Study Shows Increase in Early Death Risk Linked to Ultra-Processed Food

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Ultra-processed food may provide convenience, but it comes with more adverse effects on health than advantages. It is essential for people to think twice before consuming them every day. In a recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine, there is an increased likelihood of early death among people who consume higher amounts of ultra-processed food.

More Adults Consume Ultra-Processed Food

Recently, the consumption of processed foods has increased drastically such that more than 29% of the total calories consumed by an average individual comes from ultra-processed food. This comes in the form of snacks, ready-to-eat meals, and desserts. The consumption of processed foods is linked to higher BMIs especially among the younger generation – the largest consumers of processed foods.

While the number of people who consume processed food is high, many consumers are becoming more health-conscious. Studies show that 91% of consumers in the United States opt to buy food and beverages that are made from ingredients that they can easily recognize. But while this is the recent trend in the consumer market, this does not mean that people avoid ultra-processed food altogether. Because of the fast-paced lives that most people live, they are easily tempted to reach for a packaged meal instead of cooking from scratch because they are pressed for time.

The study involved interviewing 44,551 French adults 45 years old and above for two years. The participants were asked to keep 24-hour dietary records for six months as well as complete questionnaires about their health. It is essential to take note that this study is the first to directly associate the consumption of ultra-processed food with early death thus it is difficult to conclude the study considering that the category of ultra-processed foods is extensive.

The Revolution Against Ultra-Processed Foods

Although this may be the case, the results from the study are aligned with what different regulatory bodies are implying about processed foods. For instance, many countries in Latin or South America noted that the consumption of highly processed foods could be dangerous to health. As a result, they enforced manufacturers to display warnings on their labels. This is especially true among food products that contain high amounts of salt, sugar, fat, and calories. Chile specifically banned TV stations from advertising unhealthy food products, especially to children while changes in the Nutrition Facts labels are ongoing by the Food and Drug Administration.

The study noted that many consumers are becoming more self-aware of their health, so food manufacturing companies should take note and make the necessary changes with their products. They should not only focus on people who are 45 years old and above but also for many young people. In a separate study conducted by the Amplify Snack Brands, 89% of the millennials say that they opt for snacks that taste good first before looking at their health benefits. The challenge here is for food companies to be able to create foods that are not only delicious but also healthy and made from natural ingredients.

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Processed food is not going anywhere, but we can make it better for consumers. How can we do that? First thing is using recognizable ingredients that consumers love. Secondly, use NutriFusion natural vitamin and mineral blends from fruit and vegetable powders. With easy to read ingredients and dense nutritional benefits, our fruit and vegetable powders will help you create a processed food with functional benefits. Click below to download our guide to Creating Functional Foods and Beverages.

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FDA Commissioner Plans to Modernize Dietary Supplement Regulations

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Scott Gottlieb, M.D., resigning FDA Commissioner, revealed plans of strengthening the agency’s dietary supplements regulations. He expressed concern about FDA policies and abilities to manage risks that may emerge with the changes in the industry.

The head of the FDA announced a goal this month to regulate modern dietary supplements. Resigning FDA commissioner, Gottlieb, raised concern that changes in the supplement market have exceeded the level of security provided by the agency’s policies. A quarter of a century after the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA), was passed by Congress, the industry experienced extraordinary growth. The majority of adults are now taking supplements. Annual sales have reached a new peak, earning tens of billions of dollars.

But new plans were revealed that entails a different approach to regulating these products. According to Gottlieb, public health requirements need to be strengthened and made to be more modern to fulfill their obligations to the public. He also states that the FDA will commit to their priority concerning the oversight of supplements. They will also evaluate more ways to oversee the dietary supplement market. Most importantly, the FDA plans on educating and alerting the public about dangerous ingredients that may be contained in these supplements. They will also encourage new dietary ingredient notifications.

