Ocean Spray petitioning FDA to allow cranberry health claim

The fruit cooperative wants to advertise that daily consumption of its products, including juice, berries and powder, may help prevent recurring urinary tract infections.

By Caroline Macdonald • March 29, 2018

Post Holdings moves closer toward IPO of its private brands business

The cereal maker filed a draft registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a public offering of the unit, but it hasn't ruled out other options, including a sale.

By Emma Liem Beckett • March 29, 2018

Why beverage makers should leverage gluten-free oats and quinoa powders

These drink mixes could help companies qualify for the Whole Grain Stamp and bolster the health halos of their products, increasing their appeal for consumers. 

By Caroline Macdonald • March 29, 2018

How Mars Wrigley turns social sentiment into real-time opportunities for Goodnessknows

The company, known for candy like Snickers, used targeted ads and coupons based on comments by health-conscious Twitter users to drive a 147% engagement rate. 

By Dianna Christe • March 28, 2018

Nestle unveils 'hollow sugar' candy bar

The Swiss food giant's new technology reduced the amount of the sweetener used in its Milkybar Wowsomes, a confection sold in Europe, by 30%.

By Cathy Siegner • March 28, 2018

Will calorie counts impact alcohol sales?

The new menu labeling law will require them to be printed on packaging as consumer demand for transparency grows.

By Alicia Kelso • March 27, 2018

Maker of iconic Sweethearts and Clark Bar candies at risk of closing

The New England Confectionery Company is trying to sell itself, but it may have to shut down and lay off 395 employees if it can't find a buyer by May 6.  

By Cathy Siegner • March 26, 2018

New wheat varieties could allow high fiber claims

Arcadia Biosciences, which developed the new selections, is working with manufacturers to incorporate the cereal grain into reformulated products.

By Caroline Macdonald • March 22, 2018

Study: Organic farming reduces nitrogen pollution

The practice releases into the environment 64% less of the gas, which contributes to problems such as ozone depletion and acid rain, than conventional agricultural methods. 

By Caroline Macdonald • March 22, 2018

Greek researchers say feta has probiotic potential

Scientists found it has a similar mouthfeel and taste to the traditional cheese while being better protected against listeria. 

By Caroline Macdonald • March 22, 2018

Study: High-fiber diet could help treat Type 2 diabetes

Researchers from Rutgers University found consuming some whole grains and fibers can stimulate insulin production, leading to better blood glucose control. 

By Caroline Macdonald • March 22, 2018

Diageo serves up mixology skills on Amazon Alexa

The voice-enabled app offers bar recommendations and cocktail recipe suggestions, including hip-hop celebrity Snoop Dogg's drink of choice.

By Robert Williams • March 21, 2018

Knorr's AI-powered tool serves up recipes based on a user's Instagram

"Eat Your Feed" scans users' posts to provide personalized recipe suggestions that include at least one Knorr ingredient.

By Robert Williams • March 20, 2018

Target testing alternative loyalty program

The retailer, which shares a core customer base with Amazon's Prime program, is hoping the new tier could be a ramp to its full Redcard membership.

By Daphne Howland • March 20, 2018

Plastic particles in bottled water — ubiquitous or dangerous?

Coca-Cola, Nestle and other bottled-water manufacturers said the levels found by Orb Media are inconsequential and that their products are safe.  

By Cathy Siegner • March 19, 2018

Purpose takes center stage for PepsiCo, Stella Artois at SXSW

Both companies are thinking about values-based marketing in less piecemeal terms as young consumers demand their brands stand for something — and seeing success as a result.

By Peter Adams • March 19, 2018

The ongoing evolution of organic: Why it's popular and where it's heading

The food production method surged in the early 2000s as consumers began to see the connection between diet, health and the environment. Today, clean labels and fresher items are spurring growth.

By Cathy Siegner • March 19, 2018

Could kids be the next bright spot for protein bars?

With food companies desperate for growth, some businesses are focusing more on children, particularly with brands and product attributes that are already well-known to parents.

By Cathy Siegner • March 16, 2018

InnoBev gets patent for plant-based pick-me-up

The Israeli company's non-caffeinated formula uses guarana, ginko biloba and elderberry extracts to counter post-lunch drowsiness. 

By Caroline Macdonald • March 15, 2018

Lab-grown fruit cultures could yield new superfoods

Researchers claim they taste like fresh fruit, and could be used to make caviar-like compotes, smoothies and snack foods.

By Caroline Macdonald • March 15, 2018

Umami ingredient can reduce both sugar and sodium, company claims

The Israeli firm is targeting products such as ketchup, barbecue sauces, chutneys, dressings and pizza and pasta sauces — items that are often savory but high in sugar.

By Caroline Macdonald • March 15, 2018

Kraft Heinz and Campbell Soup play catch-up in plant-based category

At the Natural Products Expo West show, executives discussed the innovations and investments they have made to grow their reach.

By Alicia Kelso • March 14, 2018

Clean label study warns brands to rethink strategies

Solutions for Retail Brands and the Food Marketing Institute found there is room for companies to better promote the benefits of these products, while at the same time avoiding the impression that non-clean-label items are bad.

By Erika Kincaid • March 13, 2018

Report links ultra-processed food to cancer risk, another boon for fresh category

French researchers urged more exploration connecting higher consumption with the disease, noting that these individuals also tended to be smokers, to exercise less and to eat unhealthy food. 

By Caroline Macdonald • March 13, 2018

Hitting refresh: Grocers update their store brands to stay top-of-mind with shoppers

As competition grows, retailers are looking at the ingredients found in many of their private label products while moving into new categories within the space.

By Pamela DeLoatch • March 12, 2018