Health & Functionality

Consumers are increasingly looking for smaller packs of snacks. Pic: GettyImages/FotoDuets

Guest article

Capitalising on the small pack trend

By Gill Hyslop

Lifestyle changes are redefining the packaging sector. Along with the increased lean towards the snackification of mealtimes – ‘grazing’ on snacks throughout the day – consumers are also demanding more convenient, timely and portable solutions. Mike Pipe,...

Flavanols in cocoa drinks can boost brain power, scientists have revealed. Pic: GettyImages

Research

Drinking cocoa can make you smarter, say scientists

By Anthony Myers

New study, published in Scientific Reports, is the first to recognize the cognitive effects of flavanols in young, healthy participants and the link with brain activity.

An advertising ban on HFSS foods could result in a £3bn loss for the food industry. Pics: GettyImages/Eskemar/Suradech 14/happy_lark

£500m at risk if promotion ban on HFSS bakery and snacks goes ahead

By Gill Hyslop

The predictive analytics provider told BakeryandSnacks the UK savoury snacks industry stands to lose £381.1m, while the bakery sector is at risk of losing £143.4m should the government’s injunction on advertising products labelled as high in fat, sugar...

Ohso's healthy chocolate is now available online at Ocado. Pic: Ohso

Retail

Ohso probiotic chocolate brand launches on Ocado

By Anthony Myers

Award-winning probiotic chocolate brand, Ohso, has announced it has launched its range of low-calorie chocolate bars on Ocado, the UK’s high-end online grocery retailer.

Getty | KIWIS

How will COVID-19 impact health food perceptions?

By Nikki Hancocks

Health food and drink experts have revealed what they believe will be the biggest purchase drivers and the biggest innovation pitfalls post-COVID and how brands can cater to emerging needs.

Consumers are now paying more attention to the ingredients and nutritional content in their products. Pic: Cargill

Sugar reduction

How low can you go? The evolution of sugar reduction

By Anthony Myers

Consumers are now paying more attention to the ingredients and nutritional content in the products they purchase and are becoming more mindful about what they put in their bodies, food experts and analysts agree, and confectionery is on the front line...

Cacao juice is rich in proteins, vitamins, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, sodium and polyphenols and is a natural energizer. Pic: Pacha de Cacao

Health and fitness

Freshly pressed: Why Pacha de Cacao could be a game-changer

By Anthony Myers

Marika van Santvoort, founder of Pacha de Cacao, explains to ConfectioneryNews the benefits of cacao juice, not only for health-conscious western consumers, but also as potential extra revenue for cocoa farmers who are struggling on low incomes.