News & Analysis on Food & Beverage Development & Technology
Dairy Innovations
Surging protein demand and tight whey supplies are driving interest in hybrid formulations, with ADM and other suppliers developing plant-based ingredients to help manufacturers balance nutrition, functionality and texture
The ingredient once known as a sports nutrition supplement is increasingly making its way into food and beverage
Flavors of the future: global inspiration meets local innovation
Demand for protein-forward, reduced-sugar and plant-based indulgence is forcing formulators like Luker Chocolate to balance nutrition claims with the taste and texture consumers expect
Plant-based foodservice customers visit restaurants about 50% more often than meat-only consumers and spend roughly $1,950 annually at quick-service venues, according to Good Food Institute research
JM Smucker will launch four instant-coffee varieties in November, as it pursues growth in functional beverages
Health experts point to muscle, bone and cardiovascular health as key priorities for consumers taking GLP-1 medications and navigating midlife, creating opportunities for food and beverage brands to connect functional nutrition with consumer education
As demand for plant-based dairy and protein sodas surges, a new large-scale Canadian facility is producing purified pea protein isolates to eliminate sensory off-notes and support emerging dietary needs
Numerator and Kantar data show weight loss has become the dominant reason for GLP-1 use in the US and globally
IFT FIRST
As consumers push for less sugar and cleaner labels, thin beverages and chalky proteins can derail a product’s success
A new phase of grocery shopping is emerging, one that will push brands to compete on relevance rather than rely on inflation-driven dollar growth, private-label gains or consumers trading down
Danone, Nestlé and Lactalis have all jumped onto the ‘smart food’ bandwagon via bolt-on acquisitions. Why is the segment so strategically important?
Stars + Honey’s recent funding to scale its collagen protein snack bars reflects broader capital investment towards nutrition, functionality, clean label and format innovation in the snack bar category
Despite reduced appetites, those using GLP-1s still care about taste
Snack brands are targeting fluid eating occasions with products that deliver nutrition in smaller portable formats, aligning with healthier snacking trends to suit busier lifestyles
The partnership is a crucial milestone toward meeting infants’ nutritional needs in larger populations given Nestlé’s global footprint that would be difficult for the startup to achieve independently
For Muscle Milk, the challenge – and opportunity – is to meet consumers’ varied needs with simplicity and nutrient density
Better-for-you candy is entering a new phase where bold flavor and real ingredients - not just reduced sugar - are driving consumer interest across the snacking landscape
Nestlé wants to become a leaner business. As it weighs its priorities, could brands like Coffee Mate and Carnation become dispensable?
The global ingredient supplier’s deal reflects a broader trend of how companies are streamlining their businesses to meet shifting health and wellness preferences
In the gap between consumers’ intention and reality, is there room for processed food in a healthy diet?