Fruit, vegetable, nut ingredients

Prescription produce programs associated with better health, food security – bolstering food as medicine movement

05-Sep-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

New research shows adults at risk of heart disease who were prescribed produce ate more fruits and vegetables and after six months had lower blood pressure, body mass index and blood sugar levels – buttressing calls by public health advocates and The...

Juni sparkling tea blends cultures, benefits for body & mind from adaptogens, nootropics

05-Sep-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

For many Americans living a fast-paced, on-the-go lifestyle, the meditative benefits of slowly sipping a hot mug of tea may be out of reach, but the health benefits and feeling of refreshment that come from a beverage brewed with adaptogenic, nootropic...

Apothékary makes herbalism accessible with customizable beverage tinctures and powders

30-Aug-2023 By Deniz Ataman

With the July launch of wine alternative tincture, Rosé-Tinted Glasses, Apothékary’s CEO and founder, Shizu Okusa, explained to FoodNavigator-USA that the company’s focus is bringing cross-cultural herbalism to consumers who are looking for better-for-you...

NutriLeads’ upcycled carrot prebiotic fiber BeniCaros delivers functional benefits without formulation headaches, side effects common with competing ingredients

30-Aug-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

Consumers looking for functional benefits ranging from gut health and immunity support to general well-being increasingly are drawn to products with prebiotics – but formulation challenges related to most prebiotics’ bulk and negative side-effects, including...

Aura Bora grows into conventional channel with help of botanical interest, multipacks

30-Aug-2023 By Ryan Daily

Natural sparkling water brand Aura Bora is taking its premium, culinary-inspired sparkling beverages beyond natural channels as more consumers demand botanical-infused drinks, brand CEO Paul Voge told FoodNavigator-USA.

James Bradley announced as Revol Greens’ CFO

29-Aug-2023 By Deniz Ataman

Revol Greens announces its new chief financial officer, James Bradley, who will help shape the company’s expansion within the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) lettuce and greens category, including its recent launch of the Temple, Texas facility.

Hungryroot's personalized grocery service hits $182 million in revenue

29-Aug-2023 By Deniz Ataman

Hungryroot's transition to an AI-driven, personalized grocery and recipe service has resulted in a 67% YoY revenue growth to $182 million in 1H 2023, Alex Weinstein, chief digital officer, Hungryroot, told FoodNavigator-USA.

From functional to ethical, identifying the health halo in botanicals

29-Aug-2023 By Deniz Ataman

Angela Getzel, beverage business development lead, Kerry, explained to FoodNavigator-USA that as consumers are looking for more label transparency, from low/no sugar and artificial ingredients to environmental responsibility, botanicals fit into that...

Planting Hope acquires Argo Tea, focuses on reaching Gen Z and Gen Alpha consumers

28-Aug-2023 By Deniz Ataman

Foodtech company, Planting Hope plans to reach Gen Z and Gen Alpha with its recent acquisition of a portion of Argo Tea’s assets, Julia Stamberger, CEO & Co-Founder, Planting Hope, told FoodNavigator-USA.

Birdzi to power Berkot’s loyalty program

23-Aug-2023 By Deniz Ataman

Berkot’s Super Foods will implement Birdzi’s comprehensive customer intelligence and engagement system across its 17 grocery locations in Wisconsin and Illinois.

[Webinar] Better-for-you beverage brands meet the moment with functionality, flavor, nutrition

22-Aug-2023 By Ryan Daily

Consumers today are not only satisfied with great-tasting, affordable and nutritious beverages; they also want products that fit into their lifestyles and provide a range of functional benefits from energy, focus, and even heart, brain, and immune system...

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.

ELAVI expands its gut-friendly portfolio with plant-based cashew butter jars

21-Aug-2023 By Deniz Ataman

On trend with the healthy indulgence movement, ELAVI launches its low sugar, gut-friendly and plant-based cashew butter jars, adding to its existing portfolio of nut butter packets and snack bars.

