Formulation

UPFs: The Culinary Science View

federd@bnpmedia.com (David Feder , RDN) — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In an insightful interview at the Culinary Institute of America, Chef Hinnerk Von Bargen challenges the negative perception of "ultra-processed foods." He highlights the importance of multi-step processing through examples like sourdough and tofu, emphasizing that these practices enrich our culinary culture and nutrition.

Unreal Snacks Launches Peanut Butter Drops at Whole Foods

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 08:00:00 -0400

Unreal Snacks introduced Peanut Butter Drops exclusively at Whole Foods Markets nationwide. The new product taps into growing consumer interest in peanut butter flavors with a nostalgic sweet-and-salty profile, real ingredients and reduced sugar, offering product developers insight into how brands are reimagining familiar treats for health-conscious consumers.

Nature’s Path Expands Dessert-Inspired Granola Line

Thu, 28 May 2026 08:00:00 -0400

Nature’s Path Organic Foods introduced two new Love Crunch granola flavors inspired by trending dessert profiles, including Dubai Style Chocolate and Dark Chocolate & Blueberry Cream. The launches build on strong demand for the brand’s Strawberry Cheesecake variety and reflect continued interest in indulgent, trend-driven flavors paired with organic and gluten-free positioning.

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.

Frankie’s Expands Organic PuffCorn Distribution

Wed, 06 May 2026 08:00:00 -0400

Frankie’s Organic Snacks is expanding distribution with new placements in MOM’s Organic Markets and Earth Fare, adding 41 stores across the East Coast. The move highlights continued demand for clean-label, better-for-you snacks made with simple ingredients and alternative processing methods like oven-baking.

De La Calle Launches Strawberry Citrus Soda

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 09:30:00 -0400

De La Calle introduced Strawberry Citrus, a fermented soda blending strawberry and citrus flavors with a low-sugar, functional profile. The launch underscores how brands are evolving traditional beverages with bold flavor, better-for-you positioning and cultural storytelling that resonates with modern consumers.

Health, Digital Trends Reshape Beverage Demand

Sat, 28 Mar 2026 09:15:00 -0400

Consumers are prioritizing health benefits, ingredients and lower sugar, with many willing to pay more for functional beverages. Digital tools and younger generations are accelerating changes in how drinks are discovered, purchased and consumed.

Plant-Based Dairy Advances in 2026

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0400

Industry leaders will discuss advances in plant-based dairy, from protein systems to product development. The March 26 webinar offers insights into trends shaping the category’s future.

Center For American Food Power Launches

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Idealyst Innovation unveils a new strategic center to strengthen US agriculture amid shifting global pressures. The initiative brings together industry leaders to drive policy, resilience and long-term competitiveness.

DON’T QUIT Rebrands as SkyPop Protein Soda

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Protein beverage company DON’T QUIT has rebranded as SkyPop following early traction for its protein soda across major retailers. The brand aims to expand the modern soda category by pairing classic soda flavors with 10g of whey protein, zero sugar and 45 calories per can.

Tem Toa Brings Thai to Freezer

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0500

Tem Toa debuts four chef-developed Thai entrées, including Pad Thai and green and red curries, starting April 5 at Target. The brand expands Deep Brands’ global frozen portfolio with restaurant-quality meals ready in minutes.

milkadamia Debuts Shelf-Stable Oat Milk Slices at Target

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0500

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.

DripDrop Launches Zero Sugar Plus Hydration

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 14:00:00 -0500

DripDrop Hydration is expanding its portfolio with Zero Sugar Plus, a clean-label electrolyte drink mix designed for daily hydration and recovery. The new formula delivers three times the electrolytes of leading sports drinks with zero sugar and no artificial sweeteners.

Impossible Foods CEO Peter McGuinness to Depart

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Impossible Foods announced CEO Peter McGuinness will step down after nearly four years, with leadership transitioning to its three-member executive team. The company says the move comes from a position of strength as it builds momentum in plant-based protein and innovation partnerships.

