Archive for category: Food Business

FDA Approves 8 Ingredients for Fiber Claims

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Food manufacturers today boost their products by adding fiber to make them healthier. Fiber is not only found in bread but even in ice cream, brownies, candies, and gummies. For instance, a small bag of Smart Sweet gummy bears contains 28 grams of fiber so that you can get a whole day’s fiber requirement from your favorite sweet.

Fortifying food with fiber is the recent hype among food manufacturers, and the US Food and Drug Administration is supporting the bandwagon by finally approving ingredients that can boost the fiber content of different products. This initiative stemmed after the 2016 rule that indicated that added fiber does not only add the non-digestible carb content on food, but it provides overall health benefits.

Approved Fiber Claims

Today there are eight (8) ingredients approved by the FDA, and these include alginate, arabinoxylan, inulin and inulin-type fructans, galactooligosaccharide, high amylose starch, resistant dextrin/maltodextrin, and polydextrose. While there are the only eight on the list,  the FDA mentioned that it is planning to add other dietary fibers as long as scientific evidence proves that they provide additional health benefits.

Many food manufacturers are ecstatic with the decision of the FDA since it gives their new products the green light. Companies like General Mills and Activa have developed products that include fiber in them. For instance, General Mill’s Fiber One line of products contains inulin and inulin-type fructans. Other brands that contain inulin fiber include Frutafit from Sensus America, Oliggo-Fiber from Cargill, and Orafti from Beneo.

Health Benefits of Fiber

Speaking of health benefits, consumption of fiber can help stabilize both blood sugar and cholesterol levels. It can also help lower the blood pressure and promote good bowel movements. The presence of fiber in the intestinal tract can increase the efficiency of the body for mineral absorption. But more importantly, fiber can also aid in weight loss as it increases the satiety level for a long time.

Consumption of at least 15 grams of fiber daily can help prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes and colon cancer. But in reality, so many people don’t even come close to the recommended minimum daily amount of 28 grams.

The Dark Side

The effects of putting fiber into food have done most companies good regarding marketing their products. Many consumers believe that food containing fiber is healthier. But this also presents a problem. According to Bonnie Liebman, director of nutrition from the Center for Science in the Public Interest, this might confuse people regarding which foods are truly healthy. For instance, they might opt for a brownie with added fiber over peach because they choose for convenience over real nutrition.

Because of this, it is essential for food manufacturers to explain what type of fiber they are using on their products as well as the kinds of health benefits that consumers can get from them. That way, people will be able to compare the benefits to naturally fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. They can also impose upon the consumers to not be too indulgent on their products and that natural fibers occurring in fruits and vegetables should be prioritized.

Inspired by apnews.com

NutriFusion Rolls Out New Innovations at IFT 2018

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NutriFusion will be attending this year’s IFT 2018 show in Chicago, Illinois at McCormick Place during July 15 – July 18, 2018. The team at NutriFusion has been hard at work since last year’s show in Las Vegas to unleash new product and company innovations to better meet the needs of customers in the packaged food and beverage industry.

new standard blends nutrifusion innovations IFT 2018Updated Standard GrandFusion Blends

NutriFusion had to make update the ingredients (fruits and vegetables) in the standard GrandFusion blends to keep prices the same and still deliver the same quality product that customers expect. New ingredients include avocado, banana, cantaloupe, maitake mushroom, and more!

New Nutrition Facts Label Compliant Blends

NutriFusion has now officially launched the 2016 FSMA compliant blends to conform with new vitamin and mineral standards established with the new FDA nutrition facts label.

Complete Carbon 14 Testing

NutriFusion listened and answered customer demands for carbon 14 testing. The company completed the testing on all products, demonstrating the natural aspects of GrandFusion blends.

SQF certified innovation manufacturing food ingredients fruit vegetable powders vitamins minerals

New Manufacturing Facility

Another huge advancement for the company was the opening of a new state of the art manufacturing facility with SQF/FSI certification in the United States.

Plant-Based Minerals

NutriFusion’s R&D made a major breakthrough in 2018 with the development and stabilization of plant-based minerals. NutriFusion now offers the plant-based minerals in the NF-2371 blend and other custom blends.

New Products to Meet EU Standards to Launch in 2019

As NutriFusion has grown into a global provider of nutrient dense, fruit & vegetable powders, the company has to conform with nutritional standards around the world. The company will launch a suite of products to conform with EU Standard in 2019.

 

Generation Z Prefers Snacking Than Eating Full Meals

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In this fast-paced society, many people prefer snacking over eating a sit-down meal because they don’t have enough time. This is the reason why many people opt to grab something quick for breakfast because convenience is critical. Generation Z is a driving force in this switch to convenient snacking from traditional sit-down meals.

