Archive for category: Supplements & Nutraceuticals

Fruit Powder Industry Expected to Grow to $23.96 Billion by 2025

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Fruits contain concentrated amounts of plant-based vitamins and minerals. They also contain high amounts of fiber and antioxidants. Consumption of fruits is beneficial to the body but not everyone loves eating them. People also have to consume a lot of fruits to get the health benefits that your body needs. This is where fruit powders come in. The fruit powder industry is expected to grow to $23.96 billion by 2015 according to Hexa Research. Fruit powders have a positive outlook specifically in the nutraceutical industry as many consumers are looking for ways to supplement their nutrition using natural food products.

Rising Awareness to Healthy Food Ingredients

There is a rising awareness for consuming healthy food ingredients. Fruit powders contain important micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals. They also contain high amounts of amino acids. Aside from the rising awareness of healthy food ingredients, fast-paced lifestyles have also inclined people to opt for convenience without sacrificing the nutritional content of their food. This grab-n-go mentality is fueling the demand for fruit powder worldwide.

fruits vegetables fruit powder vitamins minerals plant-based ingredientsPreventive Healthcare Is Another Driving Force

Another driving force of the nutraceuticals industry is healthcare. Organizations are developing measures for preventing cancer and other chronic diseases. Fruit powders contain high amounts of antioxidants that have been proven to help reduce the risk of cancer progression. It is no wonder why those in the healthcare industry are also using fruit powders to develop products for preventive health care.

Studies show that the intake of more fruits and vegetables can help prevent gastrointestinal tract cancer. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), low intake of fruits can increase the risk of stomach cancer by 30%. In fact, inadequate intake of fruits and vegetables resulted in 5.2 million deaths around the world in 2013 alone.

Large Companies Are Following Suit

The increasing demand of fruit powders from the nutraceutical industry is propelling this particular sector. This is expected to drive even large companies to use fruit powders or extracts to improve their product line. For instance, companies such as Unilever are improving their image by developing product lines such as the Replenish Shampoo and Trireme Botanique Nourish – both containing coconut extracts. Fruit powders are not only popular in the food industry but also in the cosmetic industry.

Other large CPG companies are looking at fruit powders to add back the vitamins and minerals typically lost in processing. NutriFusion fruit powders and vegetable powders are some of the most robust in the industry. With NutriFusion fruit powders, brands can add 50% daily value of 6 different vitamins from fruits with only 225mg of powder. Check out the NutriFusion R&D kit to learn more.

Global Implication for Fruit Powder

Consumers are becoming more aware of their health and this is evident in their preference for simple food ingredients such as fruit powders. This trend is not only popular in the United States but also in other countries. In Europe alone,  the reported revenue for the fruit powder industry exceeded $3 billion in 2017. Fruit powder demand has formed micro-industries such as the probiotics and superfoods. Aside from the European market, the fruit powder industry is also expected to grow in the Asia-Pacific region with an expected track of 8.4% annually particularly in countries like China, Vietnam, Thailand, and India. Hex research believes supportive government policies can boost the production and growth of this industry over the long term.

Inspired by www.prnewswire.com

Infographic: Clean Label Protein Powder Study Results

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The Clean Label Project, a Denver-based non-profit, was commissioned to study the toxins and nutritional information found in 134 of the top protein powders on the market. Sadly, the results were not good for all of our clean label protein powders. They found that 53 of the 134 protein powders tested with elevated levels of lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and BPA. Interested in learning more? You can check out the infographic below for some of the key stats and you can also visit their website to see the full protein powder rankings.

protein powder rankings clean label project plant-based fruits vegetables

Greater Food Brand Loyalty is Linked to Food Transparency

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According to a retail food study, consumers showed a higher incidence of brand loyalty to food products that generate a deeper connection via transparency. As much as 75% of shoppers are more than ready to switch brands when confronted with a product that has a more detailed label. The new study shows that shoppers are getting more demanding when it comes to food transparency.

Inside the Report

The report was developed by the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) with the purpose of outlining how shoppers define transparency and how it influences their food buying behavior. The report is known as The Transparency Imperative. According to the CMO, “We titled this report The Transparency Imperative because as we executed the research to bring the key findings of our 2016 studies current, we see clearly that transparency is only becoming more important to consumers.”

The paper looks deeply into the behavior and attitude within shoppers who are health-conscious as well as those who are digitally-active. It also looks into the response of consumers across different ages.

