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For a variety of reasons, consumers have expanded the scope of their demand for products featuring low or no sugar content. In response, food and beverage formulators have invested in research and development to uncover further innovative approaches to ingredient technologies. In tandem with the consumer and industry momentum in the sugar reduction category, additional market forces may contribute to future investment in sugar reduction product development. Prices of raw sugar and cocoa touched 10-year and seven-year highs respectively in April 2023, The Smart Cube reports, due to tight supply and rising demand for both commodities.

The FDA considers the term “natural” to mean that nothing artificial or synthetic (including all color additives regardless of source) has been included in, or has been added to, a food that would not normally be expected to be in that food.

Ready to start making your new product? If you’ve passed your initial formulation hurdles, you’re ready to think about where to sell the item, an initial volume and how the food will be safely processed and packaged. Possibilities include a home kitchen, a commercial kitchen or co-manufacturing plant, just to name a few.

Listen to the second installment of Prepared Foods' interview with refrigerated foods giant Reser's Fine Foods, Beaverton, Ore.

According to Vantage Market Research, the global protein bar market hit $4.3 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $6 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 5.8%. The firm forecasts that plant-based protein bar sales will account for more than 30% of the total by 2028.

Prepared Foods has selected six new food and beverage products introduced in May 2023. Vote to let us know which new product is your favorite!

"The team at Yerbaé is thrilled to introduce these two delicious flavors to our customers,” said CEO Todd Gibson. “Lemonade is a classic summer favorite, while Yuzu Lime brings a unique, refreshing citrus twist to our line of beverages. We are always looking for ways to innovate and bring new, exciting flavors to our customers."

"We disrupted the industry, creating an entirely new taste in the Hard Seltzer category with White Claw by bringing new thinking, technology breakthroughs, and our unmatched iconic flavors to market,” said Anthony von Mandl, O.C., O.B.C., founder & CEO.  “The same innovative spirit and technological know-how inspired the creation of our premium vodka—we believe the vodka category is ready for its White Claw moment."

Alternative proteins, which include cultivated, plant-based, and fermentation-derived proteins, represent an opportunity to reduce risks and improve the efficiency of meat production, while offering consumers the meat-eating experience they crave. Rethinking how meat is made can decrease emissions, protect human health, ensure food security for all, and maintain and improve biodiversity. Good Food Institute is calling on governments around the world to invest $10 billion each year in R&D and commercialization to deliver the full benefits of protein diversification.

Prepared Foods profiles refrigerated foods giant Reser’s Fine Foods, Beaverton, Ore., and interviews Chef Sean Dwigans, Culinary Business Development Manager; and Chef Todd Ketterman, Culinary Manager.