Preservatives and acidulants

‘Needed’: FDA issues draft guidance for best practices for GRAS panels

20-Nov-2017 By Stephen Daniells

Hailed by experts as ‘needed’ and ‘significant’, the US Food and Drug Administration has issued draft guidance on best practices to follow when convening a panel of experts to evaluate whether a substance is “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS).

Juice joy: Coca-Cola files patent on ‘unexpected’ acerola find

16-Nov-2017 By Kacey Culliney

The Coca-Cola Company has “unexpectedly discovered” that the cherry-like fruit acerola reduces enzymatic browning in fruit and vegetable juice, providing a natural alternative to current methods.

Jolly Time’s iconic Blast O Butter microwavable popcorn bucks trends to reach 20 year milestone

23-Oct-2017 By Elizabeth Crawford

For all the hub-bub around bold and exotic flavors, the success of Jolly Time’s Blast O Butter microwave popcorn for the past 20 years is a good reminder of the power nostalgia and familiarity can play in driving ongoing sales.

PepsiCo seeks label-friendly alternatives to glycerin as part of clean-label drive

13-Oct-2017 By Elaine Watson

PepsiCo is seeking more natural-sounding alternatives to glycerin with equivalent functionality as part of a clean-label drive.

JAMA study highlights need for more sodium reduction, consumer education about salt

22-Aug-2017 By Elizabeth Crawford

New research showing that 98% of homes have packaged food that exceeds the recommended amount of sodium, despite drastic reductions in the last 15 years, should be a wake-up call for manufacturers to cut back on the mineral even more and for consumers...

IFT 2017 part three: Plant-based formulation challenges, and where next for stevia?

13-Jul-2017 By Elaine Watson

In the third and final part of our trendwatching tour of the IFT 2017 expo floor, we discovered how the growth in plant-based foods and high protein beverages is creating new opportunities for ingredients suppliers, and caught up with a couple of key...

IFT 2017 part two: Clean label moves beyond the ingredients list

07-Jul-2017 By Elaine Watson

'Clean label' used to be about ousting artificial (or artificial-sounding) ingredients from food labels, but is beginning to move beyond what must be declared on the ingredients list to cover incidental additives, pesticide residues, and animal...

IFT Food Expo 2017

From ingredients out of by-products to Ecopouches, Scelta Mushrooms develops products out of waste-reduction efforts

05-Jul-2017 By Adi Menayang

To preserve mushrooms to sell to foodservice companies, Scelta Muhsrooms blanches its white button mushrooms first. The wastewater is then used to make an umami-flavored ingredient.

IFT 2017 part one: From clean meat and clean label, to green jackfruit and banana flour

29-Jun-2017 By Elaine Watson

This year, edible bugs competed with clean (aka cultured) meat, green banana flour and jackfruit for the spotlight, while many fibers remain in limbo as the FDA mulls over definitions. Meanwhile, the clean label trend continues to gather pace, along with...

Cargill Salt to open new potassium chloride facility in NY later this year

21-Jun-2017 By Elaine Watson

Cargill Salt will open a new "multi-million dollar" facility to produce popular salt replacer potassium chloride in Watkin’s Glen, New York, in late 2017.

IFT 2017 Preview

Arjuna Natural Extracts expands US operation, launches 'clean label' preservatives line in US

15-Jun-2017 By Adi Menayang

Maker of essential oils and oleoresins Arjuna Natural Extracts is ramping up its US operations and opened a new sales office in Dallas earlier this month, making its line of products more readily available stateside. It will also be exhibiting at this...

Your guide to IFT 2017: From clean meat and cannabis edibles to space farming

15-Jun-2017 By Elaine Watson

What does 'processed' food mean? And how much is too much? Will consumers embrace 'clean' meat? And what can we grow in space? Check out FoodNavigator-USA's guide to the hottest topics at the Institute of Technologists (IFT) Annual...

Attorney: ‘Slapping another undefined term on packages that could be attacked legally’ is risky

'GoCleanLabel certified' scheme rolls out, but what does it mean?