New FDA Announcement: Modernize Dietary Supplement Regulations

The commissioner announced, “We’re developing a new rapid-response tool to alert the public, so consumers can avoid buying or using products with that ingredient and notify responsible industry participants to avoid making or selling them.” Gottlieb talked about multiple ways to help the FDA advance their policy goals. He also brought up how they will use new and more effective ways of communicating when ingredients for dietary supplements are unlawful due to dangerous effects it could have on the public. One of Gottlieb’s goals is to alert the public to help customers avoid dangerous products. He would also like to notify manufacturers and distributors of safety concerns because they are known to ignore NDI notifications as there are usually dozens of notifications sent out each year. The commissioner also added, “We’ll look to address other challenges that may act as barriers to dietary supplement innovation and safety, including issues such as what the right incentives might be for establishing dietary supplement exclusivity, and the scope of permitted dietary ingredients.”

Gottlieb is fighting for a requirement to make a mandatory listing. He discussed how mandatory listing would have significant benefits for the public. He states, “A mandatory listing requirement could provide significant benefits by facilitating efficient enforcement of the law and establishing new mechanisms to identify bad actors who put the public at risk and undermine consumer confidence in the entire industry.” He is interested in hearing from more stakeholders so that his agency can accurately represent their current clients and the current state of the supplement industry. Some stakeholders have already expressed interest in a mandatory product listing system. Gottlieb states that a listing system will make it easier for the FDA to take effective action against dangerous products.

President and CEO of CRN, Steve Mister, has said that he appreciates Gottlieb’s efforts to modernize the supplement industry. Mister calls on Congress to take action and provide funds to the FDA so that they can make the required action to address critical problems in the dietary supplement market.

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Gen Z Eating Habits are Healthier and More Convenient

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Generation Z refers to a group of people who are born from 1995 to 2010. Although they are one of the youngest demographics, they are moving the food culture in the United States. A report released by Packaged Facts noted that Gen Z eating habits are more likely to include a snack between meals compared with millennials. Moreover, they are also keen on preparing their own meals than millennials who currently live more fast-paced lives.

Gen Z eating habits have influenced the food industry by encouraging manufacturers to produce snacks that are appealing to this particular demographic.  What makes food appealing to this generation is its natural origin. In fact, many of this generation prefer food that is made from organic and natural ingredients. They also prefer food that does not contain additives such as preservatives, sugar, and many others. They are also most likely to prefer vegetarianism over other types of diets.

Health And Convenience Are Defining Factors in Gen Z Eating Habits

Because many Gen Zs are opting for healthy eating habits, more food manufacturers are producing healthy food products to meet the demands of this generation. It is also important to take note that although this generation is relatively young, their eating, as well as shopping habits, will probably not change as they age. This means that they will continue to seek products that are made from clean ingredients and come with transparent labels.

Why this generation is so obsessed with healthy living comes from the influence of their millennial and gen x parents. In a recent report in 2018 released by SPINS, they noted that this generation still prefers products that are easy, accessible, and convenient. Gen Z is in perpetual motion and surrounded by gadgets. As a generation that is adept in performing multiple tasks at one time, this has influenced their eating habits such that they prefer foods that they can easily eat but do not require too much prep time. They also prefer products that are microwavable, but they are looking for those that are organic, natural, and free from synthetic ingredients.

The Direction Of Many Food Manufacturers

The demand for healthier food products by Gen Z eating habits has led to many food companies producing healthy products. One such company is Barilla that recently introduced healthy microwavable pasta that people can take as snacks or dinner. Research Director of Packaged Facts, David Sprinkle, noted that many from this generation know the value of healthy foods but they want the convenience of easy-to-prepare foods. There are huge present opportunities for many foods and beverage manufacturers to create different preparations of packaged foods from canned soups, chips, and desserts to name a few.

The bottom line here is that many food and beverage manufacturing companies can gain a lot from developing food products that will appeal to the larger population of Gen Z eating habits. In fact, they account for at the most $143 billion in terms of direct spending.  And since they make up about 26% of the population in the United States, they are a force to be reckoned with.

