Latest news in the food and nutraceutical industry

Functional Food & Drink

Microwave-safe plastic releases billions of toxic particles into food

Microwave-safe plastic releases billions of toxic particles into food

24 Aug 2023

Plastic packaging that is labelled as ‘microwave safe’ releases billions of micro- and nano-plastic particles into baby food after being microwaved – and these particles are toxic to human kidney cells, according to a recent study. What does this mean ...

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European Court of Justice to weigh in on French plant-based name ban

European Court of Justice to weigh in on French plant-based name ban

23 Aug 2023

France’s Conseil d’Etat has asked the European Court of Justice’s (ECJ) to provide clarification on whether the upcoming French law to ban the use of 'meaty' terms for plant-based foods is valid. “This is a pivotal moment, not just for France, but for ...

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Insect protein market heats up in APAC region

Insect protein market heats up in APAC region

12 Jun 2023

Packed with superfood-level nutritional benefits and with a neutral taste, Asian brands are using insect protein in finished products, such as Thailand’s Proothie, which makes cricket protein granola bars.

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Most categories trading down in US supplements market, says SPINS

Most categories trading down in US supplements market, says SPINS

5 Jun 2023

Hit by the cost-of-living crisis, sales of most US vitamin and mineral supplements have declined – with the exception of probiotics, digestive aids, and homoeopathic medicines, according to SPINS data.

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WHO advises non-sugar sweeteners have no nutritional value

WHO advises non-sugar sweeteners have no nutritional value

31 May 2023

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned against using non-sugar sweeteners for weight control or lowering the risk of non-communicable diseases.

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The best pricing strategies to retain consumer loyalty

The best pricing strategies to retain consumer loyalty

30 May 2023

Amidst the uncertainty of inflation and rising costs, a pricing strategy that factors in a degree of elasticity is key to retaining a loyal customer base – as well as keeping track of your competitors’ prices, according to Nielsen IQ.

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Plant-based could be the way forward in pet food

Plant-based could be the way forward in pet food

25 May 2023

Growing numbers of pet owners are choosing plant-based food for their pets for health and sustainability reasons, according to ProVeg, with many products containing healthy wholefood ingredients like kale, chia, beetroot, and broccoli.

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Should brands make healthy products more affordable?

Should brands make healthy products more affordable?

17 May 2023

Do health and wellness products need to be affordable or are consumers willing to pay a premium for a health benefit despite the cost-of-living crisis? We asked two leading market experts – and received different answers.

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Michelle Obama launches healthy food and drink brand for kids

Michelle Obama launches healthy food and drink brand for kids

16 May 2023

Former US First Lady Michelle Obama is entering the consumer packaged goods space with Plezi Nutrition, a new healthy food and beverage brand for children.

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Singapore startup uses jack fruit and banana blossom for plant-based products

Singapore startup uses jack fruit and banana blossom for plant-based products

15 May 2023

Singapore-based startup Jungle Kitchen has entered the vegan food market with its range of foods that include regional ingredients such as jack fruit, banana blossom, and cobra chili.

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Peruvian healthy brand keeps prices low with artificial intelligence

Peruvian healthy brand keeps prices low with artificial intelligence

12 May 2023

Nutri Co uses artificial intelligence (AI) to reduce product formulation time, allowing it to offer healthy products with local ingredients at a low cost, serving the price-sensitive Peruvian market.

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Asian food brands embrace upcycled ingredients

Asian food brands embrace upcycled ingredients

10 May 2023

A growing number of Asian food and drink brands are using upcycled ingredients, such as soy okara, banana stems, and broken rice, as a source of sustainable nutrition for their products.

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