Prepared Foods profiles new protein beverages for retail.

The protein trend has promised to continue at a steady pace, with interest in, and consumption of, plant proteins increasing at record levels. This is due in large part to the rapid expansion in consumer demand for meat, dairy, and seafood analogs. But alongside the growth in protein as a whole ingredient, the various parts that make up a protein molecule are not being ignored. 

In spite of the many strides made in women’s health and nutrition, one of the key issues facing women is a very basic one: insufficient protein intake. Sarcopenia, the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass, occurs far more frequently, and at a younger age (beginning around age 35), in women than in men. It is the primary factor leading to weakness and frailty in women as they age.

Each 1.6oz CHICKEN STICK contains 20g of protein, zero sugar, 175mg of choline and more than 35 additional naturally occurring nutrients that support whole body health.

The updates include a completely refined recipe and a modern packaging design for all its items including Veggiecraft Cauliflower Rotini, Veggiecraft Zucchini Penne, and Veggiecraft Sweet Potato Spaghetti. 

Whisps Protein Snackers are an on-the-go option that doesn't require refrigeration for snackers looking for something quick, convenient and satisfying.

The fitfactor Weight Management System™ includes protein shakes, bars, and weight management supplements, combined with online nutrition coaching and community.

HighKey launched Almond Flour Crackers. Available in Sea Salt and Cheddar flavors, HighKey's Almond Flour Crackers have only 1 to 2g of net carbs per serving—making them an alternative for people on low carb and keto diets.

In development for two years, Eat Me Guilt Free's new and improved formula has less sugar, is non-GMO and uses modified atmosphere packaging to exclude unnecessary preservatives.

GoGo squeeZ® continues the spirit of its 'FUN-damentals' campaign off-screen with a partnership with B-Girl and World Champion athlete, Logan 'Logistx' Edra, to encourage more people to give breaking, the "it" sport of summer, a try. 

North America was the second top region for energy drinks launches during a recent one-year period, with Europe as the leading region. Approximately one-fifth of global energy drink launches are released in North America. However, price differences between North America and other regions lead to a larger and dominant North American share for energy drinks sales value.

A candy lover's dream come true, the C4 x Hershey collaboration will infuse the flavors of some of Hershey's well-known products including Jolly Rancher Candy, Bubble Yum Bubble Gum, Reese's Peanut Butter, and Hershey's Milk Chocolate into a C4 product lineup formulated to fuel fitness performance. 

Americans still are not meeting the recommended intake levels for dietary fiber, a nutritional failure that can lead to the development of a number of health issues down the road. The shortfall is so critical that the new “Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025” has designated dietary fiber as “a dietary component of public health concern.”

Tate & Lyle, a leading global provider of food and beverage ingredients and solutions, invites Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) FIRST attendees to experience its full suite of ingredients and solutions by visiting the Interactive Kitchen experience located at booth #S-0600.

An in-vivo animal study revealed that aged black garlic extract (Pharmactive Biotech Products, S.L. ABG10+®) containing S-allyl-cysteine (SAC) and polyphenols could help promote vascular health. 

An in vivo animal study revealed that aged black garlic extract (Pharmactive Biotech Products, S.L. ABG10+®) containing S-allyl-cysteine (SAC) and polyphenols could help promote vascular health. ABG10+, a Nutraingredients Asia Award-winning proprietary black garlic extract formulation, demonstrated that supplementation with this unique compound could help maintain proper cardiovascular function, balance lipids, and decrease the risk of atherosclerosis.

Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc., the agricultural cooperative owned by more than 700 farmer families, and Canomiks, a startup technology company transforming the functional food and beverage industry, announced research leveraging Canomiks' A.I. based technology platform to test and certify the biological efficacy of the cranberry. 

According to the International Taste Institute, taste drives 88% of F&B consumer purchase intent, making it the most important attribute for food and beverage products’ success and overshadowing other considerations like price, health and convenience. Yet taste, as the palate perceives it, is not merely a combination of aroma and flavor.

The US Food and Drug Administration announced that it intends to propose that “Acacia (Gum Arabic)” also known as gum acacia, be included as part of the FDA's definition of dietary fiber. The action is being taken in response to a citizen petition from Nexira, Alland & Robert and Importers Service Corporation.

The new plant will be located adjacent to the company's existing Atchison, Kan., plant. Once online in late 2023, the new extrusion plant is expected to produce up to 10 million pounds of ProTerra per year.

Nexira has joined the American Botanical Council (ABC) and adopted acacia through ABC’s “Adopt-an-Herb” botanical research and education program.

Jungbunzlauer announced the groundbreaking for the first stage of this multi-year project, which is supported by $4.8 million from the Invest Ontario Fund.

The US yogurt category is already seeing high levels of low/no sugar development, with 20% of all launches in 2018 carrying such claims, up from just 4% in 2013.

Shoppers are increasingly ingredient-conscious and seek snack experiences that fit within evolving dietary preferences and personal goals.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 30 million Americans — nearly 10% of the entire population — are living with diabetes, and perhaps as many as 85 million more are living with prediabetes.

