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Our most-read articles of 2025

From trade tariffs to heavy metals in protein, we look back at some of the industry’s highlights of 2025 and round up our most-read stories of the year.

With over 140,000 newsletter subscribers and more than one million unique website visitors in the past 12 months, Ingredients Network is the leading online directory and news source for the food ingredient and nutraceutical industries.

As 2025 comes to an end, we look back at some of the top stories that resonated most with our readers this year.

1. High levels of lead and cadmium in protein powder, US study finds

A study by the Clean Label Project has found that 47% of 160 protein powders tested exceeded safety thresholds for heavy metals. The study highlights the urgent need for improved ingredient sourcing, increased transparency, and stricter regulations.

Read the full story here.

2. US tariffs threaten hard-to-replace food ingredient imports

The latest round of US tariffs is set to raise costs and disrupt supplies of key food ingredients that cannot be grown in the US and are sourced almost entirely from countries now facing some of the steepest import duties.

Read the full story here.

3. Kraft Heinz, Mondelēz, Coca-Cola, and Nestlé accused of marketing ‘addictive’ UPFs at children

Major food manufacturers have been hit with a first-of-its-kind lawsuit alleging that they specifically engineer their ultra-processed foods (UPFs) to be addictive, and that they market the products towards children.

Read the full story here.

4. Can reusable containers compete with cheap, single-use packaging?

Reusable packaging in supermarkets is already being rolled out, as shown by Belgian retailers’ recent collaboration – but competing with cheap, single-use plastic will be challenging.

Read the full story here.

5. Crop failures threaten Nigeria’s ginger industry

A sharp drop in Nigerian ginger production is affecting global supply chains, with exports falling by 74% due to a severe outbreak of ginger blight.

Read the full story here.

6. Why is freeze-dried candy taking off in 2025?

Freeze-dried candy, with its novel texture and intense flavour, is captivating candy lovers across the globe. Brands are listening, launching freeze-dried twists of classic products, and even the more bizarre, like ice-cream sandwiches.

Read the full story here.

7. Leading regulatory updates in Asia in 2025

As we head into 2025, numerous legislators around Asia are suggesting and solidifying legal updates and changes that will impact the food and beverage space.

Read the full story here.

8. The five frozen food trends expected to reshape the US market in 2025

The future of frozen food is being shaped by the preferences of younger generations who, compared to their older counterparts, are more likely to embrace bold flavours, global cuisines, and adventurous options.

Read the full story here.

9. SPINS forecasts 2025 US nutraceutical growth driven by younger consumers

The latest SPINS 2025 CPG Outlook: Industry Update & Trends Predictions report highlights younger consumers’ increasing influence on the nutraceutical and functional food markets in the US.

Read the full story here.

10. The future of UPF regulation: Stricter labelling, more taxation, and no more conflicts of interest?

Policymakers are intensifying efforts to regulate ultra-processed foods (UPFs), as mounting evidence links their consumption to increased risks of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic health issues.

Read the full story here.