R&D

Healthy chocolate? The growing evidence for cocoa flavanols

SPECIAL EDITION: HEALTHY AND FUNCTIONAL CONFECTIONERY

Healthy chocolate? The growing evidence for cocoa flavanols

By Nathan Gray

The meteoric emergence of cocoa flavanols as the new 'super ingredient' continues, with many new scientific publications focused on the potential health effects of these special compounds. As part of this special edition, we take a look at some...

Study queries dental health credentials of sugar free gums, but findings questioned by Mondelez scientist. Photo Credit: Mike Burns

Caries and gingivitis sugar free gum benefits questioned: Study

By Oliver Nieburg

Colombian researchers have questioned the clinical benefits of sugar free chewing gum to prevent dental caries and gingivitis after a double-blind, randomized controlled trial. A scientist from Mondelez has doubted the findings.

Hot Chocolate: Nestlé creates 'tropicalized shells' to tackle melting chocolate mess. Photo Credit: meddygarnet

Nestlé’s answer to non-melting chocolate

By Oliver Nieburg

Nestlé has followed in the footsteps of Mondelez by coming up with its own non-melting chocolate, which could prove a game changer in emerging markets with hot climates.

Fertin Pharma gives the common cold something to chew on with its ImmuneGum containing plant extract Echinacea, vitamin C and zinc

Dispatches from Vitafoods Europe 2013

Chewing gum developed to battle common cold

By Oliver Nieburg

Private label gum maker Fertin Pharma has developed an immunity chewing gum that it claims can help guard against the common cold.

Chocolate may stimulate microorganisms that led to acne, say researchers

Chocolate may worsen acne, say researchers

By Oliver Nieburg

Eating chocolate may increase incidence and severity of acne by stimulating microorganisms that cause the condition, according to a team of Dutch researchers.

Global confectionery NPD: Stevia Haribo and dental candy

Global confectionery NPD: Stevia Haribo and dental candy

By Oliver Nieburg

ConfectioneryNews takes a look at the latest confections to hit store shelves across the globe including stevia-sweetened Haribo in Germany, low calorie chocolates in Japan, and teeth friendly candy in the UK

Hot chocolate tastes better in an orange cup: study

Hot chocolate tastes better in an orange cup: study

By Ben BOUCKLEY

Recent research shows that the color of beverage containers influences consumer enjoyment, with results indicating that orange and dark-cream colored cups enhanced the flavor, sweetness and aroma of hot chocolate.

Could white chocolate compounds also benefit heart health?

Could white chocolate compounds also benefit heart health?

The potential heart health benefits of dark chocolate may be only partly linked to the flavanol content, with white chocolate - devoid of such compounds - also offering potential cardiovascular benefits, says a new study. 

Review calls for research on mood modifying effects of cocoa

Review calls for research on mood modifying effects of cocoa

By Nathan Gray

Daily intake of flavanol-rich cocoa products could have benefits for mood and heart healt however there is a great need for detailed research into the mood modifying effects of such ingredients, according to a research.

Study backs chocolate for stroke prevention

Study backs chocolate for stroke prevention

By Nathan Gray

Consuming a ‘moderate’ amount of chocolate each week could be associated with lower risk of developing stroke, according to new research from Sweden.

Starter cultures backed for on-farm cocoa fermentation

Starter cultures backed for on-farm cocoa fermentation

By Nathan Gray

On-farm implementation of cocoa bean starter cultures could aid the production of chocolate with a more consistent flavour, according to a new study from a team Belgian researchers and Barry Callebaut.