Sweeteners (intense, bulk, polyols)

Sweets & Snacks Expo

Study reveals consumer preference for softer gummies over traditional gelatin-based varieties, says Cargill

05-Jun-2023 By Deniz Ataman

Cargill's consumer preference study revealed that despite the widespread popularity of gelatin-based gummies, participants overwhelmingly favored a softer gummy texture made from alternative ingredients like pectin or tapioca.

Kerry sweetens up sugar reduction portfolio with Tastesense Advanced

02-Jun-2023 By Ryan Daily

Food ingredient company Kerry is expanding its range of sugar reduction solutions to help CPG brands meet increasing consumer demand for low- and no-sugar foods and beverages, Ian McGarvey, SVP of technology and innovation for taste at Kerry, told FoodNavigator-USA....

Nearly 4 in 10 consumers follow a 'sober curious' lifestyle in the US

02-Jun-2023 By Rachel Arthur

The ‘sober curious’ lifestyle is inching into the mainstream as, according to new Mintel research, nearly four in 10 US consumers closely (22%) or occasionally (16%) follow a sober curious lifestyle.

Sweets & Snacks Expo

How retailers can enhance impulse purchases in-store and online

31-May-2023 By Deniz Ataman

While e-commerce impulse buys are evolving, in-store purchases are still critical in capturing snack and candy consumers—with the self-checkout lane offering tremendous potential growth for both brands and retailers, Kathy Risch, senior vice president,...

News In Brief

DouxMatok rebrands as Incredo, lands $30m to expand production of sugar reduction solution

24-May-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

In a bid to create a more “memorable” identity, Israeli food-tech company DouxMatok is rebranding to share the same “single, powerful” name as its signature sugar reduction product – Incredo – which it plans to further develop and commercialize with the...

Sugar out, fibre in: Beneo’s sugar reducer meets high consumer demand for ‘healthy indulgent’ bakery treats

23-May-2023 By Gill Hyslop

The functional ingredients specialist has expanded its sugar reduction portfolio with a short-chain fructooligosaccharide (scFOS) that replaces sugar while adding dietary fibre, enabling producers to capitalise on the growing better-for-you demand.

Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee needs to be “free of food industry commercial interest," advocates argue

16-May-2023 By Deniz Ataman

A lack of transparency around 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee members' affiliation with industry trade groups and multinational brands sparked scrutiny by public health advocates after last week's committee meeting.

WHO advises not to use non-sugar sweeteners for weight control in newly released guideline

15-May-2023 By Oliver Morrison

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a new guideline on non-sugar sweeteners (NSS), which recommends against the use of NSS to control body weight or reduce the risk of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).

Oakland soda tax reduces sugary drink purchases

10-May-2023 By Rachel Arthur

Residents in Oakland, California have bought fewer sugary beverages since a local soda tax went into effect, says a study from UC San Francisco. The study also found savings in health care costs and compared them to other public health policies.

Michelle Obama gets into the better-for-you CPG business with PLEZi launch

04-May-2023 By Ryan Daily

To change the food and beverage industry from the inside, former first lady Michelle Obama announced at the Wall Street Journal Future of Everything Festival this week the launch of better-for-you kid’s brand PLEZi Nutrition, where she will serve as a...

Community engagement is key for successful food reform, sugar reduction policies

02-May-2023 By Deniz Ataman

Sugar reduction policies and programs in New York City and Berkeley, Calif., could serve as public health templates for cities across the country, according to experts gathered at the Center for Science in the Public Interest’s (CSPI) Sugar Reduction...

Popping with flavor: Imbibe shares boba beverage trends, tastes to keep an eye on

28-Apr-2023 By Ryan Daily

As consumers look for sweet flavors and tantalizing textures, many are turning to bubble teas (boba) for a unique sensory experience, creating an opportunity to innovate around flavor in the RTD space and beyond, Laura Harper, marketing associate at beverage...

CSPI’s Sugar Reduction Summit: “lowering sugar intake should be a high public health priority”

26-Apr-2023 By Deniz Ataman

Day one of the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) Sugar Reduction Summit centered around the organization’s sugar reduction initiatives for all food and beverage categories, aligning with USDA and the New York Department of Hygiene and Mental...

