As health and wellness trends continue to rise, more and more consumers are looking for natural options and checking the labels before they buy. “The hydrocolloid market continues to grow as consumers seek convenient, healthy, fun and delicious products across the board,” Barb Chinn, food applications and research and development manager at Atlanta-based CP Kelco, says. “Hydrocolloids can help manufacturers meet these consumer demands.”
Beverage companies have retaliated to these trends and many are working to clean up their labels. Hydrocolloid suppliers now have natural offerings to accommodate this growing need assisting beverage manufacturers. “It is safe to say that there is high interest in delicious, good-for-you products around the world,” Chinn says. “Consumers are also seeking simpler and cleaner labels, resulting in increased demand for beverages that use hydrocolloids made from raw materials derived from nature and familiar to consumers.”