With such an acute focus on well-being in the wake of a year and a half of an ongoing global health crisis, consumers are paying closer attention than ever to the ingredients in the foods they eat. Moreover, with working from home shifting from a temporary to a permanent state for many workers, these same consumers have learned the hard way that calories count, so counting calories is back.

Prepared Foods talks with Chef Emily Cruz, director of sales & marketing at CuliNex, Seattle-based a consultancy to brand owners, food manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, boards and commissions.