PepsiCo CEO signals softer approach on pricing for 2023, raises full-year guidance on improved productivity, elasticity

25-Apr-2023 By Ryan Daily

PepsiCo beat Wall Street expectations for its first quarter 2023 earnings due to strong margin growth while backing off potential future price increases to combat inflation and other supply chain issues, the company's Chairman and CEO Ramon Laguarta...

SweetLeaf and American Diabetes Association sweeten up another partnership through events and resources to promote diabetes awareness

20-Apr-2023 By Deniz Ataman

Similar to previous partnerships between SweetLeaf and the American Diabetes Association (ADA), the collaboration intends to bring more visibility towards diabetes risk and management and provide actionable ways for people with diabetes to improve their...

Experts recommend 6-teapsoon limit to added sugar following BMJ review, industry weighs in

18-Apr-2023 By Ryan Daily

Recently published research in The BMJ is providing fresh concerns about sugar consumption levels, as some industry stakeholders disagree with the conclusion and CPG brand look to innovate in the low- and no-sugar space.

Flavored milk processors are coming around on proposed added-sugars limit in US schools

06-Apr-2023 By Teodora Lyubomirova

A new initiative led by the IDFA suggests that leading milk processors including Danone North America and Dairy Farmers of America are prepared to adhere to a lower added-sugars limit for flavored milk in order to continue to offer their products in US...

Natural Products Expo West

Upcycling food ‘is really one of the biggest opportunities facing the food industry’

04-Apr-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

Upcycling food, or turning would-be wasted byproducts from one product into something delicious and nutritious for people, has emerged as one of the hottest trends in food and beverage in recent years with the market projected to grow at a compound annual...

Soda wars heat up: Pepsi rebrands iconic soda line with focus on zero sugar

29-Mar-2023 By Ryan Daily

In a further shake-up to PepsiCo's beverage line, the company rebranded its namesake product for the first time in 14 years as the competition with its rival Coca-Cola heats up in the zero-sugar soda space.

PepsiCo bolsters pep+ framework with $216m investment in regenerative agriculture

23-Mar-2023 By Ryan Daily

PepsiCo is investing $216m in a strategic partnership with three farmer organizations, including the Illinois Corn Growers Association, Practical Farmers of Iowa, and Soil and Water Outcomes Fund, to boost regenerative agriculture practices in the US...

How can soda manufacturers reduce sugar without endangering sales?

23-Mar-2023 By Rachel Arthur

How do sugar reduction strategies – such as low/no sugar products and reduced pack sizes – affect product sales? A new study explores how manufacturers can create ‘win-win-conditions’ in both reducing sugar and boosting sales.

Zevia CEO talks rebrand, the “rising tide” for sugar-free sodas

21-Mar-2023 By Ryan Daily

Natural soda brand Zevia is sweetening its branding with a new look as it aims to boost its household penetration and eliminate plastic from its supply chain, company CEO Amy Taylor told FoodNavigator-USA.

Electrolit takes on a classic with latest blue raspberry flavor launch

03-Mar-2023 By Ryan Daily

Premium hydration brand Electrolit is turning to a "classic Americana flavor" to expand its portfolio and presence in 2023 and beyond, as competition in the isotonic category heat ups with new entries and demand for lower sugar products.

Study links sweetener erythritol to increased risk of heart issues; industry group questions methodology

02-Mar-2023 By Lauren Nardella

Artificial sweeteners have gained in popularity as consumers seek out products without sugar, but a new study suggests a potential link between keto-friendly sweetener erythritol and an elevated risk of heart attack or stroke.

Dole experiments with BlueTree tech to cut sugar in juice: ‘Pineapple sets a higher bar than orange’

24-Feb-2023 By Flora Southey

One technology Dole Packaged Foods is trialling to reduce the sugar content in its pineapple juice comes from BlueTree Technologies. We hear about the Proof of Concept (PoC) process between an established food and beverage major and a food tech start-up.