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The Future of Functional Foods and Beverages

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People these days are living fast-paced lives. While productivity has increased a hundred-fold in the twentieth century, the caveat with living a fast life is that so many people are prone to getting sick easily because of stress and changes in their eating habits. With many restaurants and fast food chains providing useful takeaways, this has contributed to the ballooning size of the nation. As a result, food companies started creating functional foods and beverages to help people get more nutrients from the products they were already consuming. The future of functional foods and beverages is bright since shifting consumer preferences have focused on simple, easy to read ingredients.

Increasing Health Awareness Among Consumers

There is an increasing awareness about the long-term benefits of proper nutrition these days, especially among millennials. This focus on nutrition has the food and beverage industry looking at the types of foods that they provide to their consumers.  Increasing consumer awareness has led to a positive revolution in the food industry as many companies are looking at the development of healthy functional foods and beverages that can be sold to people who are always on the go.

According to the market research conducted by Grand View Research Inc.,  this industry is forecasted to reach $255 billion by 2024. But food manufacturers should do more than produce nutrition bars and cereals as consumers are always looking for new products that contain higher amounts of functional ingredients such as fiber, calcium, proteins, vitamins, minerals, fruits, vegetables, and omega-3s. This means that current food manufacturers should step up their game to produce products that are not only playful to the palate but will also help reduce the risk of developing different metabolic diseases.

The Niche Market is Crucial to Growth

Demographic studies show that it is not only the millennials who are interested in functional food and beverages but even the Generation Xers and Baby Boomers as well. This presents food manufacturers the challenge on how to manufacture foods that will work for different consumers while, at the same time, managing their specific health concerns.

Millennials, in particular, represents the largest population of consumers. Most of the food processors are continually experimenting with different kinds of ingredients to produce foods that are not only functional and healthy but will also complement the taste buds of the different target niche markets. The future of functional foods and beverages is enormous, but manufacturers have to focus on creating products that appeal to individual niches to win.

Taste and Ingredients are Important to the Future of Functional Foods and Beverages

The survey shows that taste is always the gold standard when developing functional foods and beverages, but many millennials are looking for products that do not contain synthetic ingredients such as preservatives and sweeteners. Most prefer that food manufacturers use botanicals and natural food ingredients like fruits and vegetables. Aside from taste, they are also looking for foods that will benefit their overall health such as those containing fewer calories or added vitamins and minerals. They are also keen on buying food products that contain superfood ingredients and those that come with clean labels.

How are you developing products for future consumer’s preferences?

Inspired by www.naturalproductsinsider.com

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Broccoli Powders Reduce Food Waste and Enrich Better-For-You Products

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Food waste is a common problem, especially when using different kinds of produce. For instance, a stalk of broccoli does not get utilized, and more than 40% of the vegetable gets thrown away. This is just one of the top reasons why broccoli powders and other vegetable powders are a growing category of ingredients for better-for-you products

Converting broccoli and other vegetables into powder has a lot of potential. The vegetable powders can be used by food & beverage brands to improve the nutritional profile of their products. Consumers are searching for simple, easy to read ingredients that have positive impacts on their health.

Broccoli Powders and Vegetable Powders Pack a Nutritional Punch

John Lloyd, CEO from Hort Innovation, noted that an average adult in Australia does not consume the recommended daily amount of vegetables. This is also the same with American consumers. To address this problem, Australian researchers converted broccoli into a powder that can be used in different applications. The people behind the broccoli powder belong to R&D and Marketing Sydney-based company, Hort Innovation. This product aims to provide consumers not only one serving of broccoli but more by just using two tablespoons of the powder.

NutriFusion has taken this a step farther with our GrandFusion fruit and/or vegetable blends. By blending powdered fruits and vegetables, we can create a complete combination of essential micronutrients. We have fruit and vegetable blends with up 21 vitamins and minerals all from plants. Food, Beverage, Supplements, and Pet brands are adding this to their products to quickly enhance the nutritional profile without impacting the flavor or texture.

Perfect for Better-For-You Products

It can be added to coffee, tea, and other beverages. Moreover, it can also be added to different kinds of food such as pastries, cakes, and many others. Broccoli powders and vegetable powders provide convenience especially among those who dislike eating their greens. It is advantageous for many people as it does not only help improve the intake of vitamins and minerals, but it can also provide a substantial amount of proteins and fibers.

