Clean labeling: What food manufacturers need to know

As the industry transitions to a time when information is paramount and consumers scrutinize the labels on their food, it only makes sense that clean label trends are taking hold.

By Food Dive staff • July 17, 2017

Food makers bulk up on simple ingredients as consumers embrace clean labels

General Mills, Hershey, Campbell Soup and Nestle are among the companies replacing artificial colors and flavors with natural ones and using a smaller roster of components.

By Christopher Doering • July 17, 2017

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Top 5 stories from Food Dive

The food and beverage industry is changing rapidly and the actions companies take this year are likely to play a major role in defining their future. 

By Food Dive staff

Cleanliness conundrums: The challenges in clean label reformulations

The ingredients list may be more consumer-friendly, but experts say the product might not look, taste or behave the way shoppers expect.

By Megan Poinski • July 17, 2017

Finding opportunity at the intersection of food production and distribution

Ensuring key parts of the supply chain are geographically convenient improves quality, and Missouri Partnership CEO Steve Johnson explains how to determine if this setup works for manufacturers.

By Steve Johnson • July 17, 2017

Hazardous chemicals found in boxed macaroni and cheese

Consumer advocates are urging Kraft Heinz and other manufacturers to clean up their products after research found harmful chemicals in the favorite kids’ food.

By Sandy Skrovan • July 17, 2017

Will consumers scream for new Haagen-Dazs ice cream packaging?

The popular frozen treat is debuting new packaging, logo and advertising campaign as part of its efforts to modernize the well-known brand. 

By Christopher Doering • July 17, 2017

Grocery and convenience stores sue to stop NYC menu labeling rules

The city's law is set to take effect on Aug. 21, and retailer groups are upset about being forced to comply while hastily withdrawn federal regulations are still being figured out.

By Megan Poinski • July 17, 2017

Judge says lawsuit against Nature Valley's 'natural' claim is 'not plausible'

Without a definition of the term by the FDA, the dismissal of the class action case may make it harder to argue that a label is misleading.

By Megan Poinski • July 14, 2017

How high-tech tracking systems used by airlines can cut grocery food waste

RFID tags have been used for years to track clothing inventories and luggage — and, according to Avery Dennison's Francisco Melo, have led to a 20% reduction in items stores discard.

By Francisco Melo • July 14, 2017

A grocery W flag: Jewel-Osco celebrates World Series champs Chicago Cubs

The grocer is celebrating the team's first World Series victory in more than a century with exclusive items and promotions.

By Christopher Doering • July 14, 2017

Coca-Cola taps into AI to power new vending machines

The endeavor is the latest by the iconic soda company to draw attention from consumers who favor flavored beverages.

By Christopher Doering • July 13, 2017

ShopRite campaign connects shoppers with protein-rich foods

The grocer will highlight the nutrient for customers through in-store and circular advertisements, social media campaigns and online content including recipes.

By Caitlin Mannering • July 13, 2017

Study: Nearly all consumers find transparency in food and beverage important

According to a report from Response Media, most shoppers would pay more for a product that offers more information about ingredients, manufacturing and sustainability.

By Megan Poinski • July 13, 2017

Winn-Dixie puts revamped private brands to the test

The regional grocer is involving kids in a taste-testing contest, part of a growing trend among regional grocers to engage shoppers in their marketing campaigns. 

By Sandy Skrovan • July 12, 2017

General Mills uses simple ingredients in new products

The maker of Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Larabar and Yoplait is introducing and reformulating products that use recognizable ingredients while maintaining taste.

By Christopher Doering • July 11, 2017

Lawsuit complains Veggie Straws aren't made of vegetables

The plaintiffs say the packaging, with pictures of tomatoes, spinach leaves and potatoes and terminology like "garden grown" and "ripe," make consumers think they're eating a healthy snack.

By Megan Poinski • July 11, 2017

Report: Snack bar maker Kind looking to sell stake in company

A sale in part of the firm, known for simple and recognizable ingredients, could attract interest from Kellogg, General Mills, Campbell Soup, PepsiCo and Mars. 

By Christopher Doering • July 10, 2017

How CPG marketers eat up the consumer's attention span

The human attention span is about eight seconds, down from 12 seconds in 2000. Steve Sachs of OneSpot says personalization is the key to attracting and retaining shoppers.

By Steve Sachs • July 7, 2017

Budweiser's latest package design honors states where beer is made

Earlier this summer, the AB InBev-owned brew reintroduced its patriotic bottles and cans to raise money for armed forces members and their families.

By Christopher Doering • July 7, 2017

Craft breweries fight big beer encroachment with new logo

The Brewers Association said the seal is available to operations of 6 million barrels or less, and where no more than 25% of the ownership comes from a non-craft entity. 

By Christopher Doering • July 6, 2017

Regulators can't agree on 'milk' terminology for plant-based drinks

Emails from 2011 show the FDA and the USDA disagreed on what the soy-based dairy alternative beverage could be called.

By Megan Poinski • July 6, 2017

Hershey to roll out display-ready cases

The packaging promises easier shipping and handling for retailers and boosts the candy maker’s sustainability efforts as well.

By Sandy Skrovan • July 5, 2017

Survey: A majority of consumers are confused by food ingredients

Label Insight, which reviews product transparency, said 64% of shoppers are willing to switch brands if they find one which more clearly states what's included.

By Caroline Macdonald • June 29, 2017

USDA publishes questions to help craft GMO labeling regulation

The department is looking for the industry's feedback in the first step of its rulemaking process, which is scheduled to be completed by July 2018.

By Megan Poinski • June 28, 2017

General Mills opens Cinnamon Toast Crunch drive-thru

The promotion near the Grand Canyon had unique recipes with the popular cereal including a trail mix, PB&J and French toast.

By Caitlin Mannering • June 27, 2017