Clean Label

Are clean-label trends getting in the way of meaningful sodium reduction?

27-Nov-2023 By Ryan Daily

CPG companies are lowering sodium content, including through stealth-health, while larger market trends around clean-label might be distracting companies for developing healthier and more nutritious products, Tia Rains, VP of science, innovation, and...

What is driving growth in bakery?

21-Nov-2023 By Gill Hyslop

Consumer research by Tate & Lyle reveals almost half of 18-34-year-olds across the UK and Europe tuck into a sweet or savoury baked treat daily. A third of consumers aged 34 and above are doing the same.

Kerry helps bakers to slash waste by ramping up the shelf life of sweet baked treats

07-Nov-2023 By Gill Hyslop

The global nutrition specialist has launched an enzyme solution that delivers longer-lasting softness, freshness and moistness perception over the shelf life of a sweet bakery treat.

No-guilt messages, colour-coded packaging and adaptogens: Snacking trends for 2024

27-Oct-2023 By Natasha Spencer-Jolliffe

Health and wellbeing remain at the forefront of snack marketing, with guilt-free pleasures, plant-based options, traditional flavours and adaptogenic ingredients expected to lead the sector into the new year.

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...

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

Fauxmosa makes a non-alcoholic mimosa with California wine grapes

07-Aug-2023 By Deniz Ataman

Fauxmosa, a non-alcoholic mimosa brand, is made from California wine grapes and flavored with juices commonly found in a traditional mimosa was shown during the Summer Fancy Food Show which took place June 25-27 in New York City. CEO and co-founder,...

IFT FIRST

The BioVeritas Process ™: The Impossible Burger of clean label mold inhibitors

17-Jul-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

New research suggests bio-based ingredient company BioVeritas’ upcycled, clean label bread and tortilla mold inhibitor could be a “fundamental game-changer” on par with how Impossible Burger shifted the paradigm for plant-based burgers, argues the company’s...

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...

Shroomeats makes the most of mushrooms with whole-food products

16-May-2023 By Ryan Daily

Plant-based, woman-owned company Shroomeatsoffers nutritious, minimally processed foods with its portfolio of shelf-stable shitake mushroom-based patties, meatballs, and crumbles, co-founder and CEO Dissaya Theerakaosal told FoodNavigator-USA.

The EVERY Co. partners with Alpha Foods to deliver cleaner label plant-based products

12-May-2023 By Ryan Daily

Animal-free protein startup The EVERY Company is partnering with Alpha Foods to bring its expertise in flavor and texture to the plant-based brand, as it anticipates future growth from the category, company CEO Arturo Elizondo told FoodNavigator-USA....

Ingredion: 78% of consumers will pay more for clean label, natural claims despite inflation

21-Feb-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

Despite inflation pressuring some consumers to trade down or pull back on spending, more than three-quarters of shoppers globally still are willing to pay more for products making natural claims, according to the latest wave of Ingredion’s proprietary...

Blue and beyond: GNT gains FDA approval for use of spirulina extract in beverages

14-Nov-2022 By Rachel Arthur

GNT has secured US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for the use of spirulina extract in beverages: offering a clean label way of delivering not only vibrant blue shades but also an associated palette of navy blues and violets.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Ingredion doubles down on specialty starches investment

07-Nov-2022 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Ingredion has completed one-third of its planned $160m capital investment into expanding capacity for its clean label specialty starches to improve its operational flexibility amid ongoing supply chain disruptions.

Can packaged food play a role in healthy, sustainable diets of the future?

02-Nov-2022 By Elizabeth Crawford

Contrary to the growing chorus of critics pigeonholing ultra-processed packaged food as innately unhealthy for people and the planet, a group of food system and nutrition experts gathered by Clif Bar & Co. argue some could play a “crucial” role in...

'The global emulsifier market is at capacity...' Kerry develops acacia-based alternative to sunflower lecithin

29-Sep-2022 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Kerry has introduced Puremul, an acacia-based emulsifying ingredient that serves as an alternative to sunflower lecithin and mono- and diglycerides, responding to ongoing global sunflower supply challenges and manufacturers' need for a viable replacement.

Dewey's Bakery takes its thin crispy cookies nationwide tapping into permissible indulgence trend

23-Sep-2022 By Mary Ellen Shoup

After years of a slow build, Dewey's Bakery is entering national retail accounts where it can reach consumers in search of permissibly indulgent snacks with its line of thin crispy cookies that deliver on taste without breaking the caloric bank.

BakeryandSnacks.com webinar: How is the clean label megatrend impacting the snacks market?

20-Sep-2022 By Gill Hyslop

For most snack producers, clean label means familiar ingredients perceived as wholesome and natural, and a short ingredients list. But today, clean also means green, highlighting opportunities for ingredients and products that can deliver on that ‘better...

Kerry delivers cost-effective replacement for in-demand carob gum

15-Sep-2022 By Teodora Lyubomirova

The alternative costs up to 50% less than the real thing but delivers the functional benefits that ice cream makers have come to expect from the sought-after natural stabilizer.

