Ingredient Spotlight

Health needs, technology advancements support maturing plant protein market

jacobsenj@bnpmedia.com (Jessica Jacobsen) — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

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

Beverage-makers turn to coffee for the ingredient’s versatile flavors, functionality

Sabettal@bnpmedia.com (Lauren Sabetta) — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

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

Honey’s attributes extend beyond sweetness

Sabettal@bnpmedia.com (Lauren Sabetta) — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

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.

Working smarter with exotic fruits

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 07:00:00 -0500

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.

Exotic fruits connect with consumers’ bold flavor interests

jacobsenj@bnpmedia.com (Jessica Jacobsen) — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

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

Classic flavors serve as flavor ‘anchor’ for new beverage formulations

alversonc@bnpmedia.com (Chloe Alverson) — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0500

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.

Tea market evolves to meet wellness trends head-on

Sabettal@bnpmedia.com (Lauren Sabetta) — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

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.

A 'berry' merry time with Ocean Spray Ingredients

alversonc@bnpmedia.com (Chloe Alverson) — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 07:00:00 -0500

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.

Beverage-makers make it easier for consumers to get their protein

jacobsenj@bnpmedia.com (Jessica Jacobsen) — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

With protein popping up in more places, it would be hard to deny the power of protein in today’s new product development.

Beverage formulators stay on-trend while masking off-notes

alversonc@bnpmedia.com (Chloe Alverson) — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

As taste remains a priority for consumers, beverage-makers must work to stay on-trend with consumer needs while also ensuring ingredient off-notes in taste and smell are masked.

Botanical, adaptogens help beverage-makers meet health and wellness goals

Sabettal@bnpmedia.com (Lauren Sabetta) — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 11:00:00 -0400

In the world of beverages, a core part of how many people now define “better-for-you” beverage choices lies in the use of botanicals and adaptogens in formulations, experts note.

Fruit blends bring new meaning to beverage innovation

Sabettal@bnpmedia.com (Lauren Sabetta) — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

As the beverage industry continues to show strong and sustained demand for fruit ingredients, particularly tropical fruits, experts highlight how brands look to innovate in a highly competitive and fast-moving market.

The art of working with natural energy solutions

Sabettal@bnpmedia.com (Lauren Sabetta) — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Aside from taste, experts highlight how beverage-makers have additional factors to consider when working with natural energy ingredients.

Beverage-makers turn to natural energy solutions to meet market demand

Sabettal@bnpmedia.com (Lauren Sabetta) — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

With functional health trends driving consumer interest in natural energy solutions, experts highlight the benefits of formulating with such ingredients to meet consumers’ evolving need states.

IFT FIRST to address top consumer insights driving product development

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

The annual food science and technology event IFT FIRST will take place July 13-16, at McCormick Place in Chicago.

Hydrocolloids meet ever-evolving beverage trends head-on

Sabettal@bnpmedia.com (Lauren Sabetta) — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

As functional beverage trends continue to impact ingredient markets, experts highlight how hydrocolloids remain essential in health-forward formulations.

Opportunities abound for relaxation, stress-relief beverages

Sabettal@bnpmedia.com (Lauren Sabetta) — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Given that consumers are becoming more conscious of the impact stress can have on their well-being, experts note that this awareness has fueled the demand for relaxation beverages, driving market growth as people prioritize stress management.

Demand for plant protein grows thanks to health and wellness trends

alversonc@bnpmedia.com (Chloe Alverson) — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Experts share how the plant proteins market has performed and express which proteins work best in varying beverage formulations.

Beverage-makers turn to coffee ingredients for functionality, flavor innovation

Sabettal@bnpmedia.com (Lauren Sabetta) — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Given coffee ingredients’ versatility, experts highlight how beverage-makers are developing new products with enhanced flavors, functionalities and convenience.

Beverage-makers turn to exotic fruits to satisfy consumers’ cravings

alversonc@bnpmedia.com (Chloe Alverson) — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Beverage-makers are utilizing exotic fruits to appeal to consumer trends and create exciting flavor profiles.

Classic flavors take on modern twist for beverage formulations

Sabettal@bnpmedia.com (Lauren Sabetta) — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Generally well-liked by a broad range of consumers, experts highlight how formulators are balancing classic flavors’ sweet profiles with functionality as taste remains king.

Beverage-makers utilize tea as an ingredient for plethora of reasons

alversonc@bnpmedia.com (Chloe Alverson) — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Various consumer trends, especially health and wellness trends, emphasize desire for tea as an ingredient in beverages.

Protein flexes its muscles as consumers look to add more protein to diet

Sabettal@bnpmedia.com (Lauren Sabetta) — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Consumers’ perception of protein continues to evolve with the use of protein-fortified drinks extending beyond traditional sports occasions.

Consumers show enthusiasm for natural energy solutions

alversonc@bnpmedia.com (Chloe Alverson) — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

The natural energy solutions market is growing as consumers turn to healthy and clean label alternatives for energy.

Botanicals and adaptogens offer plethora of potential health benefits for beverages

alversonc@bnpmedia.com (Chloe Alverson) — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

As consumers continue to demand more than hydration from their beverages, manufacturers are turning to new ways to deliver on functionality and clean label preferences.

Fruit blends appeal to consumers for flavor, health factors

alversonc@bnpmedia.com (Chloe Alverson) — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Experts share insights on which fruit blends are currently popular among consumers and why.

Functional beverages place greater need for masking ingredients

Sabettal@bnpmedia.com (Lauren Sabetta) — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

As functional beverages remain in demand, experts highlight how masking ingredients are essential in formulations by enhancing a beverage’s overall drinking experience.

Hydrocolloids offer multitude of beverage benefits

alversonc@bnpmedia.com (Chloe Alverson) — Thu, 16 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Although hydrocolloids do not provide specific health benefits, experts note that their functional attributes make many of the trendy, health-forward drinks possible.

Beverage-makers work to deliver stress relief, relaxation benefits

alversonc@bnpmedia.com (Chloe Alverson) — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

As consumers cope with stress and anxiety, they are turning to beverages to induce relaxation and support healthy sleep cycles.

Health, sustainability trends put plant proteins in the limelight

Sabettal@bnpmedia.com (Lauren Sabetta) — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400

As beverage-makers increasingly turn to plant proteins to meet consumer trends, experts highlight some key considerations to take into account when formulating with these ingredients.