Archive for category: Food Business

Hershey Invests in Healthy, Nutritious Snacks in 2016

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Just the name Hershey may make you think about something really sweet. Right now you may be thinking of peanut butter cups, chocolate bars, and small kisses candies. But did you know the company is launching their new, healthy and nutritious product line this year?

Hershey is now expanding with healthy products that target nutrition savvy customers. Their newest SoFit brand is all about fruit and protein squeezes, nuts and seeds packets, and snack squares which are now available at Amazon.com. The nutritious snacks are a part of Hershey’s newly launched Brookside fruit and nut bar line and Krave, a jerky company which Hershey acquired in 2015. Marcel Nahm, vice president of Hershey’s snack division, revealed to Business Insider, “We understand that consumers’ relationship with food is changing.” He said, “Consumers are more than ever interested in knowing what they put into their body, where does it come from, how does it get there… Consumers want more and more choices.”

Nutritious Snacks Trending Amongst Competition

But Hershey is not the only company that’s turning to the healthy snack division. CVS has recently launched a protein smoothie and chia seeds line. It has also placed its Golden Emblem Abound “better for you” brand. Oreo and Cadbury’s Mondelez announced last year that it is developing a new healthy food line over the next five years. Hershey is not fazed at all. It believes that its long history in the confectionary industry has made it a strong contender than any other brand in the market. Nahm also mentioned that consumers also feel frustrated that they only have snack bars that have amazing nutrition profile but taste like cardboard.

 

Nahm believes that Hershey understands the value of flavor more than anyone else. The company has strong experience as well as resources for marketing new products making them more able to strike deals with retailers. Hershey’s VP is also confident that SoFit and Brookside’s snack approach to health will attract more customers as compared to addressing the needs of health-obsessed consumers. He says that Hershey’s will be between “health master” and “family pleaser.” Family-pleasing, less-healthy snack options from Hershey include Snack Mix and Reese’s Spreads Snacksters. Finally, Nahm said that consumers may see themselves as a short series of pluses or minuses when it comes to nutrition. They would identify foods such as pumpkin seeds and fruits as pluses while a donut or a chocolate bar would be minuses. As Hershey may have fallen into the minuses category over the years, it is now planning to promote pluses through their healthy snack line.

Inspired by businessinsider.com

Create More Nutritious Snacks With NutriFusion®

So many health aficionados will argue that we need to drop processed and packaged foods all together, but that’s really impossible at this point in our food system. Rather than eliminating these foods, we need to focus on improving their ingredients and making them “better for you”. That’s why we developed NutriFusion. We agree that the food system is broken and we need to start eating fresh foods like fruits and vegetables. But that’s not going to happen overnight and we need a solution now. With our ingredients, snack companies are able to all natural nutrients and vitamins from fruits and vegetables. Our products are completely processing stable meaning our nutrients can withstand the high heating and cooling of modern day processing. If you ar interested in learning more, please visit the consumer packaged food page to learn more.

Food is not Healthy, it’s Nutritious

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Will we be able to eat healthy food? According to Harry Balzer, an NPD Group analyst, “Never, because the moment something becomes popular, someone will find a reason why it’s not healthy.” But what is healthy food really about? We attribute healthy to foods such as kale while we think of a Big Mac as something that is not. But the thing is, kale salads are not really healthy but they are nutritious. When prepared well, a kale salad would also taste delicious. Describing it as healthy is simply beyond words. If you were to eat kale only then you would become sick.

 

 “Healthy is a bankrupt word.Our food isn’t healthy. We are healthy. Our food is nutritious. I’m all about the words. Words are the key to giving people the tools they need to figure out what to eat. Everyone is so confused.” – Roxanne Sukol, preventive medicine specialist at Cleveland Clinic and medical director of the center’s Wellness Enterprise

Words Matter…Food is Nutritious

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Technically the food we eat is not healthy; we will be healthy if we eat nutritious food. And healthy is not the only misleading word widely used in packaged and processed food products. Take the word protein. Protein is definitely good for the body since it’s needed for building strong muscles and other important bodily functions. We have grown fond of protein and now consume it at an extraordinary rate compared to our ancestors. But take eating pork cracklings, which is all protein, gets frowned upon because we believe this food has huge fat content. It is made of pork skin which is made of protein under a layer of fat. When pig skin is fried, fat is rendered and the remaining connective tissue pops. Pork skin may actually be an ideal protein snack to get you throughout the day.

