Ingredients

Navigating the Ultra-Processed Foods Debate

peckenpaughd@bnpmedia.com (Douglas J. Peckenpaugh) — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Ultra-processed foods have become one of the most debated topics in the food industry, with regulators, consumers and manufacturers weighing their implications. As a federal definition takes shape, companies are evaluating how potential labeling requirements could affect formulation, nutrition messaging and consumer perception.

American Egg Board Names Cory Sexson VP of Global Business Development

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0400

The American Egg Board has appointed Cory Sexson as vice president of global business development. Sexson brings more than 17 years of leadership experience in food and beverage innovation and will oversee efforts to drive demand through innovation, strategic partnerships and export market expansion.

AAK Names Erhan Yildiz Customer Innovation Director

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 05:00:00 -0400

AAK USA has appointed Erhan Yildiz, Ph.D., as customer innovation director. Yildiz brings extensive R&D and commercialization experience and will lead efforts to develop sustainable, performance-driven fat and oil solutions across food, beverage, nutrition and personal care markets.

Kemin Expands Food Technologies Sales Team

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Kemin Industries has added two new members to its Food Technologies sales team in North America. Chad Mulcahy will support bakery customers with spoilage and quality solutions, while Kaylie Semler will focus on yield optimization and clean label opportunities across the Southwest region.

GoMacro Expands Beyond MacroBar With MacroSquares Launch

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 16:00:00 -0400

GoMacro is entering a new category with MacroSquares, its first new snack bar platform since launching MacroBar in 2004. Developed over three years, the organic, vegan bars combine nuts, seeds, nut butters and a chocolate or caramel dip to address growing demand for balanced nutrition and elevated snacking experiences.

Ocean Spray Names Abigail Buckwalter CEO

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Ocean Spray Cranberries appointed Abigail Buckwalter as president and CEO, bringing in a leader with 20 years of global experience across consumer packaged goods and healthcare. Buckwalter joins the farmer-owned cooperative from Nestlé Health Science US, where she led a multi-billion-dollar portfolio and focused on operational efficiency, innovation and profitable growth.

Vibrant Ingredients Opens New Innovation Center in New Jersey

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 06:30:00 -0400

Vibrant Ingredients has opened an 11,000sq-ft Innovation Center in Cranbury, NJ, designed to speed product development through hands-on collaboration, rapid prototyping and real-world processing capabilities. CEO Vince Macciocchi said the facility reflects the company's commitment to helping customers move from concept to commercialization faster while showcasing its broad portfolio of ingredient and system solutions.

Sugar, Salt Reduction Drives New Formulation Strategies

luann.williams@innovami.com (Lu Ann Williams) — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Consumers increasingly say they want less sugar and sodium, but taste remains a critical barrier to adoption. Advances in natural sweeteners, fermentation-derived ingredients and flavor-enhancement technologies are helping formulators balance health goals with sensory appeal.

Bluegrass Ingredients to Showcase Cost-Conscious Dairy Flavor Solutions at IFT First

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400

Bluegrass Ingredients will highlight dairy flavor powders, seasonings and application solutions at IFT First 2026. Featured concepts demonstrate cost optimization, dairy-compatible seasoning performance and on-trend flavor innovation for snacks, sauces and prepared foods.

Naked Expands Protein Smoothie Line With Two New Flavors

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 08:00:00 -0400

Naked has introduced Chocolate Banana Protein and Blueberry Cheesecake Protein smoothies, each featuring 20g of plant-based protein, 6g of fiber and no added sugar. The launch reflects continued demand for convenient beverages that deliver both nutritional benefits and indulgent flavor experiences.

Hiya Enters Kids Nutrition Category With Protein Powder

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Hiya expanded beyond supplements with the launch of Kids Daily Growth + Protein, its first protein powder formulated specifically for children. Made with grass-fed whey protein isolate, prebiotics and essential minerals, the product is designed to support healthy growth and development while addressing protein intake challenges common among picky eaters.

Nurri Expands Into Kids Nutrition With Protein Shake Launch

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 08:00:00 -0400

Nurri is entering the children's nutrition category with the launch of Nurri Kids, a protein shake formulated for children ages 4 and older. Available nationwide at Sam's Club, the product combines ultra-filtered milk, 10g of protein and nine essential vitamins and minerals, reflecting continued demand for convenient, nutrient-dense options for families.

Kad Launches Scoopable Frozen Herbs, Spreads

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 07:30:00 -0400

Kad Bnei Darom introduced Cuca, a line of scoopable frozen herbs and spreads designed for use straight from the freezer. The products aim to reduce waste, extend shelf life and deliver convenient ingredient solutions for consumers and foodservice operators.

Polar Joe Adds Unsweetened Espresso Protein Coffee

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Polar Joe has expanded its Café Series with the launch of Polar Joe Espresso, an unsweetened protein coffee designed for consumers seeking customizable coffee beverages with added nutrition. The ready-to-mix product delivers 20g of protein and approximately 110mg of caffeine per serving while maintaining the brand’s focus on clean-label formulation and high-protein performance.