Targeting these varied consumer demographics, the study offers various and needed steps that brands should look into to further show their commitment to transparency; to track the ever-changing scenario of consumer preferences; to meet the ever-increasing expectations of food-buyers; to comprehend the exact needs of essential groups of buyers; and to transmit data over and beyond the list of ingredients.

The Results Show Brand Loyalty for Transparent Brands

 

As much as 86% of the correspondents agree that food retailers and manufacturers that provide a gateway to easily look-up their products’ ingredients definitions are easy to understand and complete—would lead to greater trust from them.

Further, a staggering 80% commented that they would definitely be more loyal to a brand that offers a significant amount of data on their products, more than what’s usually contained in the product label.

Lastly, more than half of the correspondents, 54% to be exact, would pay more for products with this included information.

Defining Transparency

According to Generation X and Baby Boomers, transparency is directly linked to nutritional information, ingredient descriptions, and a complete list of ingredients. Millennials, on the other hand, have a more detailed expectation when it came to transparency. Aside from what the older generations have listed, they are more likely to focus on fair trade and labor practices, animal welfare, descriptions of ingredient usage data, claims and certifications as well as allergen information.

Health-Conscious Shoppers Committed to Transparency

As much as half of the households in America have an individual who follows a health-related diet. Making these households more likely to put a significant importance on transparency. In fact, as much as 89% of shoppers are more likely not to buy a food product when the label is not sufficient to meet their needs.

Further, households that have children have an increased tendency to lean toward transparency. As much as 87% of these households use their smartphone while grocery shopping to check product information while in store.

All these findings point to advocating transparency by food brands can lead to better consumer relationships, brand loyalty and profits. Natural food brands should look for simple ingredients that help create a transparent, clean label. Learn more about GrandFusion fruit and vegetable powders to add real vitamins and minerals to your products.

What are Greens Powders?

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The benefits of eating your greens have been proven. Unfortunately, many people dislike eating green vegetables despite their known benefits. Good thing that there are now green powders that are sold in the market as vitamins and supplements all over the country which presents people with a convenient greens option.

Green powders are combinations of plants and herbs that have been dried and processed into powder. Green powders contain ingredients that are touted for their dense nutrient content, and these include wheat grass, chlorella, spirulina, kelp, kale, beets, green tea extract, and ginseng. They also contain prebiotics and probiotics that aid the body in digestion and mineral absorption. The premise of green powders is that it allows your body to assimilate the vitamins and minerals quickly. GrandFusion vegetable blends give you many of the same benefits above except in a more concentrated form. With just a 1/4 teaspoon, you can get 100% DV of at least 6 different vitamins all from vegetables. 12 and 21 nutrients also available.

The Benefits of Greens Powders

Greens powders are marketed as beneficial for the body. Many brands of greens powders boast to benefit the immune system. They also improve energy levels and nutrient absorption. Products also claim to help in fat loss and better hormonal balance. While most of the benefits are just claims, registered dietitian Vandana Sheth noted that green powders do have some real benefits to the body. Evidence-based studies linked green powders to improved endurance, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. A study published in the journal Chiropractic Medicine noted that 40 men and women who were subjected to the intake of greens powders had a significant reduction in their blood pressure.

While greens powders bring a lot of health benefits, some experts suggest that it should not replace good eating habits. Lori Zanini, creator of the For the Love of Diabetes online program,  noted that green powders should only be used in addition to a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables. They should never be used as an excuse not to eat your vegetables. The thing is that the body reacts differently when eating whole foods than supplements and while you get concentrated amounts of vitamins and minerals from greens powders, relying on it alone reduces your intake of other essential vegetables within the rest of the color spectrum.

Eating whole plant foods have a synergistic effect on the body. In one study published in Advances in Nutrition, researchers noted that lycopene from tomatoes is more beneficial compared to those found in supplements.  Eating greens powders together with a whole food diet is crucial.

Food-Sourced Nutrition

Vitamins or minerals based on food are 100% assimilated into the body. This is called Food Sourced Nutrition. The NutriFusion products are absorbed into the body because they are a food with its own co-enzyme.

Artificial or synthetic vitamins are poorly assimilated. Typically, the body is only able to absorb 10 to 12% of the synthetic chemical. The balance is passed from the body as waste.