Stevia sweeter news for planetary health than cane and beet sugar, suggests research

22-Feb-2023 By Flora Southey

Production of steviol glycosides extracted from stevia grown in Europe produces just 10% of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with sugar production, according a life cycle assessment.

Stricter school meal standards could require reformulation to lower sodium, fat and sugar

03-Feb-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

Research shows school meals are the healthiest source of nutrition for most students in the US, but the US Department of Agriculture thinks they can be healthier, which is why it is proposing stricter standards that would reduce added sugars, fat and...

PepsiCo reformulates Pepsi Zero Sugar, replaces Sierra Mist with STARRY in New Year shake-up

13-Jan-2023 By Ryan Daily

To kick start 2023, PepsiCo this week freshened up its beverage line-up, unveiling a new formulation for Pepsi Zero Sugar and releasing STARRY, a lemon lime-flavored soda that is replacing Sierra Mist.

Low sugar Greek yogurt Two Good now a $227m brand, Light & Fit back to growth, says Danone North America

13-Jan-2023 By Elaine Watson

Two Good – a low-sugar Greek yogurt with 2g sugar per cup launched by Danone in early 2019 - has been a leading contributor to dollar growth in the total yogurt category over the past three years, while a zero-sugar version of Light & Fit has also...

Corn prices to stay elevated as global supplies ‘remain tight’

12-Jan-2023 By Teodora Lyubomirova

Procurement intelligence and analytics provider Beroe predicts that corn prices will remain high due to supply chain disruptions and increasing production costs.

Kerry sours on sweets, IRCA to purchase sweet ingredients portfolio

12-Jan-2023 By Ryan Daily

In an effort to streamline its portfolio, ingredient manufacturer Kerry has entered into exclusive negotiations to sell its sweet ingredients business to food ingredient company IRCA for €500m ($538m).

Unilever rethinks formulation strategy, noting: ‘Just taste is no longer enough’ to win

11-Jan-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

Taste may be considered king by most food and beverage makers, but at Unilever it no longer reigns supreme after the CPG giant adopted a new ‘holistically superior’ product testing framework and ‘boldly healthier’ food commitments for 2025 – a move that...

Is ‘disruption’ no longer a virtue for start-ups? Newcomer Ryl Co argues an ‘additive’ approach is better for building businesses

10-Jan-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

Working from a foundational belief that the era of ‘disruption’ is dead, an industry veteran wants to usher in a new age in which start-ups focus on “adding to everything” with the launch of The Ryl Company and a line of ready-to-drink tea that offers...

KraftHeinz, Wyss Institute develop new approach to make sugar healthier: ‘We thought we’d come to the Wyss with an impossible problem, and they turned it on its head to present an even crazier idea to solve it’

22-Dec-2022 By Katy Askew

In 2018, the KraftHeinz Company approached the Wyss Institute to develop a solution to sugar reduction that is workable in a food production setting. After four years of collaboration, the research team has developed an answer: enzymes that convert sugar...

Dietary intake of sulfites ‘could be a safety concern’: EFSA

16-Dec-2022 By Katy Askew

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has said that dietary intakes of sulfites ‘could be a safety concern’ for people with a ‘high’ consumption of foodstuffs containing the additives.

Joywell Foods rebrands as Oobli, unveils first food product featuring oubli fruit sweet protein (brazzein)

15-Dec-2022 By Elaine Watson

After eight years of research and development, Joywell Foods has rebranded as Oobli, and unveiled the first food products – chocolate bars boasting 70% less sugar – to feature the sweet protein brazzein.

STARTUP NATION PART THREE: Israeli food startups to watch, from animal-free dairy to designer sweet proteins

14-Dec-2022 By Elaine Watson

In part three of our gallery of highlights from FoodNavigator-USA's recent trip to Israel, we profile startups exploring everything from high-tech indoor vanilla cultivation to the manufacture of no-sugar-added snack bars using compression and ultrasonic...

STARTUP NATION PART TWO: Israeli food startups to watch, from antimicrobial proteins for food protection to upcycled yeast protein

08-Dec-2022 By Elaine Watson

In part two of our gallery of highlights from FoodNavigator-USA's recent trip to Israel, we profile startups exploring everything from upcycled yeast proteins and carob to antimicrobial proteins. Best viewed on a laptop!