Butter Buds Names Wade Sirny Director of Foodservice

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Butter Buds Inc. appointed Wade Sirny as director of foodservice, where he will oversee sales growth, broker partnerships and expansion into new foodservice segments. Sirny also will help launch In The Raw sweetener products in foodservice and collaborate on new product development initiatives.

Study Explores Sensory Benefits of Upcycled Chardonnay Grape Marc

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0400

A peer-reviewed study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry examined the sensory properties of Chardonnay grape marc, the source material behind WellVine. Researchers found a balanced taste profile characterized by mild sweetness, bright acidity and low bitterness, findings that may have implications for formulators developing fiber-rich, polyphenol-containing and clean-label products.

Good Foods Expands Dairy Dip Line With Three New Flavors

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 08:00:00 -0400

Good Foods has introduced three new dairy-based dips and spreads designed around current consumer flavor preferences. The lineup includes Spicy Tzatziki, Avocado Green Goddess and Garden Party Spinach Veggie Dip, each made with real ingredients and no artificial preservatives, reflecting continued demand for fresh flavors, vegetables and clean-label products.

SunOpta Expands Fruit Snack Production in Washington

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0400

SunOpta has opened an expanded fruit snack production line at its Omak, Wash., facility following an investment of more than $25 million. The expansion increases production capacity by 25% and supports growing demand for fruit-based snacks made without artificial colors, high-fructose corn syrup or major allergens.

OIKOS Adds Strawberry, Mocha Latte Protein Shakes

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 08:00:00 -0400

OIKOS is expanding its ready-to-drink protein shake portfolio with the introduction of Strawberry and Mocha Latte varieties. The new flavors reflect growing consumer interest in fruit-forward protein beverages and coffee-inspired formats, while providing 30g of complete protein, prebiotic fiber and no artificial sweeteners or flavors.

T. Hasegawa Launches Dairy-Free Milk Flavor Technology

Fri, 29 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400

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.

Ajinomoto Foods North America Names CEO

Thu, 28 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Ajinomoto Foods North America appointed supply chain executive Dave Gardner as president and CEO, signaling continued focus on operational growth, innovation and global flavor trends. The leadership transition comes as demand for multicultural frozen foods continues to expand across retail and foodservice channels.

PopCorners Launches Protein-Packed Snacks

Wed, 27 May 2026 08:00:00 -0400

PopCorners expanded its snack portfolio with a protein-focused line designed to meet growing consumer demand for convenient, high-protein snacks. Available in three flavors, the popped snacks deliver 9g of protein per serving while maintaining the brand’s signature airy crunch.

Heartland Expands Sweetener Portfolio With Whole Earth Brands Acquisition

Wed, 27 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Heartland Food Products Group signed an agreement to acquire the Americas business of Whole Earth Brands, adding several established sweetener brands to its portfolio. The move strengthens Heartland’s position in sugar reduction and alternative sweeteners while expanding its capabilities across retail, foodservice and ingredient solutions.

Plant-Based Ingredients Ignite Product Development

Tue, 26 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Product developers are expanding beyond soy and pea to refine plant-based formulations. A new set of alternative ingredients are providing flexibility and diversity within an iterative development process.

A Rising Tide Lifts All Proteins

peckenpaughd@bnpmedia.com (Douglas J. Peckenpaugh) — Tue, 26 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Protein’s evolution from essential nutrient to mainstream functional ingredient has transformed food and beverage innovation, with demand projected to climb steadily over the next decade. As brands expand protein fortification across categories, formulators face the challenge of balancing nutrition goals with the taste, texture and sensory experiences consumers expect.

Sodium Reduction Efforts Must Balance Nutrient Density

Mon, 25 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Many foods contributing the most sodium to US diets also provide nutrients Americans lack, according to new research. The findings underscore the challenge for food developers seeking to reduce sodium without compromising nutritional value.

Upcycled Ingredients Gain Momentum

peckenpaughd@bnpmedia.com (Douglas J. Peckenpaugh) — Thu, 21 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Upcycled ingredients continue to gain traction as brands look to reduce food waste while adding nutritional and functional value to formulations. Industry experts say the next phase of growth will depend on mainstream retail expansion, consumer education and scalable innovation.

Strategies for Crafting Products with Multi-Sensory Indulgence

luann.williams@innovami.com (Lu Ann Williams) — Thu, 21 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Innova Market Insights’ “Layers of Delight” trend reveals how indulgence is evolving beyond simple treats to include mood support, sensory appeal and health-conscious features. From Dubai chocolate to premium dairy desserts, brands are balancing comfort, texture and flavor innovation with consumer demand for emotional wellness and better-for-you ingredients.

Beyond Protein Grams: The Science Reshaping Functional Nutrition

kantha@corvusblue.net (Kantha Shelke PhD, CFS) — Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

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.

5 Gum Launches Flavor-Changing EVOLUTION Innovation

Sat, 16 May 2026 10:00:00 -0400

5 gum is introducing EVOLUTION, the brand’s first flavor-changing gum designed to deliver a shifting sensory experience with every chew. The innovation begins with tangy sour notes before evolving into sweeter berry flavors, adding a new twist to the gum category’s flavor innovation pipeline.