Moonstone Nutrition, a Pittsburgh-based startup that has developed products to prevent kidney stone formation and promote overall kidney health, announced receipt of an investment from the Accelerator Fund II, LLC., an organization sponsored and managed by the Pittsburgh Life Sciences Greenhouse that makes early stage investments in life sciences companies located in western Pennsylvania and outside the region.  

Power Life™ by Tony Horton launched its latest flavor of protein powders: Strawberry Vanilla High Impact Whey Protein and Strawberry Vanilla High Impact Plant Protein.

DripDrop®, the electrolyte drink mix that offers a fast way to hydrate, announced the launch of three new offerings for its Zero Sugar lineup: Zero Sugar Peach, Zero Sugar Watermelon, and a 4 flavor Zero Sugar Variety Pack.

GURU’s new Peach Mango Punch is made with a blend of natural ingredients that help increase focus and brain performance.

Powered by BRCC’s proprietary Black Rifle Energy™ Blend, these drinks are crafted with naturally sourced caffeine that delivers a punch in attention-grabbing packaging.

Layn Natural Ingredients, one of the world’s largest vertically-integrated manufacturers and innovators of natural, functional botanical extract ingredients and solutions has extended its deep portfolio of tea extracts with its Instant Tea Extract Powder line.

Mayawell, a Mexican-owned better-for-you soda, took a step to diversify its product offerings and fortify its retail presence with the introduction of prebiotic sodas in four packs. 

Beech-Nut® Nutrition Company, a baby and toddler food manufacturer, launched seven new food and snack innovations made with ingredients like prebiotics, whole milk yogurt, fruits, and veggies.

The expansion into prebiotic fiber ingredients had expanded fiber use from its traditional home within grain foods to a broader range of categories, including soft drinks and confectionery. Innova Market Insights actively monitors a broad range of trends—including global macro trends, lifestyle forces, consumer insights, ingredient trends, and new food and beverage product launches—that all show the impact of fiber use on various levels.

Blendtopia’s prepackaged frozen smoothie kits set consumers up for wellness success with optimal convenience and without complication—simply blend with 12oz of liquid. The smoothie kits contain chia seeds, goji berries, wheatgrass and more.

Dole Packaged Foods introduced the first Keto Certified Frozen Fruit Blend, the Dole® Keto Berry Blend, and a line of three new Dole Boosted Blends™. Each is designed to help support nutrition goals and can be used to make a convenient, ready-to-blend smoothie.

Designer Wellness, a source for nutrient-filled protein powders and other wellness products, introduced Designer Smoothie, a shelf stable and portable protein fruit smoothie that is made with real fruit, contains 12g of whey protein isolate, is all natural, gluten free, has 100% BPA free packaging and contains no sugar added.

Island Blend is a bright, tangy mélange bursting with upcycled island fruits. The medley includes Sweet Honeydew Melon, Juicy Mandarin Orange and Chewy Banana.

As science continues to evolve in the understanding of human health, new pathways emerge that are positively affected by botanicals. Ancient traditional applications of herbs, roots, rhizomes, bark, spices, and seeds—as well as fruits and vegetables—are gaining support daily in labs around the world.

In the first of a two-part discussion Prepared Foods Chief Editor Bob Garrison talks behind the scenes strategy with Doug Munk, Senior Director for Nestlé New Business Ventures

Riviana Foods Inc. announced the signing of a definitive agreement to purchase the assets of InHarvest, Inc. which specializes in the production, marketing and sale of premium specialty rice, quinoa and grains.

The first phase consisted of renovating approximately 20,000sq-ft of the plant to double its current capacity to produce Minute® ready-to-serve rice cups.

The investment will enable Lotus Foods to further scale its business by deepening investments along its value chain, from sourcing new global rice cultivation communities to growing and diversifying its customer base.

EQUII created a complete protein flour using fermentation, with the launch of its flagship Bread products last year. EQUII’s goal is to disrupt age-old fermentation methods with modern day innovation, combined with culinary art to make animal-free products that deliver great taste and complete protein.

With 10g of protein and 5g of net carbs per serving, Quest Cheese Crackers are a savory addition to the robust portfolio of Quest products, all grounded in the brand's mission of providing flavor and athlete-worthy nutrition.

Dedicated to providing high-quality protein that helps consumers better themselves daily, these new snackable varieties combine BUILT™ protein and balanced macros with a playful experience across texture, flavor, consistency, size, and shape.

G FUEL Protein Puffs are performance-based corn snacks that boasts 17g of protein per 1oz bag. 

Each bar delivers 20g of protein per serving. They are also gluten free, low sugar and under 200 calories, making them a nutrient-packed alternative to the sugary snacks and desserts that inspired the new flavors.

The bars combine crispy black beans (think crispy rice treats) with either crunchy kale, corn, carrot or pea.

The snacks  contain whole grains and 5g of prebiotic fiber, which work together to offer a gluten-free snack that supports gut health.