13-Jun-2017 By Elaine Watson

A new 'clean label' certification scheme has been launched in the US market as the concept of ‘clean’ eating continues to gain traction. But will CPG brands embrace the ‘Go Clean Label Certified’ logo, and are there risks to using a term that...

Naturex says botanical blends beat artificial preservatives against meat microbes

08-Jun-2017 By Niamh Michail

Naturex is launching two botanical-based preservatives that are more effective than artificial preservatives in fighting Listeria and Salmonella in processed meat products.

Israel firm ‘cracks the code’ on making meat salty and healthy

07-Jun-2017 By Oscar Rousseau

Israel-based ingredients company Salt of the Earth claims its popular product, Mediterranean Umami, can cut sodium in processed meat by up to a third.

Clean label drive spurs innovation in texturizers, preservatives

23-May-2017 By Hank Schultz

The challenges of clean label formulation might hit hardest at the humblest of ingredients, texturizers and preservatives—those behind-the-scenes stage hands that do the dirty work of making food formulations palatable and shelf stable.

Think clean label just means no artificial ingredients? Think again

CLEAN LABEL 2.0: Natural flavors and preservatives, pesticide residues, and Non-GMO in the spotlight

27-Apr-2017 By Elaine Watson

Think 'clean label' just means ditching ‘artificial’ ingredients and avoiding anything attracting negative press (warranted or otherwise)? Think again. Today, brands are also questioning whether ‘natural’ flavors, preservatives and sweeteners...

SPECIAL REPORT: Consumers and ‘clean’ food: Where is the clean label trend going next?

26-Apr-2017 By Elaine Watson

To the casual observer, ‘cleaning up’ our food sounds like an eminently sensible thing to do. But where is the clean label trend going, and is ditching every ingredient you can’t pronounce really the key to fixing the ‘broken’ food system (as Panera implies...

Sir Kensington’s joins Unilever: ‘This allows us to expand distribution while holding true to our values’

21-Apr-2017 By Elaine Watson

Unilever has struck a deal to acquire New York-based condiment maker Sir Kensington’s, under which co-founders Mark Ramadan and Scott Norton will continue to run the business from their offices in Manhattan. 

Greco has experience ‘in preparing and bringing companies to acquisition’

AquaBall maker True Drinks taps CPG veteran James Greco as CEO

18-Apr-2017 By Elaine Watson

Former Sbarro CEO James Greco has taken the helm at True Drinks Holdings – the firm behind kids’ flavored water brand AquaBall – while Kevin Sherman (who has been in charge since Lance Leonard departed in December 2015) will stay on as president.

Reducing sodium intake could save more lives, money than treating related disease, study finds

12-Jan-2017 By Elizabeth Crawford

Ambitious sodium reduction targets for the next two and 10 years laid out by FDA in draft voluntary guidance released last summer not only could save lives, but they could generate huge cost savings based on new research published this week in The BMJ. 

Campbell Soup backs 'potassium salt' petition: A more consumer-friendly name will ‘advance public health goals’

05-Jan-2017 By Elaine Watson

Campbell Soup has joined a growing number of food manufacturers backing a citizen’s petition from NuTek Food Science asking the FDA to allow ‘potassium salt’ as an alternate name for potassium chloride on food labels.

Exclusive interview – Hershey master chocolatier talks simple ingredients

Removing GMOs easy; ditching chemical-sounding ingredients the challenge, says Hershey R&D chief

15-Dec-2016 By Oliver Nieburg

Cutting GMOs in confectionery is relatively simple, but finding replacements for ingredients that aren’t well understood by consumers is the real challenge, says Hershey’s chief chocolatier.

Nestlé USA to fight ‘baseless’ lawsuit over ‘no preservatives’ claims on Lean Cuisine

14-Dec-2016 By Elaine Watson

Nestlé USA is the latest in a series of food companies to be targeted by New York-based law firm Lee Litigation Group over its use of the label claim ‘no preservatives’ on products containing citric acid.

Soup-To-Nuts Podcast: Defining and meeting consumer demand for clean label

09-Dec-2016 By Elizabeth Crawford

The predictable upcoming onslaught of annual New Year’s resolutions to “eat better” could lead to surge of consumer interest in products with short ingredient decks and “clean labels” that they perceive as healthier.