The Benefits of Snacking

As such, many consumers are looking for ways to curb their hunger and satisfy their appetites. Snacking is a cheaper, faster, and more viable option than eating full meals. Today, convenience is everything as time is a scarce commodity for most people. But this does not mean that people should forgo nutrition to save more time.

It is crucial to start the day by opting for healthy choices and eating smart. For example, people who want to save time can eat five smaller and separate snacks for lunch. By doing so, they can avoid waves of hunger thus increasing productivity levels. By snacking more often, it allows the stomach to digest food more smoothly, so you do not feel lethargic after consuming a big meal.

Food Manufacturers Are Supporting the Generation Z Snacking Trend

The increased propensity towards snacking among Generation Z is the reason why many food manufacturers are also developing nutrient-dense snacks that can be an excellent alternative to full meals. These include protein bars, protein powders, and other meal replacement products. The development of these food products has also coincided with increased activity levels of consumers. These food items are no longer just favorite among athletes but even students carry them in their backpack so that they can have their meals on the go.

Today, many snacks are made from a wide variety of nutritious ingredients and these include meats, dairy, grains, and fruits. Most food manufacturers are also making snacks that contain ingredients that are exotic and healthy to attract Generation Z consumers. Examples of popular snack items include granola and protein bars as they are kept for longer periods of time. Aside from convenience, people opt for snacks that also have longer shelf lives so that even if they leave them in the fridge or their bag, they are still edible after a day.

The Future of Snacking

Gone are the days when snacking is associated with eating something in between meals. There are so many benefits of snacking. Snacking is definitely replacing full sit-down meals. To support this trend, many food manufacturers are providing people with more better for you snacking options. To date, it is easy for people to find quality snacks that can fuel them throughout the day. With snacking having a big following among Generation Z, it is likely that we will see a lot of meal alternatives in the future. This is definitely a generation of practicality and efficiency.

Inspired by www.theshelbyreport.com

Blockchain Infiltrated the Agriculture Sector and You Might Not Know It

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Blockchain has been the buzzword of the last year. The high market value of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have made them very lucrative not only in the finance and IT industries but even agriculture. While cryptocurrencies are in the spotlight, it is important to take note that blockchain technology is not only about digital cash as it is actually a type of secure and powerful database.

Traceability of Crop Supply

The blockchain ledger can help farmers update that status of their crops from planting to delivery. This makes the technology very beneficial, especially in large operations. It is also a secure ledger that never loses a load, so you can view the status of your crops in real time.

It can also be used to document the supply chain so that farmers can meet the regulatory compliance as well as meet the expectations of consumers. This is especially true among farmers who aim to produce organic produce and want their crops to be verified as organic.

When it is time to sell the crops, growers can also use the blockchain technology as a platform of payment. For instance, Australian-based company Blockgrain offers a payment platform to farmers using the technology.

Precise Agriculture Resource Management

Farming management can be complicated. There are so many things to take into consideration to ensure that crops grow successfully for every season. Thus, the blockchain technology can be used by farmers to record al field applications as well as track the resources in real time.

It can be used to track everything from planting season, crop types, machinery maintenance, the status of filed sensors, and many others. In a nutshell, the growers can keep a real-time picture of the entire farm operation thus it can help farmers make a sound decision based on the data available from the blockchain technology.

What makes this technology perfect in agriculture resource management is that it has a decentralized nature in keeping records. Thus, any updates automatically become part of the ledger and that every device that participates in record-keeping gets an updated record. This means that even in the absence of internet connection, you can still update the record and it gets synched once you are back online.

 

Integration of Internet-Of-Things

The blockchain technology can also be incorporated with the Internet-of-Things (IoT). Recently IBM focused IoT for farmers so that they can monitor soil quality, irrigation, pests, and other factors to grow better crops and yields. The sensors on the IoT produce records and what better way to store the records than using the blockchain technology.

As a database, it contains a ledger containing accounts and transactions that are easy to access as long as you have the right keys. Thus, for the agriculture sector, this technology can be used by growers and farm owners in keeping track of inventory and contracts. It can be used in combination with apps and spreadsheets so that it can become a single source of data for the entire farm. Blockchain can reduce the strain when it comes to record-keeping as well as maintain multiple record systems. This results in the farmer saving time and energy, making it a valuable technology in the agriculture sector. The technology is not all about helping farmers earn more money but help in the automation, digitization, and tracking of their entire operations.

Inspired by agfundernews.com

Organic Sales Are Still Growing!

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The sales of organic fruits and vegetables were estimated to be at $5.5 billion in 2016. According to the Organic Trade Association, this value was up by 5% over the previous years. The organization also noted that more than half of American households bought organic produce in the earlier years and that the millennials are the driving force of the sales, primarily since their purchasing powers have increased.