Next-Gen Ingredients Redefine Plant-Based Foods

kantha@corvusblue.net (Kantha Shelke PhD, CFS) — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

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.

ADM: Ready to Reformulate?

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 01:00:00 -0500

Leveraging its wide-ranging portfolio of ingredients derived from natural sources paired with science-backed health and wellness solutions, ADM will highlight how brands can effectively reformulate to fulfill the needs of consumers today.

WMU Food Marketing Conference Returns in 2026

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Nearly 1,000 food industry professionals will gather in Kalamazoo, Mich., March 24–25, 2026 for the WMU Food Marketing Conference. The event blends executive insight, emerging talent and timely topics—from AI to health and wellness—shaping food and CPG marketing.

ADM: Ready to Reformulate?

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 02:00:00 -0500

The $26M investment in Erlanger – the company's flagship flavors facility in the United States – will help customers meet these consumer expectations by increasing the capacity, delivery, supply and consistency of ADM's naturally derived color and flavor solutions.

GNT: Sustainable, Plant-Based Colors

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 01:00:00 -0500

EcoVadis, a leading global provider of business sustainability ratings, has awarded the EXBERRY color supplier a Platinum medal. The achievement marks another important step forward for the company following Silver and Gold medals in the previous two assessment periods.

Horizon Organic Enters Dairy Creamer Category

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0500

Horizon Organic has launched Real Dairy Creamers, a simply crafted line made with just four organic ingredients and bold flavor profiles. The debut reflects growing demand for clean-label options as consumers seek coffeehouse-style experiences at home.

Laird Superfood Updates Creamer Line

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0500

Laird Superfood has updated its Creamer with Lion’s Mane using organic coconut milk and organic vanilla extract. The refrigerated line now includes a caramel option and debuts packaging made with post-consumer recycled plastic.

USDA Sets New R&D Priorities

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0500

USDA is reshaping its research agenda to prioritize projects that strengthen US agriculture, national security and farmer profitability. The updated framework emphasizes market growth, invasive species prevention, soil health and nutrition-focused innovation.

IFIC Survey Shows Americans Remain Focused on Sugar Intake

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0500

New findings from IFIC show most Americans continue to monitor how much sugar they consume, even during the holiday season. The data highlight increased label use and product selection strategies, alongside ongoing gaps in understanding added sugars guidance.

V&V Supremo Foods Plans New Wisconsin Production Facility

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0500

V&V Supremo Foods has purchased land in Jefferson, Wisc., paving the way for a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. The expansion will boost production capacity, support sustainability goals, and create new jobs while strengthening the company’s national reach.

Inside the Next Wave of Plant-Based Formulation

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

From precision-fermented dairy proteins to next-gen fats and smarter plant fibers, today’s plant-based toolkit is evolving fast. Let's break down the trends helping developers solve for taste, nutrition and clean-label performance.

Jensen Unifies Plant-Based Portfolio to Drive Next Phase of Growth

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Jensen Meat Company is consolidating Before the Butcher, Cool Beans and its co-manufacturing operations under a single plant-based division to accelerate flavor innovation and operational efficiency. The unified structure enhances support for emerging brands while expanding high-quality, plant-based options for consumers across lifestyles and dietary needs.

Bascom Farms: Sweet, Natural Appeal

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Maple syrup is used by more than one-third of adults, with its use growing especially among younger consumers. This increase reflects a greater trend toward ingredients consumer recognize, and the desire for sweeteners that deliver both flavor and natural associations when compared to standard white granulated sugar.

GNT: Colors—To Connect

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 17:00:00 -0500

As people worldwide navigate instability and digital overload, shared eating and drinking occasions are becoming a joyful way to come together, express identity, and feel grounded. This shift is transforming the look and feel of food and drink, putting color at the center of experiences that feel more social, expressive, and emotionally resonant.