Nutrition

Stevia seedlings. Pic: Howtian Group

BALANCING HEALTH AND INDULGENCE IN CONFECTIONERY

Colombia’s sugar reduction tax targets confectionery

By Anthony Myers

The global landscape of food consumption is undergoing a significant shift with the introduction of sugar taxes in over 120 countries. These initiatives are primarily aimed at guiding consumers towards healthier lifestyle choices by reducing the intake...

ProSweets Cologne is set to attract over 250 exhibitors from over 25 countries at next year's event. Pic: Koelnmesse

ProSweets Cologne 24

ProSweets Cologne focuses on the reformulation of sweets and snacks

By Anthony Myers

More than 30 ingredients specialists are set to attend ProSweets Cologne, the supplier fair that runs along side ISM sweets and snacks trade show, to offer natural and sustainable solutions that contain less sugar or carry a clean label declaration.

Consumers are on the look out for alternative protein sources, which the bakery and snacks categories are perfectly aligned to provide. Pic: GettyImages

The four factors driving the alternative protein ecosystem

By Gill Hyslop

While food security, health and sustainability continue to shape the food landscape, consumers are still demanding a sensory experience, which means there is a growing need for expanded protein choices that can be incorporated into bakery and snacks....

Protein snacks are at an all time high. Pic: GettyImages

The UK’s top 10 protein bar flavours

By Gill Hyslop

Research shows that consumer demand for protein is at an all-time high, with 29% of Americans stating that protein has become more important over the past year.

Pic: GettyImages

Ingredients

New survey finds almonds fill the needs of chocolate consumers

By Anthony Myers

The Almond Board of California visited the ISM Sweets & Snacks trade fair in Cologne at the weekend to promote its new report that claimed almonds are the #1 most-preferred ingredient for inclusion in global consumers’ ideal chocolate products.

©Getty Images - Juanmonino

CRN: Gummy article harps on problems, ignores benefits

By Hank Schultz

A recent Wall Street Journal article highlighted potential issues with the formulation and usage of gummy supplements with little attention given to the benefits of these products, the Council for Responsible Nutrition says.

Parents want snacks that offer nutrition and satiety - along with the bonus of looking after the planet - for themselves and their kids. Pic: GettyImages/Sinenkiy

Plant-based eating is trending in snacks for kids

By Gill Hyslop

Human nutrition specialist ADM has unveiled the next big consumer trends for 2022, among them the dynamic growth of plant-based snacks that deliver nutrition and satiety for kids.

Pic: iStock/thodonal

Healy leverages cocoa shells for natural sugar reduction

By Katy Askew

Healy Group, the Ireland-based ingredient supplier, has developed a process to turn cocoa shells – an otherwise under-utilised by-product of cocoa production – into a micronised cocoa fibre that can help with sugar reduction in chocolate.

Insights

Indulgence now a planned activity: Euromonitor

By Kristine Sherred

Everyday indulgence has ended, as impulse purchases slow, social media takes over and regulations intensify, according to Euromonitor analyst Michael Schaefer.

A trolley full of ultra-processed food. © GettyImages/JackF

Ultra-processed food may be linked to cancer: BMJ study

By Niamh Michail

There may be a causal link between eating highly processed food and cancer risk, and four reasons why this could be, according to the authors of a 105,000-strong French study published in the British Medical Journal.

Pic:iStock

Bermuda launches sugar tax consultation

By Rachel Arthur

Bermuda has launched a public consultation for its proposed sugar tax, which would cover sugar-sweetened beverages, candies and plain sugar.