Health Benefits Sway Consumers and More News From Ingredient Suppliers

Health Benefits Sway Consumers

Health claims influence the food and beverage purchasing decisions of most consumers and are particularly likely to resonate with the youngest, research has shown. Global ingredient supplier Prinova surveyed more than 1,500 adult consumers in Europe and the United States in June 2024. Nearly three-fourths (72%) said they were more likely to buy a food or beverage product if the packaging mentioned a health benefit. This rose to 87% among those aged 18 to 24, and to 80% among those aged 25 to 34.

Overall, the claims most likely to influence purchasing decisions were low sugar or sugar free, weight management, and energy support. The ingredients most likely to influence purchasing decisions were probiotics, vitamins and minerals, and fiber, while the concerns most likely to affect food and beverage purchases were gut health, healthy aging, and fatigue.

The research also revealed high levels of interest in personalized approaches to nutrition. Seventy-nine percent of respondents believed that their particular genetic makeup affected their nutritional needs—either slightly or significantly—with millennials and women particularly likely to agree. Forty-one percent were keen to try a test that monitored how particular foods affected their bodies, while 32% were interested in tracking their diet and nutrition through an app or questionnaire.

NURA announced its latest ingredient developments: YESTEIN Yeast Protein, Postbiotics EF-2001 and beLP1, and the sustainably sourced sweetener MADBLEND Stevia Extract Blend. YESTEIN Yeast Protein is a vegan alternative to traditional protein sources, offering a complete amino acid profile. The two new postbiotic products, High Concentration EF-2001 and Vegan beLP1, are specifically designed to support microbiome balance and overall well-being. MADBLEND Stevia Extract Blend offers a premium, low-calorie alternative that enhances both taste and stability. For brands looking for a combined sweetening solution that delivers uncompromised flavor, a co-process blend with allulose or erythritol is also available paired with MADBLEND.

Imbibe launched certified Organic Senses, a portfolio of taste modulation tools designed to support organic formulations. It is an organic version of The Senses (including SweetSense and MakeSense sweetness and mouthfeel modulators and NonSense maskers).

Helaina introduced effera, a human lactoferrin equivalent ingredient with new preclinical and clinical data showing its bioavailability, safety, and a similar profile to native human lactoferrin. Helaina’s precision fermentation platform can produce a protein that is equivalent to the lactoferrin found in human colostrum and maternal milk.

Monteloeder, a subsidiary of SUANNUTRA, released BeRelief, an all-natural botanical composition that addresses musculoskeletal discomfort and helps support a feeling of well-being. It is a proprietary blend of three botanical extracts: ashwagandha, rosemary, and sesame. Their active compounds have been analyzed for their capacity to work synergistically to inhibit the receptors involved in discomfort.

Better Earth launched the first compostable foodservice packaging to pursue domestic sourcing of perennial grasses that regenerate soil and sequester carbon. Compostable packaging is emerging as a more sustainable alternative, but first-generation products have failed to utilize rapidly renewable raw materials that store carbon and cycle nutrients into soil that has been depleted by traditional agricultural practices. This line is made from a blend of rapidly renewable native perennial grasses like miscanthus, switchgrass, and sorghum, which improve soil health, sequester carbon, and can be grown on underutilized land to boost farmers’ income. It is produced through an innovative manufacturing process that utilizes clean, renewable energy.

Photo courtesy of Crespel & Deiters Group

Loryma introduced wheat-based Lory Crumb extrudates, an innovative solution for crispy coatings that meets the demand for healthier, low-fat convenience products. The new Lory Crumb varieties give breaded products a crunchy texture without the need for added fat or deep-frying. The range is available in two granulations: medium and coarse. To enhance performance of the non-fry crumbs, Lory Starch Opal is an appropriate inclusion. This cold-swelling starch works as a wet batter, securing crumbs to the substrate without the need for heat. It forms a thin film that enhances the product’s crunchiness and, with an additional dusting, further boosts crispness.