Soup-To-Nuts Podcast: TiNDLE sees long-term growth in plant-based despite current downturn

19-Aug-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

Even though plant-based protein sales continued to slide in July, prompting retailers to slim down and shift offerings from the more premium placement in the refrigerated section to the freezer aisle, startup TiNDLE Foods still sees significant opportunity...

Oishii continues to sidestep struggles plaguing vertical farms, taps CPG veteran to further fuel growth

17-Aug-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

At a time when many players in the controlled environment agriculture industry are laying off employees, filing for bankruptcy and in some cases closing their doors, vertical farm Oishii continues to grow – expanding production, distribution, its portfolio...

Just Date expands retail for Organic Date Sugar, launches at Sprouts nationwide

17-Aug-2023 By Deniz Ataman

The brand’s retail launch of Organic Date Sugar as a sugar alternative in Sprouts stores expands its placement in regional health food stores like Whole Foods Market, Natural Grocers, Central Market, Erewhon and Fresh Thyme Market.

FDA considers lowering the Brix level for pasteurized orange juice, but seeks additional information

16-Aug-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

FDA may change the standard of identity for pasteurized orange juice to lower the beverage’s minimum Brix level – or soluble solids content – which influences sweetness and certain nutrients, at the behest of Florida citrus stakeholders depending on consumer...

Rebellyous Foods overcomes ‘quality at scale’ challenges for plant-based protein production to close supply-demand gap

15-Aug-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

For the plant-based meat industry to close the supply and demand gap and reduce prices it must overcome what Rebellyous Foods CEO and Founder Christie Lagally describes as a “quality at scale” challenge, in which limited access to the “right tools” drives...

Will aronia berry be the next elderberry? A3 spreads the word on fruit's functional properties

14-Aug-2023 By Ryan Daily

With a high antioxidant content and functional properties, aronia berries might be the next big hero ingredient for better-for-you applications, Blake Johnson, managing partner with American Aronia Accelerator (A3), told FoodNavigator-USA.

IFT FIRST

How can food science help strengthen consumer trust in food safety and technology?

14-Aug-2023 By Deniz Ataman

Is food science moving from the analog realm of scientific knowledge and expert opinion to the precision and automation of AI, or will it be a mix of both? Experts discussed how emerging technology will impact food science methodologies and its impact...

Pairwise readies CRISPR-edited Conscious Greens for sale in West Coast grocery stores

11-Aug-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

Despite a desire to eat healthier, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 90% of Americans do not eat enough fruits and vegetables due in large part to negative perceptions of flavor, convenience and cost – all of which startup Pairwise...

Low consumer curiosity in sustainability, plant-based foods reveals marketing opportunity

11-Aug-2023 By Deniz Ataman

Simplicity is key for foodies, according to Curious Plot’s latest study on consumer curiosity where “early adopter consumers” across generations provided culinary, nutrition and sustainability insights on what drives their food choices and habits.

A temporary blip or a sign of oversaturation? Beyond Meat’s woes and the future of plant-based meat

11-Aug-2023 By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

This week, it was announced that revenue for plant-based meat brand Beyond Meat had fallen by more than 30%. Does this say more about Beyond Meat or the plant-based sector in general? Why are some consumers rejecting plant-based meat?

Summer Fancy Food Show

Foodberry showcases its versatile, sustainable plant-based coatings at Summer Fancy Food Show

10-Aug-2023 By Deniz Ataman

As nutrition and sustainability continue shaping consumer snacking preferences, Foodberry is using edible plant-based fiber coatings for convenient and healthy snacks, company CEO Marty Kolewe, Ph. D., told FoodNavigator-USA at the Summer Fancy Food Show...

Actual Veggies’ produce-packed patties’ fast growth suggests alternative future for plant-based meat alternatives

09-Aug-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

The rapid growth of plant-based protein newcomer Actual Veggies suggests the sliding sales of alternative protein products that closely mimic their animal counterparts does not represent a lack of consumer interest in vegetarian and vegan options, but...

