Health and nutritional ingredients

Futureproofing the Food System

Exploring how consumers define ‘healthy’ through dietary patterns

02-Nov-2023 By Deniz Ataman

Consumers’ relationship with food continues to evolve through diets that target more specific needs while simultaneously shifting how they define healthy, according to results from the International Food Information Council (IFIC) Food and Health survey.

The anti-energy drinks trend: Who will be the Red Bull of relaxation?

02-Nov-2023 By Olivia Brown

There has been a rising consumer demand for functional drinks promoting relaxation and wellbeing over boosting energy following the COVID-19 pandemic, but an expert says a ‘hero ingredient’ and ‘hero brand’ are needed to propel the category into the spotlight.

Futureproofing the Food System

What are the benefits of using data to improve nutrition and food accessibility?

01-Nov-2023 By Deniz Ataman

The food industry uses a variety of data collection methods to improve the food system and reduce diet-related illnesses by providing access to fresh and healthy food.

Olipop gets prebiotic verified via NutraStrong certification

30-Oct-2023 By Claudia Adrien

Olipop is the first beverage to join the NutraStrong prebiotic verified product certification, which is administered by SGS Nutrasource Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Services. The new program was developed in collaboration between the Global Prebiotics...

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,...

[Video] Tate & Lyle shares how energy, hydration, gut health are driving the beverage market

26-Oct-2023 By Ryan Daily

CPG brands are responding to consumer demand for better-for-you beverages with a bevy of claims from energy to gut health that are driving overall category growth, Becca Henrickson, category development and planning manager of beverages for NOAM at Tate...

Keurig Dr Pepper enters sports hydration category with Electrolit distribution agreement

26-Oct-2023 By Rachel Arthur

Keurig Dr Pepper will sell, distribute and merchandise premium hydration beverage Electrolit across the US: extending its portfolio into sports hydration.

Bioactive-rich insoluble fiber has ‘potential to be a nutritive product in the form of a supplement’: Study

25-Oct-2023 By Stephen Daniells

Each plant source of insoluble fiber contains unique bioactives – from anthocyanins and catechins to lutein, quercetin, and resveratrol – and offer potential health benefits beyond those of the fiber itself, says a new review from scientists at the University...

MyFoodPlanit's all-in-one meal planning addresses nutrition customization

24-Oct-2023 By Deniz Ataman

Driven by a growing number of consumers addressing their specific and changing nutrition concerns, MyFoodPlanit launched its all-in-one meal planning and nutrition tracking platform earlier this month, Ryan Chapman, CEO and founder, told FoodNavigator-USA...

Brightseed’s Bio Gut Fiber sourced from upcycled hemp hulls, supports gut health

24-Oct-2023 By Deniz Ataman

Bio Gut Fiber is a result of Brightseeds’ AI-driven platform, Forager, which discovered the unique bioactives from hemp hulls to fortify the gut lining, Alina Slotnik, VP bioactives, Brightseed, explained to FoodNavigator-USA.

Soup-To-Nuts Podcast: Instacart Health bridges stakeholders to foster food as medicine movement

23-Oct-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

Good food is the foundation for good health, but according to the US Department of Agriculture 10% of Americans, or approximately 33.8 million people, don’t have reliable access to healthy nutrition – a sobering statistic that online grocery technology...

Futureproofing the Food System

How AI and digital transformation are influencing the food and beverage industry

23-Oct-2023 By Deniz Ataman

Manufacturers and retailers are improving their technology stack through digital transformation strategies and AI to improve operations and address historical food and beverage challenges from ingredient shortages and reformulations to predicting current...

KeHE CEO shares vision for a ‘fresh’ food future, igniting the M&A engine

20-Oct-2023 By Ryan Daily

KeHE will expand its play in fresh food and build a stronger relationship with Kroger, the distributor’s new president and CEO, Deb Conklin, said during a Naturally Chicago webinar this week.

Consumers are willing to buy ‘healthier’ ultra-processed foods, but will the industry deliver?

