Ingredient Spotlight

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Consumers’ concerns on mental well-being and stress management has created a growing demand for beverages that support a calming clarity.

Coffee is evolving into a functional powerhouse, but preserving its flavor is the real challenge. Discover how cold extraction enables innovation without compromising the sensory experience consumers expect. 

Plant-based proteins have moved from being a niche option to a go-to ingredient to meet protein needs in beverage development.

Coffee ingredients are increasingly being used in formulations as supporting components rather than the sole focus, experts note.

During its first Honey R&D Summit of the year, the National Honey Board (NHB) detailed the magnificence of honeybees and why the ingredient is not just a typical sweetener, but a functional powerhouse.

The influence and demand for tropical flavors remains ever present in the food and beverage market; however, formulators must tackle cost and supply chain variables to deliver products that consumers want and can afford.

The positive connotations associated with exotic fruits are helping these ingredients to influence innovation within the beverage market.

Chocolate, vanilla and strawberry flavors remain popular among consumers in a variety of beverage applications, experts share, with flavors serving as a foundation for more unique beverage flavors to build off of as well. 

As wellness trends continue to be at the forefront of beverage innovation, experts highlight how brands are leveraging tea’s broad spectrum of functional properties. 

Recently, I had the opportunity to travel to Massachusetts to spend time with Ocean Spray Ingredients to learn more about the company’s various cranberry innovations and formulations with fellow editors.