Is it ‘shakedown’ time for the plant-based sector? Meat-free innovators weigh in

07-Aug-2023 By Flora Southey

With signs some plant-based makers are struggling, we ask innovators whether the meat alternative category is experiencing a slowdown, a ‘shakedown’, or other?

Summer Fancy Food Show

How Bobo's stays rooted to its oat core while branching into different flavors and formats

07-Aug-2023 By Deniz Ataman

Playing off a classic nostalgic flavor, Bobo's recently launched its peanut butter and jelly-filled bars, that was featured during the Summer Fancy Food Show which took place June 25-27 at the Javits Center in New York City, where Bobo's CEO,...

Soup-To-Nuts Podcast: ProducePay matches grocers, growers for better supply, price stability

07-Aug-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

Offering an abundant selection of fresh, high-quality, diverse fruits and vegetables is a top priority for most grocers given the produce section is often a key driver for overall store foot traffic – but according to a recent survey staying stocked is...

Summery Fancy Food Show

Root Foods Co. keeps their vegetable chips simple and sustainable

04-Aug-2023 By Deniz Ataman

Blurring the lines between whole vegetables and savory snacks, Root Foods Co. featured its line of hand-sliced, vacuum-fried vegetables like tomatoes, zucchinis, green beans and onions during the Summer Fancy Food Show which took place at the Javits Center...

IFT First

IFT First: Westrock Coffee explores coffee’s usage occasions and energy trends

02-Aug-2023 By Deniz Ataman

From convenience to function, packaging and more sustainable decaffeination processes, coffee, particularly RTD, is becoming more differentiation then ever before, Sarah Merritt, VP extracts and ingredients at Westrock Coffee explained to FoodNavigator-USA...

IFT First

Beneo launches Orafti® β-Fit at IFT to support heart health, blood glucose management

01-Aug-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

Responding to rising consumer demand for functional foods that can help manage cholesterol and blood glucose response, ingredient supplier Beneo launched at IFT FIRST in Chicago last month a wholegrain barley flour that touts enough beta-glucans to justify...

IFT First

IFT FIRST: Expanding the nutrition, traceability, transparency and food waste conversation

31-Jul-2023 By Deniz Ataman

FoodNavigator-USA sat down in an exclusive interview with Bryan Hitchcock, chief science and technology officer, IFT to discuss how IFT is overseeing its food science program with a focus on nutrition, traceability, transparency and food waste during...

Soup-To-Nuts Podcast: Students lobby for more plant-based school meal options

31-Jul-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

While regulators, legislators and industry stakeholders debate whether whole, 2% and flavored milks should be offered alongside plain, low-fat and fat-free options as a required component of school meals, a growing number of students are raising concerns...

Free Webinar: Raising the Snack Bar - Exploring Growth Drivers, Innovations and Consumer Cravings

27-Jul-2023 By Deniz Ataman

What does it take to stand out in the saturated snack bar crowd? FoodNavigator-USA’s recent webinar, Raising the Snack Bar: Exploring Growth Drivers, Innovations and Consumer Cravings featured an expert panel on the various considerations brands must...

Anyway Protein tackles myths about plant-based diets and fitness, offers personalization to break into sports nutrition with a vegan offering

27-Jul-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

Protein liquids and powders are one of the fastest growing segments within plant-based as more people adopt vegan and vegetarian lifestyles for ethical, environmental and health reasons – but breaking into the mainstream sports nutrition category will...

IFT First

Standardizing regenerative agriculture claims requires industry collaboration

25-Jul-2023 By Deniz Ataman

Brian Nash, VP, corporate sustainability, Ingredion, spoke with FoodNavigator-USA at IFT FIRST in Chicago about how companies must work together to establish a more unified regenerative agricultural claim.

FDA food traceability measures need specific data standards - FMI

25-Jul-2023 By Lauren Nardella

The Food and Drug Administration offers more information to help the food and beverage industry implement its Food Traceability Rule through the recent release of FAQs, while industry suggests certain data standards could help it meet challenges in compliance.