Another word is “refined” which is commonly added to wheat which has been stripped of the bran, the germ, and all the impurities removed as well resulting in a pure starch. Refined wheat is technically devoid of all oils, iron and vitamins that make wheat nutritious. Sukol said, “Flour stripped of the nutrition that makes it valuable to our bodies but reduces shelf life. Food manufacturers, therefore,“enrich” it. Food companies add the iron that was removed from the refining process, but not enough of what we need. Sukol also said that these additions along with the lack of fiber take a toll on our metabolic systems resulting in diabetes and metabolic syndromes.

Food is either nutritious or not and we are healthy or not. It’s a guarantee though that if we eat food that is nutritious, we will be able to improve our health.

Inspired by washingtonpost.com

Consumers Want Transparency in Nutrition Labels

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Consumer awareness is increasing; they are now making demands that have never been seen in the food and beverage industry. Accessibility to information is driving this move as customers are now aware of how different ingredients affect their health. They are avoiding foods that can cause harm to their bodies as well as the environment. Consumer food companies must take action and provide more transparency in the nutrition labels on their products.

 

The Future of Nutrition Labels

Trends in consumer preferences were captured in a recent research study by Packaged Facts, “Nutritional Labeling and Clean Labels“. The study found that 87 percent of the customers reported looking at nutrition labels and a significant number of Americans actively seek out nutritional guidelines and information.

The study also found out that 67 percent of American consumers preferred to buy groceries which have simple and few ingredients. Almost the same percentage reported taking the ingredient statement into consideration when they are making decisions to purchase packaged food and beverages.

Clean Label Trend Promotes Product Overhaul

The FDA requires that companies who are manufacturing food and beverages to provide nutrition facts and labels. The companies are going a step further, prompted by the consumer trends; they are developing entirely new products which do not have artificial ingredients and food colors. They are now making products that are safe for consumers and provide information on the nutrition label, which will help them identify safe foods and beverages. The trends are pointing to the following: customers will see GMO ingredients off the shelves, and artificial colors and ingredients will no longer be part of traditional products. In the food world, the consumer is the CEO, and the trends dictate that food businesses will have to adapt to survive.

From Kraft Food Group to Nestle USA, the big players in the food and beverages industry are overhauling their production. Nestle USA made an announcement that they would stop the use of artificial flavors and colors in their chocolate candies. Tyson Foods is expected to eliminate the use of antibiotics on their poultry by late next year. Kraft Food Group just like Nestle USA plans to stop using artificial preservatives and colors in their products. Another company that has followed suit is Hershey; the company plans to give customers easy and simple ingredients statement, this will help the customers make easier and healthier decisions in the store.

Inspired by cspnet.com

Simple Ingredients is the Key to Clean Labels

Food companies are in desperation mode to find simple ingredients that make their products healthier while not impacting the taste. Many have chosen to fortify their products with synthetic vitamins, but is that the answer? No, we need vitamins and essential phytonutrients from food based sources like fruits and vegetables.

Infographic: Natural Vs. Synthetic Vitamins

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Below is an infographic that highlights the significant differences between natural vitamins and nutrients from NutriFusion® and the typical synthetic vitamins made in a lab. Enjoy!

Infographic: Natural vs. Synthetic Vitamins |NutriFusion

The trends in consumer food preferences are all pointing to healthier and more nutritious products. We have all been working to do this over the past fifty years, but we have faced grand challenges when delivering nutrients from natural sources in processed foods. We decided enough was enough, so we developed our patented process for stabilizing the vitamins and nutrients in fruits and vegetables. NutriFusion® is a leading food ingredient technology for food companies looking to deliver natural vitamins and nutrients in their packaged food products. We help you use simpler ingredients and create a “clean label” for your consumers. If you are interested in learning more about NutriFusion® for your processed foods, beverages, or supplements, please click below.

Low-Calorie Foods and Drinks Drove Sales From 2009-2013

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It seems that people are becoming aware of what they are eating. A recent report by the Hudson Institute, a think tank based in Washington DC, shows that low-calorie foods are driving sales in supermarket chains. The report indicates that between 2009 and 2013, the sales of low-calorie foods grew by 59%. The study described the following products as low-calorie foods; fruits and vegetables, pasta, milk, snacks, cereal, and packaged meals. The study used the criteria laid out by the Nutrition Coordinating Center to classify low and high-calorie foods.

Consciousness Rising Amongst Consumers

With the rate of obesity increasing in some states, the news that people are now conscious of what they are eating is a positive development. The news may spell doom to companies who produce high-calorie food, especially soft drinks, and candy companies. Packaged food companies will have to evolve to meet the demand of the new healthy consumer. A ninety-six percent rise in the availability of low calories foods and drinks is an indication of growing health consciousness.