There is simplicity involved when making this broccoli powder. Mary Ann Augustin, the lead researcher for the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), noted that the broccoli powder was made from whole broccoli that has been dried and pre-treated to lock in the flavor and nutrient profile. With this process, nothing is lost because even the stalks and leaves are used.

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The Future Of Vegetable Powders

But aside from broccoli, companies like NutriFusion also produce other vegetable powders such as spinach, kale, and alfalfa. But more than vegetable powders, the NutriFusion also developed fruit powder blends made from blueberry, strawberry, apple, cherry, and many others. Many food manufacturers are now incorporating fruit and vegetable powders to improve the nutritional content of their products.

Converting vegetables into their powder form can also help reduce the output to the environment. Vegetable powders provide options to growers to grow value-added vegetables in order for them to earn more. The success of broccoli proves that other vegetables and produce can be used turned into powder and food manufacturers can become successful in their endeavors.

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Functional Beverages Will Be More Personalized in 2019

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Many consumers these days are becoming wiser as they prefer to consume foods that are adding value to their health. This is the top reason why functional beverages are growing in popularity. Functional beverages are loved by consumers because they are not only delicious, but they are also healthy for the body.

Functional beverages contain vegetables, fruits, and herbs thus they are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. But more than the usual vitamins and minerals, many brands and companies are also incorporating other beneficial ingredients to help consumers achieve their health goals. For instance, some functional beverages contain CoQ10 and melatonin to promote better heart health, cognitive function, sleep, energy, etc. But aside from these, it is essential to know about the upcoming trends of functional beverages for 2019.

Coffee And More

Coffee, being the most popular beverage in the world next to water, will embrace different formats for the coming year. While coffee is already considered a healthy drink, many beverage manufacturers will fortify coffee to meet the health goals of different individuals. One can expect to find coffee enriched with so many ingredients such as MCT oil, adaptogens, and CBD oil.

Colorful Functional Beverages

One of the top trends for functional beverages in 2019 is to make them more vivid. But food manufacturers will shy away from artificial coloring as they can get hands-on natural and antioxidant-laden colorings. Ingredients like beet, blue algae, butterfly pea flower, and matcha will be used to make beverages look like the colors of the rainbow. The butterfly pea which can change color from blue to pink when the acidity is altered will be extremely popular in new products launches in 2019.

Superfoods Backed By Ancient Tradition

Many consumers are familiar with superfoods but next year’s trend on the functional beverage is to use superfood ingredients that are backed by ancient tradition such as Chinese Traditional Medicine and Ayurveda. You can see so many products these days that contain superfoods used in Ayurvedic medicine such as turmeric, goji berries, ashwagandha, and many others.

Probiotics

Probiotics will also be a significant trend in functional beverages because of their proven health benefits. But instead of the usual yogurt, you can expect probiotics drinks to be sold on supermarket shelves. For instance, kombucha and cider juices will grow in market share. They are currently dominating many mocktails and cocktail menus.

Sustainable Functional Beverages

Being health conscious also equates to being sustainable and environmentally-friendly. As such, many people will also be looking for functional beverages that promote sustainable living. Ingredients like Cannabis oil that is known to help relieve pain and other mental disorders are seen as a sustainable source of healing compounds as it is known to require less water and space to grow. However, growing such ingredient is still limited as there are laws that restrict its cultivation.

The year 2019 will be an exciting year for functional beverages. Learn more about our functional ingredients, fruit and vegetable powders by downloading our R&D kit below.

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Plant-Based Eating Makes Consumers Feel Healthier

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A new wave of health consciousness has become ingrained within American culture. Over half of U.S. consumers have started plant-based eating as they are under the impression that it makes them healthier. A majority of consumers have also said that this change was indefinite and some were hindered from making this change because of taste preference.

This new trend has promoted a healthier America, which will have a ripple effect on the rest of the world. Plant-based eating also supports new opportunities for growth in the market for food. Research has shown that these changes are more than simple experimentation and has instead resulted in a new way of life for many consumers.