17-Oct-2023 By Ryan Daily

Food and beverage industry stakeholders are debating the role and importance of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) as consumers signal a willingness to try healthier versions of these products.

Sustainability, animal welfare top Fresh Thyme Market’s top 10 trends for 2024

16-Oct-2023 By Ryan Daily

Natural grocer Fresh Thyme Market predicts growing consumer interest in sustainable, functional, and free-from products.

From seed to table: How the food, beverage industry is building resilient supply chains

16-Oct-2023 By Ryan Daily

Between global conflicts and the threat of climate change, the food and beverage industry is facing supply-chain crises from multiple fronts, which will require stakeholders to find innovative ways to create a more resilient system that can endure for...

Natural Products Expo East

Non-alcoholic industry shakes off stereotypes, embraces new merchandizing strategies to drive 30% yoy growth

16-Oct-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

Once relegated to the bottom shelf in the back corner of a store or hidden among the sparkling water or cocktail mixers, non-alcoholic beer, wine and spirits are breaking free from the stereotypes of who drinks them and when, and in doing so are setting...

National Association for Convenience Stores

C-store consumer habits: balancing impulse purchases with nuanced usage occasions

11-Oct-2023 By Deniz Ataman

C-stores can attract and retain customers who are looking for a quick and easy meal or snack by offering a variety of fresh and convenient food options, as well as bundling deals that offer discounts on popular products, Kathy Risch SVP, shopper insights...

Do consumers have a stomach for food tech?

11-Oct-2023 By Ryan Daily

Food-tech is a sought-after solution to address systemic challenges facing the industry, including feeding a growing global populace, but many consumers are not convinced of its importance or worse — they want nothing to do with it.

Unwrapping sustainable packaging: How CPG brands are balancing the needs of the planet, consumers

09-Oct-2023 By Ryan Daily

To meet ESG goals and promote a greener supply chain CPG companies are investing in sustainable packaging, but shifting from one material to another is seldom straightforward, which will be the focus of an upcoming session at the 2023 FoodNavigator-USA...

TOAST-IT secures Shark Tank investment from KIND founder to bring Venezuelan foods to more frozen aisles

09-Oct-2023 By Ryan Daily

TOAST-IT secured $150,000 investment at a 20% stake from Daniel Lubetzky, founder of KIND Snacks and Camino Partners, during the recent episode of Shark Tank, which the company hopes to use to expand its distribution into new regions and address the...

Natural Products Expo East

Plant Based Foods Association launches consumer marketing initiative to fuel growth, address ‘considerable challenges’

05-Oct-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

The diversity, availability and sales of plant-based foods continue to grow, despite the high-profile struggles of meat alternatives, and as they do, the Plant Based Foods Association is preparing to lead stakeholders into the next phase of the industry’s...

Lenny & Larry’s taps into consumer demand for more protein with Big Bar

04-Oct-2023 By Ryan Daily

Lenny & Larry’s is expanding its portfolio of cookie snack bars with a bigger format to tap into the increased demand for a variety of better-for-you claims, the company's senior VP of marketing and innovation Chris Cook told FoodNavigator-USA.

Join us next week for FoodNavigator-USA's digital Futureproofing the Food System Nov. 14-16

03-Oct-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

To feed a global population of 10bn people by 2050 we need to produce more food in the next 40 years than we have in the past 8,000 years, but as illustrated by the Green Revolution simply increasing available calories isn’t the answer – they need to...

Kroger shares update on Zero Hunger | Zero Waste framework with release of 2023 ESG report

29-Sep-2023 By Ryan Daily

Kroger's 2023 ESG report released this week shows the grocer's progress reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and food waste while tapping into trends around upcycling and Fair Trade-certified products for its private label businesses.

Consumer awareness of Fairtrade labels grows, as shoppers will pay premium for certified products

29-Sep-2023 By Ryan Daily

Fairtrade America has released new research showing that consumers are seeking out foods and beverages that support farmer's livelihood and the environment -- revealing an opportunity for CPG brands to draw attention to their products through Fairtrade-certified...