How useful is ‘ultra-processed’ as a tool to measure packaged foods’ health impact?

17-Aug-2022 By Elizabeth Crawford

So-called ‘ultra-processed foods,’ which include a significant portion of CPGs, are often demonized as calorie-dense, nutrient-poor and a major contributor to diet-related chronic diseases, but is this characterization an oversimplification that is just...

'Exceptional gel strength and elasticity...' Merit Functional Foods touts methylcellulose replacer

01-Aug-2022 By Elaine Watson

Recent applications work has demonstrated that Merit Functional Foods’ Peazazz pea protein isolate – in combination with an enzyme called transglutaminase - can replace methylcellulose, a binding and gelling ingredient widely used in meat alternatives...

Chinova Bioworks secures $6m to expand production, application of clean-label, mushroom-based preservative

23-Jun-2022 By Elizabeth Crawford

Canadian food-tech startup Chinova Bioworks is ramping up production of its natural mushroom-based preservative Chiber with the opening of a new production facility this fall and expanding its applications with help from a $6m series A fundraise announced...

Protein content claims and methylcellulose in the spotlight as Beyond Meat hit with new lawsuits

03-Jun-2022 By Elaine Watson

Beyond Meat has been hit with two lawsuits this week alleging it “grossly overstates” the protein in its products: one consumer class action complaint, and another from former co-packer Don Lee Farms, which has been embroiled in an ugly legal dispute*...

Good Good closes $20m Series B funding round to fuel next chapter of growth

16-May-2022 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Good Good, an Icelandic breakfast brand of no-sugar-added products, has closed a $20m Series B funding round which will help support new low-sugar product innovation and future US product distribution.

Plant-based eating is trending in snacks for kids

15-Dec-2021 By Gill Hyslop

Human nutrition specialist ADM has unveiled the next big consumer trends for 2022, among them the dynamic growth of plant-based snacks that deliver nutrition and satiety for kids.

Protera prepares to bring diverse, clean-label and sustainable proteins to market with $10m series A fundraise

30-Jul-2021 By Elizabeth Crawford

Santiago, Chile and Paris-based AI-driven startup Protera is one step closer to commercializing a portfolio of clean-label proteins that can replace chemical preservatives to extend food shelf-life, safely turn unsaturated fats into saturated fats, enhance...

Kemin acquires clean label proteins firm Proteus Industries

05-Apr-2021 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Kemin Industries has acquired privately-owned ingredient technology firm, Proteus Industries, Inc., expanding its portfolio of sustainable clean label solutions for meat manufacturing.

Investing in the Future of Food: Letting go, leaning on others helped Sweet Loren’s grow 3,000% in 3 years

08-Jul-2020 By Elizabeth Crawford

Founders who wear multiple hats during the lean early years of a startup may struggle to pass responsibilities to others as their companies grow, but, according to the founder of Sweet Loren’s, to fully maximize companies’ potential entrepreneurs need...

SHIFT20: Florida Food Products offers new clean-label taste, texture enhancers for plant-based & animal protein

30-Jun-2020 By Elizabeth Crawford

Plant-based meat manufacturers can more easily mimic the texture, appearance and flavor of animal products while simultaneously simplifying their ingredient decks with the help of two new ingredients that Florida Food Products will unveil at the Institute...

SHIFT20: Brands rediscovered during pandemic may need updated, clean labels to keep new shoppers, says DDW

30-Jun-2020 By Elizabeth Crawford

To keep consumers who discovered center-of-the-store products during the early pantry-stocking days of the pandemic from reverting to their pre-coronavirus shopping preferences, brands that have not already done so should update formulas and labels quickly...

How natural color and flavor suppliers are keeping lead time delays to a minimum

28-Apr-2020 By Niamh Michail

Coronavirus is impacting the lead time for natural color and flavor suppliers with some trying to process as much raw material as possible to build up inventory while others are transferring production to other factories.

Soup-To-Nuts Podcast: Consumers’ definition of ‘clean label’ is becoming more sophisticated, complex

14-Feb-2020 By Elizabeth Crawford

When demand for “clean label” first burst on the scene several years ago, it was all about removing “chemical-sounding,” “unnatural” and unnecessary ingredients from products, but as shoppers learn more about food, how it is made and its impact on their...

Citrus fiber can help plant-based dairy and meat brands clean up labels, says Fiberstar

27-Jan-2020 By Elaine Watson

Growing demand for dairy and meat alternatives with shorter, cleaner ingredients lists is driving demand for citrus fibers, which can replace everything from carrageenan, gellan gum, mono diglycerides, and lecithin in plant-based milks, to methyl cellulose...

FOOD FOR KIDS: From heavy metals to pesticide residues... What does clean label mean in food for babies and young children?

02-Nov-2019 By Elaine Watson

Clean label used to mean avoiding anything ‘artificial’ on your ingredients list. Today, many consumers want brands to address things that don’t appear on the label, from heavy metals to pesticide residues, especially in food for their kids.

Kerry report: How are consumers’ perceptions of clean label evolving?

