As keynote speaker at NJ FoodTech 2026, BlueNalu Founder, President & CEO Lou Cooperhouse will explore how food companies can build durable value propositions in an increasingly competitive marketplace. In an interview with Prepared Foods, Cooperhouse said today's investors prioritize operational discipline, scalability and profitability, while long-term success depends on treating the company—not just the product—as the value proposition.
T. Hasegawa USA introduced HASEMILK, a powdered flavor technology designed to deliver the taste and texture of real milk without dairy ingredients. The ingredient aims to help manufacturers improve flavor performance in dairy-free and reduced-dairy applications while supporting clean-label and allergen-free formulations.
As consumers demand more targeted health benefits, formulators are shifting focus from total protein content to amino acids, peptides and bioactive fractions with specific physiological roles
Protein claims may dominate packaging, but the next wave of innovation is happening at the molecular level. From bioactive peptides and free amino acids to complementary plant proteins and functional protein fractions, developers are rethinking how protein delivers performance, health benefits and consumer value.
Cargill and Voyage Foods are bringing cocoa-free confectionery alternatives to the US market with the launch of NextCoa. The product line aims to provide manufacturers with more stable sourcing, allergen-friendly formulations and a lower carbon footprint while maintaining familiar chocolatey flavors and functionality.
With refrigerated and frozen alternatives declining year over year, brands are doubling down on protein, certifications and sharper price points to win back shoppers. From steak bites and value burger six-packs to chickpea masala patties and mycelium plays, the category is regrouping for its next act.
Rodale Institute has announced the Hirshberg Research Endowment Fund to provide permanent support for its chief scientific officer and research priorities. The fund aims to strengthen long-term innovation, scientific integrity and growth across the organic agriculture sector.
The thin, blend-able oat milk sheets point to growing interest in lightweight, ambient dairy alternatives that lower shipping costs and extend shelf life while maintaining customizable functionality.
Formerly known as Omeat, Evergreen Select is repositioning cultivated beef as a B2B infrastructure solution designed to stabilize the traditional meat supply. The rebrand and $6 million funding round highlight growing interest in practical, scalable approaches to integrating cultivated meat into existing systems.
From precision-fermented proteins to advanced fats and textures, new technologies are closing the sensory gap while expanding sustainability and formulation flexibility
Plant-based foods have moved far beyond soy and pea, with novel proteins, fats, and processing technologies driving unprecedented gains in flavor, texture, and functionality. As innovation accelerates, formulators now have the tools to create both convincing animal analogs and compelling plant-forward alternatives.
Fruit-based sweeteners are moving from niche to mainstream as manufacturers seek natural alternatives to refined sugar. Market forecasts show strong growth fueled by health awareness, clean-label priorities, and the functional advantages these ingredients bring to formulation.