Fats & oils

‘We hope this initiative will help Nutri-Score to rethink’: Olive oil makers launch awards in response to ‘penalising’ FOP labelling

12-Apr-2021 By Oliver Morrison

Europe’s olive oil industry is railing against the ‘unfair’ Nutri-Score algorithm and has launched the first international awards to assess the health benefits and flavour of olive oils in the hope the food labelling scheme will review its assessment...

Does the blended plant-based x meat protein category have legs? ‘The biggest challenge is brand positioning’

06-Apr-2021 By Flora Southey

From an environmental and sensory standpoint, it makes sense to create ‘hybrid’ products from a blend of plant-based and meat proteins. Yet experts are dubious the category will take off.

‘Engage to transform’: AAK combats palm oil deforestation with satellite monitoring

26-Mar-2021 By Katy Askew

Fats supplier AAK plans to use satellite technology to monitor its global supply base for palm oil in order to detect the signs of deforestation.

Where are the ‘white space’ opportunities in plant-based cheese?

22-Mar-2021 By Flora Southey

From soft cheese alternatives to plant-based fermentation and positive nutrition, experts talk growth opportunities within the category.

Keto for healthy ageing: F&B brands tap into ketone production with older generations in mind

17-Mar-2021 By Flora Southey

How are brands responding to growing demand for keto-friendly food and drink that supports healthy ageing?

Unilever looks to fat alternatives in quest to hit €1bn plant-based sales target

16-Mar-2021 By Oliver Morrison

The FMCG giant recently tasked start-ups to find solutions that promise to improve the taste, texture, sustainability and affordability of plant-based meat and dairy alternatives. The winner? A French company with a patented plant-based fat that closely...

Greenpeace slams certification schemes, inciting criticism: ‘The NGO is using palm oil as cannon-fodder to sway EU lawmakers’

12-Mar-2021 By Flora Southey

The environmental NGO says many certification schemes – covering palm, soy, and timber – enable ‘destructive business to continue as usual’. Palm Oil Monitor has fought back, questioning Greenpeace’s motives: ‘Make no mistake, this is an attack on palm...

Researchers propose standardised testing methods to crack sensory challenge of plant-based milk

11-Mar-2021 By Oliver Morrison

Despite rapidly growing consumer demand, the quality of plant-based milk products very often underwhelms. The solution? More consistent testing at R&D stage.

Health campaigners call for ‘honest’ labelling on so-called healthy snacks

10-Mar-2021 By Oliver Morrison

Researchers at Action on Salt are demanding a restriction on the use of what it calls misleading nutrition claims on HFSS products after its new data revealed seemingly ‘healthy’ snacks contain often higher salt levels than crisps and flavoured nuts.

Cultivating animal fat for plant-based meat: ‘Nobody wants a burger that tastes of coconut’

04-Mar-2021 By Flora Southey

London-based start-up Hoxton Farms is cultivating animal fat for plant-based meat alternatives. What is the secret to the duo’s competitive edge? Computational biology, the founders tell FoodNavigator.

Are high-sugar adverts contributing to obesity in Mediterranean countries?

01-Mar-2021 By Flora Southey

The Spanish food industry is promoting unhealthy products for breakfast, according to Mireia Montaña Blasco from the Open University of Catalonia, who has undertaken research in response to rising obesity rates in Mediterranean countries.

Nick’s Ice Cream founder talks Epogee and Perfect Day innovation, eyes EU market

25-Feb-2021 By Flora Southey

Current regulation prevents Swedish ice cream maker Nick’s from using the same ingredients on both sides of the pond. FoodNavigator catches up with founder Niclas Luthman to find out why he is set on using new innovation, when available in Europe.

Bunge Loders Croklaan eyes fats and oils: ‘There is a lack of reliable organic supply’

22-Feb-2021 By Katy Askew

Specialty fats and oils supplier Bunge Loders Croklaan is expanding its portfolio of organic fats and oils in Europe. According to the company, this will enable it to meet growing demand for organic products in a sector that currently faces under-supply...

Not all processed foods should be demonised, say nutritionists

22-Feb-2021 By Oliver Morrison

What do canned baked beans, low fat fruit yogurt, ice cream, pre-packaged sliced bread, ready-made pasta sauces, and breakfast cereals with added sugar all have in common?

‘There’s never been a better time to push the message that healthy can equal delicious’: Start-up aims to disrupt snacking sector with low-fat, low-salt crisp

19-Feb-2021 By Oliver Morrison

Challenger brand Mindful Snacker is promising to make 2021 ‘the year of healthy snacking’ and ‘clean comfort food’.