FDA should ‘expedite evaluation’ of NuTek potassium salt petition, says GMA

GMA to FDA: Sodium reduction guidance must be re-worded or industry will face a tidal wave of 'frivolous litigation'

26-Oct-2016 By Elaine Watson

Two years isn’t enough time for food manufacturers to make the kind of reductions in sodium that the FDA is asking for, says the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA), which also urges the agency to tweak the wording of its guidance in order to avoid...

IBIE 2016 PREVIEW

Clean label: Small but growing part of bakery products mix, says DuPont

30-Sep-2016 By Douglas Yu

Clean-label products represent a small but growing part of the bakery market, according to ingredients supplier DuPont Health and Nutrition.

IBIE 2016 PREVIEW

Trends shaping NPD and consumer behavior in the US bakery market

30-Sep-2016 By Vince Bamford

Analysts identify the trends shaping product development and consumer behavior in the baked goods market ahead of the International Baking Industry Exposition in Las Vegas this week.

Cleaner labels can increase inefficency, but will ultimately pay off, says La Tortilla Factory innovation chief

14-Sep-2016 By Adi Menayang

California-based La Tortilla Factory is rolling out newly non-GMO verified products with new packaging and a simplified ingredients list.

Vinegar sales in US climb on health benefits, bold flavor & versatility

29-Aug-2016 By Elizabeth Crawford

Sales of vinegar, a long-time and often-overlooked pantry staple, are skyrocketing as consumers increasingly embrace it as a clean, functional ingredient that offers health benefits, sought-after flavor variety and versatility, according to a category...

New name would 'improve consumer understanding and promote clear food labeling' says Unilever

Unilever, CSPI support NuTek potassium salt petition, but the Salt Institute urges FDA to reject it ‘in the strongest terms’

24-Aug-2016 By Elaine Watson

Unilever and The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) have both voiced their support for a citizen’s petition asking the FDA to permit ‘potassium salt’ as an alternate name for potassium chloride on food labels, while the Salt Institute has...

Soup-To-Nuts Podcast

Soup-To-Nuts Podcast: How can manufacturers meet sodium, sugar & calorie reduction demands?

29-Jul-2016 By Elizabeth Crawford

Finding solutions to reduce sodium, sugar and calories in finished products is essential as regulators and consumers demand healthier products – but the increasing desire for “clean labels” adds a complicating twist to the process of sourcing suitable...

Your guide to IFT 2016: From eBeam processing to brainfood, plant-based proteins & genomics

13-Jul-2016 By Elaine Watson

Are all these 'alternative proteins' as sustainable as we think? Is there real money to be made from acid whey? And will electron beam processing be as disruptive as high pressure processing? Check out FoodNavigator-USA's guide to the hottest...

Nestlé renews successful salt reduction collaboration with Chromocell

04-Jul-2016 By Niamh Michail

Nestlé has renewed its collaboration with US-based life sciences firm Chromocell to cut salt levels in its global portfolio, after investing nearly €12 million in 2012.

Should firms be allowed to label potassium chloride as 'potassium salt'? NuTek petitions the FDA

01-Jul-2016 By Elaine Watson

Allowing companies to label potassium chloride as ‘potassium salt’ on food labels would ‘demystify’ the ingredient for consumers and help the industry achieve the dual goals of lowering sodium and increasing potassium, argues a citizen’s petition filed...

Federal GMO labeling bill hailed as 'true compromise,' but critics say it's woefully inadequate

23-Jun-2016 By Elaine Watson

Attempts to reach a federal GMO labeling solution have failed miserably to date. However, a bipartisan deal requiring mandatory GMO labeling (via smartlabels, symbols or as yet undetermined wording) thrashed out in the Senate on Thursday looks like it...

Field Trip Jerky unveils new packaging, targets 250% growth in 2016

22-Jun-2016 By Elaine Watson

Five years ago, all-natural credentials, premium packaging and culinary-inspired flavors were novel territory for jerky. Today, they are simply de-rigueur, and enterprising brands must find new ways to stay ahead of the game, says Field Trip Jerky, which...