24-Oct-2019 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Many consumers subscribe to a basic understanding of ‘clean label’ – for most, it loosely means products with fewer, recognizable ingredients free from preservatives and artificial additives – however, new research from Kerry shows that this definition...

Fiberstar touts citrus fiber as consumer-friendly alternative to methyl cellulose in plant-based meats

07-Aug-2019 By Elaine Watson

Citrus fiber – a byproduct of the juicing process – has properties that make it an appealing alternative to methyl cellulose (in combination with agar, native starch, and psyllium) as a binder in plant-based meat products for brands looking for a more...

The universal appeal of clean label: 'The percentage of the population looking for clean is likely to grow'

21-Jun-2019 By Mary Ellen Shoup

'Clean label' is a strong purchase driver for health-conscious millennials, but according to new research from strategic communications agency, Charleston|Orwig, individuals over the age of 55 are increasingly interested in the purchasing 'clean'...

Chinova Bioworks gears up for year-end launch of natural mushroom-based preservative

13-Jun-2019 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Canadian startup Chinova Bioworks plans to launch its antimicrobial natural food preservative, made from mushroom chitosan, at the end of this year for dairy and sauce applications, answering industry demand for a clean label preservative alternative.

Renmatix harnesses new water-based technology to make a clean label cellulose

13-May-2019 By Elizabeth Crawford

The clean label movement has pushed many once-popular and highly functional ingredients to the wayside because they either sound unfamiliar to consumers or are chemically processed, but the founders of Renmatix have found a way to bring back one of these...

NEWS IN BRIEF

Corbion introduces clean-label, less-sticky tortilla solution

10-May-2019 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Corbion has launched a clean-label conditioning product that can improve the freshness and quality of tortilla products, a category that continues to grow with consumer demand.

Label Insight survey reveals loosely-defined claims such as 'natural' still have pull with consumers

28-Mar-2019 By Mary Ellen Shoup

While terms such as a 'natural' and 'clean label' may not have a regulated definition attached to them, these particular descriptors do motivate over half of US shoppers to purchase a product, a new survey of 1,000 adults conducted...

Natural and clean label trends 101: From malic acid and glyphosate residues to ‘clean protein’

22-Mar-2019 By Elaine Watson

Consumers want more natural, less processed, ‘clean’ foods. But do they give certain brands – and categories – a pass? And what cues are they looking for? Checkout what our consumer and legal experts had to say in the opening session of our Natural and...

Natural and clean label trends 2019: Have you registered yet?

11-Mar-2019 By Elaine Watson

We clocked a number of brands using terms from 'clean candy' to 'clean protein' on the showfloor at Expo West, but what does 'clean eating' mean, is 'clean' a term that brands should use on product labels, and where...

How to define clean label? 'There isn’t any one singular definition,' says Hartman Group

28-Feb-2019 By Mary Ellen Shoup

The moving target of what qualifies as 'clean label' among consumers can throw food marketers for a dizzying loop, however there are a few general constants food brands and manufacturers can follow to appeal to consumers' clean label ideal....

Startup Phytolon is fine-tuning novel technology that could make natural colors more cost effective

28-Feb-2019 By Elizabeth Crawford

With the development of novel technology that more efficiently produces natural food colors, the Israeli-startup Phytolon one day hopes to help manufacturers replace unwanted synthetic colors without compromising on the visual appeal, taste or cost of...

'I think 'natural' still resonates with consumers, whereas 'clean’ is a bit inside the beltway for me'

28-Feb-2019 By Elaine Watson

The food industry is gearing up for the Natural Products Expo West show in Anaheim. But what is a 'natural' product? How are definitions of natural & clean label evolving, and is food tech changing the game? (Is the Impossible Burger ‘natural,’...

Plant-based minced meat maker Rilbite sees a smoother path to market through food service

27-Feb-2019 By Elizabeth Crawford

For new entrepreneurs with limited funds trying to make ends meet – or plant-based minced meat as in the case of Israeli startup Rilbite – focusing first on foodservice, rather than retail, can offer a more economic path to market.

Introducing the FoodNavigator-USA online event: Natural and clean label trends

How are definitions of clean-label evolving (and is ‘natural’ still a meaningful term to consumers)?

27-Feb-2019 By Elaine Watson

Consumers and food marketers alike are increasingly referencing ‘clean’ eating – and clean living. But what does this mean in practice, do expectations vary by brand and category, and are definitions of clean-label moving beyond the ingredients list to...

Free-from claims are out, clean label & transparency are in, says founder of Blake’s Seed Based

07-Jan-2019 By Elizabeth Crawford

While clean label remains a top-priority for consumers, the litany of associated free-from claims that have dominated marketing the past few years are not, suggests the founder of allergen-friendly snack startup Blake’s Seed Based.

10 key snack trends to watch

26-Nov-2018 By Gill Hyslop

There is no doubt that healthy snacking is trending, with emphasis on clean label, protein and vegan launches. According to Innova Market Insights, as snacks become healthier, more wholesome and satisfying, they are increasingly fulfilling the role of...