New Products Follow the Health Trend

These results are not outlandish as there is increasing support for plant-based eating. Companies are beginning to follow consumer health trends and have started to release more plant-based products. About 1/5 of Americans eat a diet consisting of predominantly plant-based foods, while 6/10 have stated that they reduced the amount of meat that they eat.

Plant-Based Eating is for Flexitarians

While in the United States more than half of all consumers are beginning to eat and drink more foods that are plant-based, that number increases to over 65% globally. In addition to this, many people are also decreasing the amount of meat they are eating. Over half say that this change is a permanent one.

People have many reasons for their reduction or outright stopping of the consumption of animal products. Some include wanting to affect the environment positively. Others believe that a meat-free diet is much healthier, some people want to limit the amount of cholesterol they intake, and even still some people prefer the taste of meat-free products.

With each passing year, the number of vegans and vegetarians are increasing in America. A study in 2017 found that about 6% of Americans reported being vegan, while in 2014, that number was only 1%. Again, many people have their reasoning, but it is undeniable that there has been a shift in the way Americans eat. Many people no longer consume animal products at all, something that would be considered odd only a few years ago. However, the growth in flexitarianism and plant-based eating is growing quicker than veganism or vegetarianism because of the stigmas that come with those words.

In 2017, sales of non-meat-based foods were up to over $3 billion, while only a year ago, it was less than $1 billion.

Taste is NOT an Issue

One major concern of many consumers is the difference in taste. However, in recent years there have been many advancements to make plant-based foods much more appealing to the taste preferences of meat lovers. Shoppers are in awe at the taste of plant-based burgers and other meats which they believe to have an even better flavor than their meaty counterparts.

Even large-scale meat companies are beginning to buy into vegan-friendly companies. Tyson Foods, as well as Dean Foods, have both since invested in small stakes in different plant-based companies. It is very probable that this trend will continue, and large-scale companies will adapt to the needs and wants of the modern consumer.

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Tyson’s Top Food Trends to Watch in 2019

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Tyson Foods is predicting trends that they believe will dominate the consumer market and mold tastes for the entire year of 2019. This list includes transparency in food, personalized experiences to shape both beauty and health, smart technology and food, self-expression through the foods we consume, a higher intake of protein, and finally a merging of global cuisines from the comfort of home.

As the largest food company in the U.S. Tyson Foods takes full responsibility to push the market into a good position. They understand their ability to bring about new changes and trends in the way that people eat food.

Health Craze

Part of personalized experience would be foods with the intent to assist with different health issues. While previously this entailed having to take supplements, people are beginning to instead eat with specific purposes in mind to become healthier.

Consumers have also been very conscious of how much protein they will intake. Plant-based proteins have been all the craze and companies have been popping up to meet the ever-growing demand for clean proteins. Investors are also looking to buy into more startups geared towards this new plant-based mindset.

Sustainability and Traceability in Top Food Trends for 2019

Consumers in 2019 are concerned about knowing exactly how their food gets onto their shelves. This includes the process of production, as well as how it gets grown. With improved barcodes, consumers can more easily trace back where their foods came from. This is something Tyson Foods fully embraces and has been very open about their products.

Major retailer, Walmart will soon begin to require its produce suppliers to have full traceability on all products to follow the food from farm to home. This change is set to be complete by September of 2019. This technology is still relatively new but has the purpose of giving consumers full knowledge of their products as quickly and painlessly as possible.

Food has become a form of self-expression with the younger generation. This has turned food into both an art form as well as a way to express yourself. People are always looking for new companies they can buy into and feel proud to support. These can include companies who stress the importance of sustainability as well as food waste.

Global Cuisines

Millennials are all for trying foods from around the world. These often stand out, and they are more likely to try out restaurants with unique and exciting meals, other than options more customary to American culture.

With a technology-driven world, it is only reasonable that even food is affected by it. From transparency to sustainability, and new alternatives, companies are finding new ways to adopt practices for the production of food products, that will both cater towards the consumer desires, as well push for a greener, and healthier way of living, while still staying true to the passion for unique and flavorful meals.

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