Stakeholders laud FDA’s potentially life-saving draft voluntary sodium reduction guidance

01-Jun-2016 By Elizabeth Crawford

In an effort to prevent upwards of 500,000 premature deaths from heart attacks and strokes in the next 10 years, FDA has set ambitious sodium reduction targets for food manufacturers and restaurants across nearly 150 food categories to be met in the next...

US organic food & beverage sales rose 10.6% to $39.8bn in 2015, says OTA

19-May-2016 By Elaine Watson

US sales of organic food and drink surged 10.6% to $39.8bn in 2015, significantly ahead of the 3% growth in the overall food market, with some segments up more than 30% year-on-year, according to the Organic Trade Association (OTA).

Nestlé prioritises low salt products and calls for reduction targets

10-May-2016 By David Burrows

Nestlé is preparing to adjust its global portfolio in a bid to help consumers eat significantly less salt – as well stay one step ahead of any forthcoming regulatory measures.

GRAS process for evaluating ingredient safety threatens FDA’s mission, Sen. Markey argues

27-Apr-2016 By Elizabeth Crawford

The “loose structure” and voluntary process for companies to self-determine if new ingredients are “generally recognized as safe” without required input from FDA undermines the agency’s ability to ensure the US food supply is safe and should be strengthened,...

OCA sues Hain Celestial, Honest Co, over organic labels; both insist they 'fully comply' with USDA standards

27-Apr-2016 By Elaine Watson

Organic infant formula products from high-profile brands Earth’s Best (Hain Celestial) and The Honest Co contain a “spectacular array” of ingredients that are prohibited under the Organic Food Production Act, according to lawsuits filed by The Organic...

Nearly three-quarters of families make an effort to buy organic food, OTA survey reveals

25-Apr-2016 By Elizabeth Crawford

Buying organic is a top priority for many American parents, especially when it comes to the food they feed their children, according to new research form the Organic Trade Association. 

FDA’s 2016 food agenda prioritizes FSMA, product labeling, GRAS, GMOs

20-Apr-2016 By Elizabeth Crawford

FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition is plowing ahead with an ambitious and wide-ranging agenda for the remainder of 2016 without pause after knocking out five final or proposed rules related to food safety and nutrition in just as many...

11th hour reprieve from the courts or from Congress increasingly unlikely

Bounty hunters could come after you from day one if you are not compliant with Vermont GMO labeling law, warns attorney

15-Apr-2016 By Elaine Watson

Private litigants, or so-called ‘bounty hunters’, may start targeting food manufacturers over alleged violations of Vermont’s new GMO labeling law from day one (July 1), lawyers at Hogan Lovells have warned.

Salt stimulates passive eating of fatty foods: Study

05-Apr-2016 By Niamh Michail

Salt provokes fatty food eating, and can even trigger increased food intake among people who have a preference for less fatty foods, Australian researchers have found.

Caveman Foods CEO: There should be a Paleo set in every store

05-Apr-2016 By Elaine Watson

Though not everyone is convinced that the dietary rot set in once we stopped hunting and gathering and started to grow crops and raise animals for food, there’s no doubt that the ‘Paleo’ diet is gaining traction, and Caveman Foods – the brainchild of...

Special Edition: Preservatives

Plant-based preservatives emerge as consumers hunt for clean-label meats

31-Mar-2016 By Adi Menayang

From celery to citrus to vinegar, consumers are glancing over nitrate-containing meat products and going for what they deem a more natural alternative.

'Artificial' preservatives are falling out of favor, but what are the alternatives?

31-Mar-2016 By Elaine WATSON

The percentage of new food and beverage launches (retail) making ‘no additives/preservatives’ claims rose from 12.46% in 2012 to 20.24% in 2015, according to Mintel*, while there has also been a marked rise in the number of companies pledging to ditch...

Amazon for ingredients: New e-commerce platform rolls out with transparency and factory-direct pricing

23-Mar-2016 By Stephen Daniells

Ingredientsonline.com is promising to change the industry by allowing manufacturers in the US to purchase raw materials directly from overseas factories, providing considerable cost and time savings.