Despite the rise in calorie consciousness, Americans are still categorized as the unhealthiest snackers, a study found that out that while other parts of the world prefer fresh fruits, yogurt, and chocolate as their number one snack, Americans are still stuck to their potato chips. Potato chips are categorized as a high-calorie food. With the rise of the calorie consciousness, this trend is predicted to change, perhaps in the future, we will see more people ditching potato chips for low-calorie foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables.

Low-Calorie Foods are Just the Beginning of Healthy Eating

With the industries spearheading the move to “better-for-you” products, the journey to healthy eating has already started, more and more adults will switch to low-calorie foods, reducing the demand for high-calorie foods. Companies stuck in the production of high-calorie foods will be in trouble going forward and will rely on young, uneducated consumers to move their products. Adults, who are more threatened by lifestyle diseases, will opt for the low-calorie foods given the benefits they drive in building a healthier body. 

Inspired by marketwatch.com

NutriFusion® is the Leader in Fresh, Low-Calorie Nutrition

So, how do you start reinventing your products to meet the growing demand for low-calorie, “better-for-you” foods? For packaged food companies, it all begins with the ingredients. Forever, we have been unable to add a significant amount of fruits and vegetables to our products, because of the nutrient degradation experienced during processing. Well, that has officially changed with NutriFusion. We developed a patented method for stabilizing the vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients in fruits and vegetables. Our stabilization has a two-year shelf life and can withstand the extreme heating and cooling of modern day food processing. If you are interested in learning more about how our process and products, please visit the consumer packaged foods page below.

Consumers Want Healthy Snacks

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Consumers are getting smarter and more health conscious these days especially when it comes to snacks. According to a report from The NPD Group, consumers are eyeing snacks that have perceived health benefits whether it’s salty, sweet, high or low-calorie snacks.  The most common requests are protein, natural and no sugar snacks.

Younger Generations Lead Growth in Healthy Snacks

The youngest generations are leading the pack in hunting for healthy snacks. Generation Z are people ages (0 to 23), millennials (ages 24 to 37) and generation X (ages 38 to 48) are actively looking for healthy alternatives. They are expressing positive attitudes in snacking and eating healthier. However, the later generations are looking for food that is low in sodium and sugar content to be able to deal with medical conditions.

The Three Major Snack Categories:

  • Better-for-you snacks – these are snacks that are known to provide nutrients and are generally healthier choices. These include fresh fruit, sports bars and yoghurt. Demand has increased by 14 percent since 2006.
  • Savory snacks – these snacks are usually salty snacks and dips which have increased in demand by 4 percent since 2006.
  • Sweet snacks – there is a significant decrease in the demand for sweet snacks but studies show that levels will stabilize over the next few years.

Among the three categories, better-for-you snacks are expected to increase the fastest according to NPD’s The Future of Eating: Who’s Eating What in 2018.

Snacks Sell: Healthy Snacks are Destined for Growth

“Snacking today is a prevalent behavior and there is an opportunity in every snack category for manufacturers to call out the specific health benefits –from desirable ingredients to clean labelling.There is also a generation slant to take into account for each category when positioning and marketing snack foods.” – Darren Seifer, a food and beverage industry analyst

Other features of healthy snacks that consumers are looking for are easy to consume and natural snacks. This means that this kind of food should not contain chemicals or synthetic ingredients that can cause harm to health. Artificial coloring, artificial flavors, and preservatives alter the taste and appearance of snack foods and are perceived to have negative effects on consumers’ health.

Would you give up eating your favorite salty snack for a healthy alternative?

Inspired by www.npd.com

Simple Ingredients = Clean Labels

NutriFusion shopper reading a food label in the packaged foods aisle.Simple ingredients are the key to answering the call for healthy snack alternatives in the market. It’s important to find trusted suppliers of simple and natural ingredients. Look no further than NutriFusion® for natural nutrient fortification of your products. Instead of using typical synthetic nutrient materials, you can use our whole food based products. NutriFusion® is made from organic, non-GMO produce in a variety of blends. We can work with you to develop a custom fruit and vegetable blend to meet your needs. If you are interested in learning more about NutriFusion® for consumer packaged foods, click the button below to learn more.

FDA Says No More “Unsafe” Trans Fats

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In a bid to reduce heart attacks and heart disease among Americans, the U.S. Food safety regulators have decided to ban a primary source of artificial trans fats in processed foods. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) are not “generally recognized as safe” for human consumption. PHOs are an important source of artificial trans fat in the diet of many Americans.