Monk Fruit Corp.’s GM discusses sweetener’s rise, how it taps into current consumer trends

28-Sep-2023 By Ryan Daily

Monk fruit has gained popularity as a natural sweetener, and is poised for growth alongside natural and better-for-you trends as consumers and brands reduce sugar across categories, Monk Fruit Corp.'s GM David Thorrold told FoodNavigator-USA.

Season Health brings prescription food services to health care plans across the country

26-Sep-2023 By Deniz Ataman

Following his experience witnessing the effects of ingredient-and-recipe meal kit services on consumer health during his tenure as Plated's former CEO, Josh Hix now leads Season Health as its CEO. The company collaborates with health plan benefits...

Is the answer to better nutrition AI and gamification? Birdzi CEO weighs in

26-Sep-2023 By Ryan Daily

Through new digital capabilities like health and wellness apps, retailers are looking to drive consumers to make healthier food and beverage decisions, as data and AI make personalized recommendations easier and more reflective of a person's diet,...

Rebbl reduces ‘ambiguity’ in branding with a rebranded focus on occasions, ingredients

25-Sep-2023 By Ryan Daily

Plant-based beverage brand Rebbl rebranded its line of drinks with a focus on occasions and conveying to consumers how to use the product, as the company looks to LTO flavors to grow trial, brand CMO, Mike Quinones, told FoodNavigator-USA.

[Video] Icon Foods CEO discusses state of sweetener market, responds to studies on health concerns

25-Sep-2023 By Ryan Daily

As consumers increasingly demand low and no-sugar products, CPG brands are responding to food and beverage development with an array of natural and artificial non-nutritive sweeteners, which have been the focus of several health studies this year, Thom...

Yuzuco bridges the divide between juice availability in US, consumer demand for yuzu

22-Sep-2023 By Ryan Daily

Juice company Yuzuco is on a mission to spread the refreshing and aromatic attributes of yuzu in the US as it shores up its supply chain and release new products, company co-founder and CEO Basil Beshkov told FoodNavigator-USA.

Misfits Market to double product assortment, consolidate private label brands post Imperfect Foods acquisition

22-Sep-2023 By Ryan Daily

Nearly a year after Misfits Market closed its acquisition of Imperfect Foods, the combined company is looking to grow through a consolidated private label business and an expanded product assortment, the company’s COO, Corey Farrell, told FoodNavigator-USA....

C’est La Ve’s vegan charcuterie boards focus on convenience and sustainability

22-Sep-2023 By Deniz Ataman

With convenience and versatility in mind, C’est La Ve’s vegan charcuterie boards offer a plant-based option for snackers on the go. FoodNavigator-USA spoke with company CEO, Yosef Cohen, to learn more about the brand’s protein-packed snack packs during...

LesserEvil raises capital to fuel growth, expansion into more multipack options

21-Sep-2023 By Ryan Daily

Better-for-you brand LesserEvil announced that it “received a significant minority growth investment from Aria Growth Partners” as well as secondary investment from Valor Equity, Invest Eco, and Touch Capital, as the company scales its operations to meet...

On-demand webinar: Functional drinks 'account for the value growth' in US beverage market

21-Sep-2023 By Ryan Daily

Blending convenience, flavor, and health benefits, the functional drinks have emerged as a key area of growth for the US beverage industry, as consumers continue to demand more out of their products than ever before, a panel of industry experts shared...

Moyu launches better-for-you baked good applications with konjac-based mix

20-Sep-2023 By Ryan Daily

Baking mix brand Moyu recently launched in the US better-for-you and healthier baked goods featuring konjac, which is gaining more widespread use, brand founder Gillian Hu told FoodNavigator-USA.

Pitaya Foods moves beyond frozen fruits with ready-to-eat smoothie bowls

19-Sep-2023 By Ryan Daily

Pitaya Foods is taking its first step outside of the frozen fruit category with the launch of ready-to-eat smoothie bowls that will open doors in new channels, like convenience stores, company CEO and founder Chuck Casano told FoodNavigator-USA.

