With only a couple of exceptions, lower-and zero-calorie sugar alternatives have failed to live up to the multifaceted functionality and flavor of sucrose and its components, glucose and fructose. In fact, great taste remains one of the primary obstacles to overcome with the range of sugar alternatives cropping up in the marketplace. A close second, of course, is performance in a formulation.

Watch or listen to a Prepared Foods interview with ethnobotanist and contributing editor Kerry Hughes discussing the trending foods, beverages, and ingredients using botanicals featured at 2024 Natural Products Expo West.

While natural and botanical methods of preservation have been in use for centuries, the modern food processing system has relied heavily on synthetic food preservatives, such as nitrates, benzoates, sulfites, sorbates, and others. 

Available in three varieties — Into the Woods, Best Zest and Night Flight — each can of Fable contains a 5mg micro dose of Delta-9 THC and 3mg CBD.

EVOLVE plant-based protein reformulated its portfolio of ready-to-drink protein shakes and announced its continued commitment to the National Park Foundation (NPF). EVOLVE aims to connect people to the outdoors through access and inspiration, and this partnership helps bring shared missions to life in service of helping to protect the outdoors for everyone.

Collagen’s star is rising fast—but is it just a passing trend? Not according to industry experts, who say that the protein is set to become a major force in the health ingredients category.

Univar Solutions Inc. and Novozymes announced a new agreement to expand the partnership into the United States and Canadian food ingredients markets. The new food ingredients agreement takes effect May 1, 2021, one month after the companies announced an exclusive agreement expanding the partnership into the United States and Canadian beverage production, homecare, and industrial cleaning markets.

Prepared Foods showcases new functional beverages and superfood gummies.

Prepared Foods profiles new protein beverages for retail.

Premier Protein expanded its innovative line of ready-to-drink Protein Shakes with Oats with the launch of Chocolate Hazelnut for stepping up breakfast games. The new flavor, which launched online last month, is starting to hit store shelves over the next few months.

Prinova, a worldwide provider of functional ingredients and manufacturer of nutrient premixes, creates an innovative online experience with the launch of its new website. 

Prepared Foods profiles new functional foods, drinks and supplements.

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. 

Rritual Superfoods Inc. announced that the company's product innovation and research team has completed testing on the first of its new superfood mushroom latte blend formulations, incorporating plant-based collagen enhancers as a key market differentiator.

Innophos introduces Textur-Melt® LM89 and DKP (Dipotassium Phosphate), which help stabilize and improve the performance, functionality and quality of drinks that contain protein from sources including whey, collagen, and plant-based sources.

In an environment where “anti-aging” has become the norm, Great Lakes Wellness is championing a unique viewpoint on getting older by embracing all the positives that come with it.

Obvi teamed up with Entenmann's®, a quintessential brand in baked goods, to bring consumers a collagen-boosting solution inspired by a classic treat. Obvi and Entenmann's® launched a collaborative flavor of Obvi's cult-favorite collagen protein powder, Entenmann's® x Obvi Super Collagen Protein Powder | Chocolate Chip Cookie.

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.

Ascent announced a new line of organic plant-based protein powders, created to support muscle health and athletic performance. Ascent's Plant Protein helps to expand their line of products that support "clean-eating, hard-working athletes dedicated to their nutritional goals."

Designer Protein, a source for nutrient-filled protein powders, introduced Designer Collagen, an easy-to-digest and regenerative wellness supplement available. Designer Collagen is available in three flavors: French Vanilla, Toffee Swirl and Beautifully Unflavored.

Kyäni Origin features a premium plant-based protein blend made from fava beans, peas, pumpkin, and sunflower seeds to support strong muscles, help fuel metabolism, help maintain a healthy weight, and support healthy blood sugar levels. 

Today’s consumers are rarely satisfied with just a thirst-quenching drink when they crave a beverage. They’re seeking healthful extras that target everything from immunity to mood issues, from energy to meal replacement. And of course, they want plenty of flavor with few calories.

New global research from Kerry indicates that most protein consumers are motivated by health and wellness, with 50% of respondents associating protein with “healthy diet” and 46% with “healthy lifestyle.” 

New options in 100% Whey Protein include Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream and Chocolate Chip Cookie with real chocolate chip inclusions, as well as Cocoa Mint with real marshmallow inclusions. 

