Choppe-Magal, Partner, Foodtech and Agritech, at Israel-based Cukierman Investment House, who reveals some crucial advice for Europe’s agrifood tech entrepreneurs to maximize their chances in dealings...

NPD Trend Tracker: From Olympic peanut butter to blueberry muffin popcorn

07-Aug-2023 By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

We have a lot of sweet treats this week with blueberry muffin popcorn, KitKat Chunky Hazelnut and two different types of cookie dough ice cream. We also have the renewal of an old partnership for Whole Earth, and a new plant-based cheddar for Violife....

Infant formula industry fights back at ‘misleading’ Lancet papers: ‘Advertising is not the main factor limiting breastfeeding’

04-Aug-2023 By Flora Southey

A series of papers on breastfeeding, published in The Lancet this year, gives the misleading impression that infant formula advertising is the main factor limiting breastfeeding, argues implicated trade associations.