Amy’s Kitchen gets ‘back on track with innovation,' releases multipack offerings

19-Sep-2023 By Ryan Daily

Natural frozen food brand Amy’s Kitchen is brushing off years of slower innovation and kickstarting new product and format development, including new packaging options, as the brand expands its presence in the frozen aisle and with more occasions, company...

Getting into Whole Foods, Sprouts and staying there: Mason Dixie Foods, Enjoy Life Foods share tips for success

15-Sep-2023 By Ryan Daily

Securing shelf space among the top natural retailers requires CPG brands to focus on the differences between stores and how they can innovate alongside them, a panel of industry experts shared in a recent Naturally webinar.

Spindrift grows with new flavors, usage occasions

15-Sep-2023 By Ryan Daily

Spindrift is growing by tapping into the increased occasions for sparkling water and innovating around flavor, including seasonal varieties, the brand’s VP of marketing Sue Kim told FoodNavigator-USA.

Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee

Protein consumption up across age groups, but sodium, saturated fat and added sugar still high

15-Sep-2023 By Deniz Ataman

While overall dietary patterns are poor for American adults and adolescents who are exceeding the recommended limits for sodium, saturated fat and added sugar, toddlers are eating better and protein consumption across age groups is on the rise, according...

Ginkgo Bioworks wants “computers to speak DNA,” beefs up AI capabilities with Google’s help

14-Sep-2023 By Ryan Daily

Biotech company Ginkgo Bioworks is boosting its mission of making biology more accessible by partnering with Google to build out its AI capabilities, company representatives told FoodNavigator-USA.

Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee

Health Equity Working Group provides framework for Dietary Guidelines for Americans protocols

14-Sep-2023 By Deniz Ataman

A Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) working group shared this week refined protocols for systematic reviews, food pattern modeling and committee evidence review which will shape the committee’s recommendations for the Dietary Guidelines for...

Maja expands vegan options with plant-based baking mixes, overnight oats

13-Sep-2023 By Ryan Daily

Plant-based CPG company Maja is capitalizing on the demand for vegan and allergen-free baking, and building brand awareness after launching earlier this year, the brand founder and CEO, Mackenzie Varthi, told Food-Navigator-USA.

DAVIDsTEA delivers flavor-and-function-forward teas

13-Sep-2023 By Deniz Ataman

DAVIDsTEA is growing its loose tea portfolio with more adaptogen-forward blends that promote a wide range of health attributes like relaxation, sleep, energy and more.

Planteneers expands customer service and applications capabilities for plant-based customers

12-Sep-2023 By Deniz Ataman

Planteneers broadens its customer service and applications technology team with the launch of its Plantbaser online platform and upcoming pilot plant facility in Aurora, Illinois to better meet the demands of its plant-based customers, explained Ashley...

Frozen food market continues growth, as consumers look for quick, nutritious products

12-Sep-2023 By Ryan Daily

On-the-go consumers looking for convenience and nutritious offerings are increasingly turning to the frozen food aisle, where they are purchasing breakfast items and better-for-you offerings, Michelle Garcia, client strategy director of CPG at Vericast,...

Menopause: Women’s health at risk due to avoidable nutrient deficiencies

11-Sep-2023 By Olivia Haslam

“Menopause is a perfect storm of nutritional challenges,” nutrition experts explain in a new report by the Health & Food Supplements Information Service (HSIS), with research revealing nearly half of women are worried their diet won’t support them...

Belliwelli’s ‘goal is to make gut health mainstream,’ expands nationally in Target locations

07-Sep-2023 By Deniz Ataman

On Sept. 17, the gut-friendly snack bar brand BelliWelli will be available in 1,554 Target locations nationwide -- adding to the more than 1,000 new doors the brand expanded into in the past year, Katie Wilson, CEO, Belliwelli told FoodNavigator-USA.