Food-Sourced Nutrients are Bioavailable

In providing the basic nutrient, food can supply all the complex micronutrients, phytonutrients and co-enzymes which help the body to absorb the main nutrient more effectively.The complexity of whole food and the balance and content of micronutrients cannot be matched by isolated extracts or fractions of food (as in synthetic vitamins).

For example, in the case of vitamin C, a food-based supplement would contain ascorbic acid complexed from real oranges and apples (all vitamin C rich foods). Research has shown that substances known as bioflavonoids protect and support the assimilation of vitamin C; they also have benefits in their own right. Bioflavonoids and the many other lesser-known micronutrients are not present in artificial supplements are not as bio-available.

The higher bioavailability of vitamins and minerals in the food-based form means that much lower doses of the nutrients are required to get beneficial effects. This means there is less wastage of nutrients and much less chance of excess fat-soluble nutrient build-up.

Food sourced nutrients contain natural co-enzymes, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, chelated amino acids as well as nutrients and their associated nutrient co-factors. Isolated synthetic nutrients contain only isolated chemical nutrients (and may include artificial colorings, flavorings, and sugar).

Buying Your Greens Powders

So, if you have decided to purchase greens powders to supplement your healthy diet, then you need to make sure that the product contains what it claims it does. Studies have been shown that some labels are contaminated by heavy metals such as arsenic and lead. It should only contain plant ingredients, digestive enzymes, or powdered probiotic strains and nothing more. They should not contain artificial sweeteners, lecithin, and fillers to increase their volume. Make sure that you read the labels and research about the company or supplier before getting your greens powders. Doing due diligence can go a long way and can help you get the most out of this product. If you are interested in trying GrandFusion Greens Powders and our other fruit & vegetable powders, please visit our store. Our products are plant based with NO synthetics.

Innova Market Insights Show 62% Increase in Plant-Based Product Claims

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There is a growing interest among the consumers not only for healthier products but also those that are sourced from ethical and sustainable methods. This is the reason plant-based products and ingredients are increasing in popularity and growth. Today, there are so many companies that are dedicated to producing plant-based products to cater to this growing market niche and it will not be long until this trend takes on the mainstream competition.

Plant-Based Ingredients Are Rising in Popularity

According to the report released by Innova Market Insights, plant-based product claims have increased by 62% globally with an estimated sales forecast of $4.2 billion in the United States. Plant-based products include platforms like active botanicals, plant-proteins, non-dairy milk, seasonings, sweeteners, food coloring, and so much more.

 

One example that shows how popular the plant-based foods market is the non-dairy products industry. According to Lu Ann Williams, Director of Innovation at Innova Market Insight, the availability and promotion of plant-based alternatives to dairy products such as yogurt, ice cream, and milk have helped drive the industry. In fact, global sales of non-dairy milk are higher by 8% since last year and have earned $16.3 billion in global sales.

The Growth of Non-Dairy Milk Products

It is estimated that plant-based milk products will double its growth within the next five years. With this fact, there are many companies that are venturing into non-dairy milk products category. Successful companies that have ventured into non-dairy milk products include Spoonable. The company makes non-dairy yogurt and it saw a growth of 48% during the 2013-2017 market period.

While some non-dairy milk products are successful, some have stable yet minimal growth. For instance, a non-dairy alternative such as plant-based cheese and creams only save minimal growth of 0.5% in 2012 to 1.5% in 2017. The probable reason for yogurt having more sales is because it is touted as a healthy product. Many companies are researching sources of non-dairy milk alternatives and aside from your usual oats and almonds, plant-based milk and milk products are now made from hazelnuts, walnuts, cashews, macadamias, coconut, flaxseed, and hemp.

Plant-Based Product Claims Grow in Meat Category

There is a growing interest when it comes to plant-based eating and it is reflected in the development of alternatives from the meat industry. Plant-based meats used today are made from soy, grains, and vegetables. Companies like Valess and Quorn were the pioneers of the plant-based meat industry. Today, other companies have sprung up such as Beyond Meat and Impossible Burger that have produced plant-based meat that tastes and bleeds like real meat.

There are many reasons why people gravitate towards plant-based ingredients these days. The pull towards plant-based diets such as flexitarianism, vegetarianism, and veganism might be the most important factor that contributed to such a shift in food preferences. In fact, the same market study noted that four in ten or 40% of consumers in the United States have increased their consumption of meat and dairy alternatives since last year.

Inspired by www.prnewswire.com

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

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