MILLBIO’s expanded product range provides natural solutions with multiple benefits for baking applications. SPRING X-TRA LIFE (a fermented/cultured wheat flour range) and the more recently launched X-TRA GUARD Rowan Berry Extract offer bakers natural substitutions for calcium propionate and potassium sorbate, respectively. FERMENTA X-TRA 5 (Rowan Berry Extract & SPRING X-TRA LIFE combined), increases the shelf life of bread by up to five days. SPRING X-TRA GUSTO, authentic Italian fermented cultured wheat flour and sourdough, provides tailored solutions for baked goods by delivering better taste and aromatic profiles, along with extended shelf life.

Kemin Industries appointed Y. Joy Zhong as director of research and development for its food technologies business unit in North America.

Corbion acquired the bread improver business from Novotech Food Ingredients, based in Delhi, India. The strategic acquisition will increase Corbion’s footprint as a global functional solutions provider and fortify its presence in the Asia-Pacific region.

GNT is working to develop new plant-based, sustainable EXBERRY color solutions for food and drink using unique fermentation technologies. The company has been creating EXBERRY colors from fruit, vegetables, and plants since its founding in 1978. It is now expanding into fermentation for the first time to increase innovation and sustainability in its plant-based solutions. To deliver on its aims, GNT has chosen to collaborate with Plume Biotechnology, a United Kingdom–based startup focused on innovation in fermentation science and bioprocessing for natural colors.

Idaho Milk Products unveiled plans for the construction of a $200 million dual ice cream and powder blending facility at its Jerome, Idaho, campus. Construction of the custom-designed 183,000 sq ft plant will be substantially complete by early 2026 with full commercial production by May 2026.

Kalsec announced the grand opening of its Mildenhall Finishing & Distribution Centre, located in the United Kingdom at Merlin Park. It will improve service capabilities for Kalsec’s European customers by providing flexibility, increased localized options, and improved delivery times. Alongside this, the European facility will help Kalsec improve supply chain sustainability metrics through local sourcing, production, and distribution of products.

AMPAK Company plans to partner with Agrigum International, a United Kingdom–based producer of gum arabic. Their collaborative efforts will greatly expand the capacity to distribute gum acacia in the U.S. market. With the AMPAK sales and customer support team, Agrigum will be afforded an extended opportunity to promote its growth and business development in the evolving American market.

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AIDP announced a new clinical study published in the medical journal Cureus for Mangifera indica extract under the brand name Stadice from Zeus Hygia, Life Sciences (Telangana, India). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study demonstrated that Stadice significantly improved mental speed, attention, working memory, response inhibition, and verbal learning and memory as evidenced by the results of multiple cognitive ability tests. Additionally, Stadice showed beneficial responses in managing psychological stress in terms of handling nervousness, irritability, or mood swings.

NutriLeads entered into a sales and marketing agreement with Nexus Wise to represent the company in Malaysia. The company’s strong marketing and technical expertise will help manufacturers create innovative wellness solutions with Benicaros.

dsm-firmenich announced the approval of its human milk oligosaccharide (HMO): 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL) and lacto-N-fucopentaose I/2’-fucosyllactose (LNFP-I/2’-FL) mixture as novel food ingredients in the United Kingdom and European Union. The UK approval covers both 3-FL and the LNFP-I/2’-FL mixture.

These are the first two HMO approvals assessed by the Food Standards Agency and Food Standards Scotland in the post-Brexit United Kingdom, representing a pivotal development in the country’s novel food regulatory landscape. Concurrently, the European Commission authorized the LNFP-I/2’-FL mixture in July 2024. These approvals will allow for the marketing of GlyCare 3FL 9001 and GlyCare LNFP-I/2FL 8001 across a wide range of food categories, including infant formula, follow-on formula, conventional foods, food for special medical purposes, and food supplements.

KM Packaging celebrated 40 years of delivering reliable, cutting-edge packaging across varied sectors, including fresh produce; ambient, chilled, and frozen convenience foods; confectionery; and snacks. Looking ahead, KM Packaging is committed to sustainable growth, ensuring long-term business viability.ft

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