Natural Colors & Flavors

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.

Olam’s TrueDark cocoa powder for premium brand deZaan is the world’s first ever natural, non-alkalised dark cocoa powder. Pic: Olam Cocoa

Colors & Flavors Special

Going natural doesn’t mean compromising on color or flavor

By Wouter Stomph

Cocoa has a natural and familiar flavor,and has a huge role to play in meeting the consumer demand for natural flavors and colors … Just take a look at the shelves of your local supermarket.

The new Magnum Ruby Minis will be available across the States from February. Pic: Unilver

NPD

Magnum ice cream receives a Ruby makeover

By Anthony Myers

Unilever, the makers of Magnum ice cream, has announced it is the first national ice cream brand in the US to launch an ice cream featuring the new chocolate variant, Ruby.

Each serving (two gummies) of Matcha Bears provides about 250mg of the finely milled green tea powder, known for its powerful antioxidants. (Photo courtesy of Matcha Bears)

Functional Jellies Special Report

Matcha Bears pack energy and antioxidants in gummy form

By Kristine Sherred

Three New York City entrepreneurs have developed gluten-free gummies infused with premium grade matcha that walk the line between functional and fun, reaching those who drink tea and those who just want a boost of energy at any time of day.

Italian confectioner Perfetti Van Melle has launched a new range of vegan jellies in the UK. Pic: PVM

Jellies

Fruitella launches new vegan range of jellies in the UK

By Anthony Myers

Perfetti Van Melle (PVM) has launched its first ever gelatine-free range in the UK with two new Fruittella fruity jelly variants, which are also suitable for both vegans and vegetarians.

Barry Callebaut's new 'Wholefruit Chocolate' is part of the clean label trend in confectionery. Pic: Barry Callebaut

Clean label

Clean label in confectionery, does anyone really care?

By Anthony Myers

‘No artificial colors’ is the top clean label claim in chocolate across all markets, followed by ‘no added sugar’, but consumers are not buying it for a number of reasons, we discovered.

The future of hemp foods in the EU remains uncertain ©iStock/Yarygin

Europe ‘dynamic’ for CBD food innovation but legal hurdles remain

By Katy Askew

Global demand for foods containing hemp or CBD is expanding and levels of innovation in the European region have been ‘dynamic’. However, the future of the market hangs in the balance as regulators consider whether Cannabis sativa L. (industrial hemp)...