The regulators have given food manufacturers until June 18, 2018 (3 years) to remove PHOs from food products. The food safety regulators feel this is enough time for food manufacturers to ask the FDA for permission to use foods that contain PHOs or to reformulate their products to eliminate PHOs. The regulators say that at the end of the compliance period, no food manufacturer will be allowed to add PHOs to human food unless they have been permitted by the FDA to do so.

FDA’s Ostroff Sees Link Between Trans Fats and Heart Health

Dr. Stephen Ostroff, FDA’s Acting Commissioner, says this action is expected to prevent thousands of fatal heart attacks every year and reduce coronary heart disease. The FDA anticipates that many companies will achieve compliance with the deadline since some companies are already removing PHOs from their processed foods. Following consultations with experts and a review of the scientific evidence, a preliminary determination to regard PHOs as unsafe for human consumption was announced by FDA in 2013. Currently, regulators are in the final stages of the resolution after taking into consideration the comments from the public.

According to Dr. Susan Mayne, the Director of the FDA’s Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Center, the determination is based on the input from all stakeholders received during the public comment period, as well as extensive research into the effects of PHOs. Food companies use artificial trans fats to increase the stability of processed foods, extend their shelf life, and improve their texture. This is because they are more readily available and cheaper than natural versions from dairy and meat sources. Since 2006, companies have had to show trans fat content on the nutrition facts labels of food products sold in the US.

The primary sources of PHOs in the American diet are savory snacks such as coffee creamers, microwave popcorn, ready-to-use frosting, and frozen pizza. Other sources include cakes, pies, cookies, fried foods, kinds of margarine, and spreads. PHOs are bad for health because consuming them increases “bad” cholesterol ( LDL) and lowers “good” cholesterol (HDL) in the body, raising the risk of coronary heart disease.

Inspired by www.medicalnewstoday.com

117 Nutritional Supplements Companies Charged in Federal Sweep

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Nutritional supplements companies that have been accused of selling tainted products and providing misleading information are facing the wrath of the justice department and the market. The federal Justice Department has filed cases against 117 companies and individuals. With some of the companies facing criminal and civil cases, the big retailers in the dietary supplement market saw their shares have dip initially before the full details were released to the public. 

USPlabs Faces Charges on Multiple Supplements Brands

One of the notable companies indicted in the suit is USPlabs, the Dallas-based company which sold Jack3d and OxyElite pro, two of the best-selling workout supplements containing an amphetamine stimulant. Six executives from the enterprise face prosecutions for selling the products that the justice department claims to be illegal and dangerous. The two largest retailers of USPlabs supplements, GNC Holdings and Vitamin Shoppe have suffered; the crackdown has led to both of their stock prices dipping. GNC Holdings shares went down by a whopping 27 % while Vitamin Shoppe lost nearly 10% before the market realized that the retailers were not named in the suit by the justice department.

USPlabs is being accused by the FDA of passing misleading information to the retailers and wholesalers; the company claims that its products are made from natural plant extracts whereas investigations revealed that they have been using a synthetic stimulant that is made in a Chinese chemical factory. According to the proceedings brought against the company, one of the products sold by USPlabs has led to liver injuries and one death. According to the marketers, the products enhance performance through increasing endurance, speed and strength. 

Another product that is sold by USPlabs, Jack3d was banned in December 2011 by the department of deference when two of the soldiers died after consumption. Some shops operated by GNC Holdings were also affected when the DOD banned the product on military bases and surrounding areas.

Increased Regulation Causes Anxiety in the Market

The news that the Justice Department was making an announcement on the charges caused panic in the stock market, the investors were anxious, when the decision was made, companies that were not mentioned in the list got a reprieve. GNC Holdings and Vitamin Shoppe were not mentioned in the cases that were brought by the federal prosecutors leading to a slight recovery in share prices. The crackdown is a positive move to ensure that the consumers are well protected from harmful products; the investors can also learn from the incidence, use of ingredients that harm the consumers will not only lead to numerous criminal and civil cases but will also adversely affect their businesses.

Inspired by well.blogs.nytimes.com

Choose NutriFusion® for Organic Ingredients

NutriFusion® is an important ingredient for all supplements and nutraceuticals manufacturers. Our blends are created from organic, non-GMO fruits and vegetables. Our innovation is in how we stabilize the micronutrients and phytonutrients through our patented method. Our products can withstand the heating and cooling of modern day food processing to help you supercharge your products with all natural nutrition. If you are interested in learning more about NutriFusion® for supplements and nutraceuticals, click the button below.