Amai Proteins finalizing initial closing of $100m round as it gears up for launch of ‘designer’ sweet protein in 2023

02-Dec-2022 By Elaine Watson

Israeli food tech startup Amai Proteins is finalizing the initial closing of a $100m funding round as it gears up to launch its first product next year: a designer sweet protein up to 3,000 times sweeter than sugar with a clean taste and excellent heat...

Plant-based ‘honey without bees’ prepares to create a buzz in Europe

02-Dec-2022 By Flora Southey

US-based MeliBio is partnering with organic food producer Narayan Foods to bring its plant-based bee-free honey product to Europe under the Better Foodie brand.

Reinventing Oreos… with no added sugar: Sundays enters low-carb sandwich cookie space

29-Nov-2022 By Elaine Watson

British Columbia-based startup Sundays is on a mission to reinvent iconic chocolate sandwich cookie brand Oreos with a zero sugar positioning.

WATCH: Next-gen biomanufacturing… from lower-cost feedstocks for precision fermentation to ‘cell-free’ approaches

28-Nov-2022 By Elaine Watson

Biomanufacturing everything from ‘animal-free’ dairy and egg proteins and high-intensity natural sweeteners to heat-and pH-stable red pigments is a hot topic in food tech. But which microbes will be the production workhorses in future, will new cell-free...

From ube to gulab jamun... Gen Z and Millennials embrace 'diverse, unusual flavors' in desserts and confections

22-Nov-2022 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Moving on from the comfort and nostalgic flavors that grounded consumers during the pandemic, consumer interest in more diverse and unexpected flavors within dessert categories is on the rise, according to consumer research from T. Hasegawa.

‘We want to move snacks from candy to food…’ Torr FoodTech raises $12m to form snack bars using compression and ultrasonic waves instead of sugary binders

21-Nov-2022 By Elaine Watson

Torr FoodTech - an Israeli startup deploying an intriguing new approach to creating snack bars by deploying pressure and ultrasonic energy instead of sugary binders to ‘weld’ natural ingredients together - has raised $12m in a series A round as it expands...

Futureproofing The Food System

Is the Western diet slowly killing us? Join us in conversation with Dr. Charles Platkin

21-Nov-2022 By Elizabeth Crawford

Despite “overwhelming evidence” demonstrating dietary health impacts, and growing consumer interest in nutrition as a wellness tool, widespread adoption of food as medicine in the West faces significant structural challenges that will require stakeholders...

Tate & Lyle adds ERYTESSE erythritol to sweeteners portfolio

18-Nov-2022 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Tate & Lyle has expanded its sweeteners toolbox with ERYTESSE erythritol, which provides 70% of the sweetness of sucrose, a similar temporal profile, and zero calories.

Many US adults misjudge the quality of their diets, study finds

17-Nov-2022 By Mary Ellen Shoup

While most adults are aware of the importance of fruits and vegetables in their diets, many individuals overestimate the quality of their daily diets, new research from the American Heart Association has found.

Poppilu acquired by Juicy Juice and SUNNYD parent company to fuel growth of better-for-you kids lemonade category

15-Nov-2022 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Chicago-based kids lemonade brand Poppilu has been acquired by American Beverage Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Harvest Hill Beverage Company (makers of Juicy Juice and SUNNYD), to build upon the brand's success of establishing the kids...

Zevia gains household penetration while riding out temporary inventory management issues

14-Nov-2022 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Zevia continues to gain new shoppers, increasing the brand's household penetration (+1.3 million households in Q3 2022 vs. Q3 2021) while the company sorts through temporary inventory management issues that have dented its full 2022 year outlook.

Monster takes share in energy drink segment while Bang Energy sees double-digit sales declines

07-Nov-2022 By Mary Ellen Shoup

As Bang Energy battles its way through costly bankruptcy proceedings, Monster Energy saw its share and sales increase as consumers embrace its portfolio of energy drink brands.