Alberta scientists discover high-protein, plant-based alternative to gelatin

21-Jul-2023 By Stephen Daniells

Scientists at the University of Alberta have discovered a way to create a plant-based gelatin substitute from pea protein and are already collaborating with a multinational leader in plant-based ingredients.

Mycelia-producer, MycoTechnology, announces its foray into natural sweeteners

20-Jul-2023 By Deniz Ataman

Derived from honey truffles, MycoTechnology launches its honey truffle sweetener adding to the growing, diverse variety of alternative sweeteners.

Climax Foods partners with Benchling to discover new plant ingredients via AI

19-Jul-2023 By Deniz Ataman

Climax Foods ramps up its ingredient discovery through its partnership with Benchling, an AI-driven data platform, which scours over 300,000 edible plant varieties to determine ingredients that offer novelty, functionality and economically sound scalability...

Upcoming webinar: How snack bar brands can carve out a space in a crowded market

19-Jul-2023 By Deniz Ataman

FoodNavigator-USA will present its free editorial webinar, Raising the Snack Bar: Exploring Growth Drivers, Innovations and Consumer Cravings on July 26 at 11:30 AM CT. The webinar will feature a panel of snack bar experts who will explore how key differentiators...

IFT FIRST

IFT Preview: From ingredients to ideals -- How clean label is reshaping product development

12-Jul-2023 By Deniz Ataman

The food as medicine movement continues to shape food and beverage with clean and simple ingredient labels that promote healthier food choices and provide important information to individuals with specific dietary needs, while enhancing transparency and...

IFT FIRST

IFT FIRST Startup Pavilion highlights innovative solutions to today’s pressing challenges

12-Jul-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

The Startup Pavilion at the Institute of Food Technologists’ annual Food Improved by Research Science and Technology (IFT FIRST) conference in Chicago this month will be twice as big as it was at last year’s annual conference, reflecting the urgency and...

Summer Fancy Food Show

Popadelics leverages pop-ups in fashion stores to secure placement in grocery retail

12-Jul-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

Most food and beverage startups’ go-to-market strategy includes a combination of direct-to-consumer and grocery, but when mushroom-based snack brand Popadelics recently launched it took a less conventional route – placing a greater emphasis on luxury...

Joyful Venture launches fund focused on sustainable food technology startups

11-Jul-2023 By Deniz Ataman

"We're not just passively investing in promising sustainable food technology startups," said co-founder and general partner Jennifer Stojkovic in a press release. "Our team is fully committed to leveraging our expertise, powerful network,...

How retailers can create an efficient and tailored in-store experience

11-Jul-2023 By Deniz Ataman

By leveraging foot-traffic data, retailers can understand how their consumers are spending time in-store to develop a personalized and streamlined shopping experience.

Summer Fancy Food Show

Jack & Friends charts new ‘inclusive’ path for plant-based jerky to better meet taste, nutrition expectations

11-Jul-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

Plant-based meat snack alternatives – and sales – are climbing as new players, including startup Jack & Friends, enter the market with vegan options that better mimic the taste, texture and chew of their animal counterparts, while also offering a...

Future Food Tech Alternative Proteins

Turning the tide on alternative seafood: Strategies to close the supply-demand gap

11-Jul-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

The alternative seafood segment may be a small fraction of the size of its counterparts in plant-based and animal-free dairy and meat currently, but the sector is primed for growth as demand for seafood outpaces supply and concern about the oceans’ health...

‘A blank canvas to add whatever flavours desired’: Start-up provides nutrient-rich spirulina meat substitutes

11-Jul-2023 By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

The algae spirulina has a wide range of health benefits. Now, a start-up is exploring its potential as a clean-label meat substitute, with flexibility in flavour and in use.

Rot-resistant mutations and AI-fuelled robots – advancements in tomato cultivation

10-Jul-2023 By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

Tomatoes are one of Europe’s favourite fruits, and are involved in a wide range of meals from pizza and pasta to salad and full English breakfast. Several advancements have introduced new insights into tomato cultivation.