Millennials as The Driving Force of Organic Sales

Brian Vertrees, director of business development of Naturipe Farms LLC, noted that the sales of organic berries are up in retail stores. In fact, the sale of organic berries is the second-largest in the organic produce industry.

The growth category of organic products has not reached a plateau yet as millennials are demanding more organic products. According to Chris Glynn from Tanimura & Antle Inc., young adults are the primary drivers of the trend. As the new group becomes parents, the need for healthy food becomes their main priority.

The growth of organic produce is also driving the sales of different categories within the produce department as more consumers are not only demanding organic products but are also looking for affordable products with functional benefits. Eating organic is more than a trend and a marketing tool, it has become a way of life for many people particularly those who are looking for ways to eat healthily and sustainably.

The Shift in The Market

 

Consumers want to buy fresh produce that is grown in safe and sustainable methods. The growth of organic sales is a key indicator that this trend is here to stay. Many food manufacturers and industry players have expanded their line of organic products to increase their market reach.

Organic produce and products are changing the industry. Even farmers have increased their production of organic fruits by getting certified for their next harvest season. For instance, there is an increase in the production in the state of Washington in the past years; seemingly everyone is jumping on the organic bandwagon

The Future of Organics

There are many benefits of consuming organic foods. The sensitivity of consumers towards the food that they eat and how it affects their health is the reason why the organic market is widely embraced by everyone. Although many industry experts have forecasted that the organic industry will plateau, it has not happened yet and will likely not happen anytime soon. As more and more young individuals opt for healthier options more than the cost and convenience, food growers, manufacturers, and even retail stores will continue to meet the demands of the consumers. The trend will always be up as long as the younger demographics continue to buy into a healthy lifestyle.

Inspired by www.thepacker.com

NutriFusion Fruit and Vegetable Powders Nutritional Claims FDA

Fruit Powders and Vegetable Powders Are Versatile for CPG Brands

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With growing demands from consumers for clean label products, the popularity of fruit powders and vegetable powders has skyrocketed. While fruit and vegetable powders have been used for a long time in baked goods, the movement of clean labeling and eating has revolutionized the use of these powders and extended their use to many other categories.

Recent trends of food focus on more than just taste and color as many consumers are looking for products that have functional benefits and clean labels. Fruit and vegetable powders fit the bill as they can easily be incorporated in labels and they give the consumers the impression that the product is more natural and healthier than the conventional products.

Today, many food manufacturers have incorporated fruit and vegetable powders in making their products. They are not only used in making healthier versions of donuts, muffins, and cookies but virtually many types of products including pasta, cereals, and so much more. Powdered produce is way better than fillers as they increase the nutrient content of food. GrandFusion powders especially set products apart from the crowd. The NutriFusion technology enables companies to add a small amount of fruit and veggie powder (225mg) and add 50% daily value of 12 different vitamins at the same time. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of fruit powders and vegetable powders.

The Benefits of Fruit Powders and Vegetable Powders

There are so many benefits of using fruit and vegetable powders. Several studies indicate that it can boost overall health. In the 2016 study conducted by researchers from the University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center, adults who consume powdered blueberry showed better signs of cognitive performance. Researchers noted that consumption of such powders can help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Other studies noted that fruit powders contain rich amounts of polyphenols that can help maintain good heart and cognitive functions. What makes powdered produce powerful is that they are denser compared to whole foods thus the concentration of nutrients is larger. Imagine that one teaspoon of powdered spinach may be equivalent to several cups of raw spinach. So, if you use two or more teaspoons, you do the math.

The Need for Nutrient-Dense Food is High

 

There is a growing desire especially among the younger consumers for foods that are loaded with high amounts of nutrients and minerals. In a recent report released by market research company Mintel entitled “Snacking Motivations and Attitudes US 2015,” it is more likely that younger consumers prefer snacks with added nutritional value such as fiber and protein content compared to the elderly consumers.

Powdered produce also contains high amounts of antioxidants and fiber content. In fact, one can get more fiber and antioxidants with a few tablespoons of powdered produce compared to eating a whole cup of fruits and vegetables. Moreover, they also contain high amounts of natural sugar thereby omitting the need for more free sweeteners.

Inspired by www.bakingbusiness.com

NutriFusion Fruit and Vegetable Powders Nutritional Claims FDA

Watching The Moving Target On Consumer Preferences

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For several years already,  consumer preferences have placed importance on their health and wellness. In the recent American Bankers’ Association annual convention, Todd Hale noted that while people want healthy foods, they also want to indulge. Fortunately, there is a growing trend of healthy indulgent categories. For instance, favorite comfort foods such as pies and other specialty desserts have experienced growth according to Nielsen data.