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.

Atlas Bar®, a protein bar developed to support both physical and mental wellness, added three plant-based flavors to its offering of zero-added-sugar, keto-friendly protein bars made of clean, high-quality real-food ingredients.

Rowdy, known for its premium bars and collagen protein powders that are made with superfood prebiotic Yacon Root, announced its new flavors of collagen + prebiotic protein powders, Vanilla Bean and Chocolate.

Featuring enhanced flavor and a meatier texture, the new Beyond Sausage has been reformulated to advance taste and nutrition as part of Beyond Meat’s ongoing mission to deliver plant-based proteins that offer nutritional and environmental benefits.

Deviled WunderEggs come in a tray of hard-boiled WunderEggs made of the "egg" white only, and a sachet of pre-made deviled egg filling, made in collaboration with Fabalish Classic Vegan Mayo.

Made with real whole cashews, Elmhurst’s Cashew Creamers are naturally smooth and velvety, with a rich consistency that performs in hot or iced coffee or tea. 

"We want to provide plant-forward options that appeal to all the various reasons why diners are eating more plants. This includes plant-based alternatives such as Molly’s Kitchen Plant-Based Smashed Patty," said Stacey Kinkaid, vice president of product development & innovation, US Foods. "This also includes chef-inspired, vegan options such as our Chef’s Line Tempura Brussels Sprouts and vegetarian options such as Molly’s Kitchen Mexican-Style Cheese Stuffed Cigars."

This move follows the success of Redefine Flank within foodservice outlets, in more than nine countries amid widespread acceptance from meat-lovers, flexitarians, vegetarians, and vegans alike.

A look at new plant based meat alternatives and snacks continuing to drive growth in the plant based space.

Since its inception, Armored Fresh has been committed to breaking the stereotype that plant-based cheese is a bland, unsatisfactory solution made only for vegans. 

Sperri, a Halifax-based company, is at the forefront of disrupting the food and beverage industry, driven by the philosophy that food is medicine. 

CSE’s canned Clear Protein is light and juicy with a fruity-fresh twist, while containing 20g of lactose-free whey isolate protein per can.   

Traditionally, proteins such as glutenin and gliadin have been favored in baking for their role in dough texture and structure. However, as consumer awareness of health, nutrition, and sustainability has grown, the focus has shifted to incorporating a broader range of protein sources into baking.

Prepared Foods discusses plant protein ingredients and formulation strategies with Charlie Baggs, president, founder and executive chef at Charlie Baggs Culinary Innovations, Chicago.

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

Sweet proteins are plant proteins that taste up to 5,000 times sweeter than sugar and can replace 70-90% of sugar in most food and beverage products. 

The center will engage partners from academia and industry to research, create, and commercialize new technologies, provide training for the emerging industry workforce, and gauge consumers' protein preferences.

The powder blends smoothly into coffee or tea to give a nutritional and energy boost from a proprietary mix of pea, hemp and pumpkin seed protein.

An emphasis on plant-based ingredients aligns with Pureture's commitment to environmentally friendly and sustainable food production, ensuring the health and longevity of future food sources. 

Prepared Foods highlights a few examples of how the evolution in protein applications is extending across food and beverage categories.

The innovation enhances the quality and functionality of clean-label foods, while reducing production costs, making healthier food options more accessible to consumers.

TAHA will now provide consumers with nutritional supplements that are certified Net Carbon Zero and made with clinically researched functional ingredients.

The competition invited university students across the United States to develop unique snack products highlighting the nutritional and functional benefits of eggs, aligning with today’s consumer preferences for new and exciting snack options. 

Made with a premium 100% whey protein blend with natural digestive enzymes, GHOST® WHEY x OREO® "MINT" contains 25g of protein per serving and can be used in the morning, post-workout, throughout the day or before bed.

Created with daily empowerment in mind, REBBL's 20g Protein beverages are 100% organic, non-GMO, and crafted with a triple adaptogen blend, including Maca, Ashwagandha, and Reishi.

GNT USA will use this year’s SupplySide West 2024 to demonstrate how EXBERRY® colors can fuel new product innovation with next-generation protein powder concepts. GNT invites food and beverage formulator attendees to Booth #2065 during the exhibition, Oct. 28-31, in Las Vegas.