Retailers Take Advantage of the Desire for Freshness

There is an increasing desire for consumers to eat sweet goods that are fresh. Most consumers prefer fresher products, and this fact is used as an advantage by retailers. Food manufacturers use specialized packaging on cakes, cookies, and donuts. Moreover, they also place these products around the store so that consumers can easily access them and not just go to the center store anymore to get them. Another strategy that retailers do is to use technology such as television screens to showcase their indulgent offerings.

Retailers know that consumers who are not afraid to indulge are likely to gravitate towards eating healthy. Jones-Barber from Dawn’s Bakers Truth noted that with the changing trend of people wanting to eat healthily, it is the role of food manufacturers and retail companies to deliver products that are healthy and also satisfies the indulgence of consumers.

Today’s Consumer Preferences Driven by Transparency and Truth

Aside from eating healthy, consumers also demand transparency and truth. This is the reason why many food manufacturers including Kroger are now jumping on the bandwagon for organic brands that come with clean labels. Consumers are now opting for food products wherein they know what they are made from or where they come from.

To date, there is a multitude of food manufacturers that create products with clean labels. Health-conscious individuals are also leaning towards products with a clean label because they are deemed healthier as they don’t contain preservatives, additives, and synthetic color and flavor.

Health and Wellness is a Moving Target

While it is easy to say that food manufacturers should focus on creating healthy products, it is often considered by food manufacturers as a moving target. The thing is that the term “health and wellness” can mean different things to different consumers.

Food manufacturers still need to define what their consumers think about “health and wellness.” Consumer feedback is essential for food manufacturing and retailers to address the needs of their consumers. This is the reason why there are so many products like trans-fat-free, sugar-free, and other ingredients that make a particular product more appealing to health-conscious consumers.

The ever-changing preferences of consumers make food manufacturers adapt to the ever-changing needs thus creating a wave of food trends along the way and demanding innovation from food manufacturers. And because it is a moving target, it can move quickly to new challenges and trends are created now and then.

Inspired by www.foodbusinessnews.net

NutriFusion Fruit and Vegetable Powders Nutritional Claims FDA

Ad Industry: The Missing Link in Getting Children to Eat More Veggies

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It is the job of advertisers to convince ordinary people to buy a particular product. And with advertisements featuring crisps, burgers, and fizzy drinks, it is no wonder why it is so easy for people to indulge in unhealthy eating habits. But what if ads can turn around the eating habits of people and convince them to eat healthily?

The Popeye Moment

Well, this has happened in the past. Remember the iconic cartoon character Popeye? The spinach-gulping sailor boosted the rise of spinach sales during the Great Depression of 1930. In fact, regions that grow spinach erected status of the sailor out of gratitude. This was also the generation when people consumed more vitamins because they ate healthily.

This is the reason why ad man Dan Parker thinks that it is time for the marketing industry to deploy ads depicting healthier eating habits to entice viewers particularly children to eat healthily. Currently, many children perceive vegetables as the bad guys and this is the reason why they don’t eat vegetables. But if this perception can be changed, it will encourage children to eat more veggies.

Dan Parker worked with the campaign group Peas Please that is backed by famous chefs like Jamie Oliver and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall in order to roll out a campaign to alter our perceptions on vegetables and eating healthily.

Normalizing Veggies Consumption for Children

One of the most important methods of changing the perception of people towards eating vegetables is to normalize it. The thing is that the food industry has played with our desire to fit in. For instance, we have been persuaded that eating a snack during mid-morning and mid-afternoon is normal and that eating large portions of meals is normal.

If advertisers can perceive eating healthy as normal, then this can work for everyone. Frozen food company Birds Eye, for example, spends money on marketing vegetables and is supporting the Peas Please campaign. The core message of the company is to normalize frozen vegetables.

How the Internet Can Encourage Everyone to Love Vegetables

Showing infomercials about eating healthy is also helpful. Today, this can be easily done by using the social media to promote eating healthy among people. Campaigns should be effective enough such that it can make people feel and think differently about vegetables. The holy grail is how to raise the idea that eating vegetables can be fun.

This can be easily done by seeking help from celebrities whom children and people, in general, look up to. For instance, school children from the Pentrefoelas Community School in Wales posted pictures on social media together with chefs and football players while having fun holding carrots and cabbages. This can be done anywhere to show to everyone that eating vegetables is not boring.

The thing is that effective advertising can stir emotions. Dan Parker noted that if you are in an emotional state, then you become more susceptible to subliminal messages which makes it is easier to influence you to do something… in this case, buy and eat healthier foods.

Inspired by www-bbc-com.cdn.ampproject.org