How Food May Look in 20 Years

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Twenty years from now, our view on food will significantly change. Sugar will be considered the new cigarette, and we will probably live in a society where people eat fruits that are genetically modified. We will also be eating synthetic eggs and meats for all we know. The future of food might sound like it came from a sci-fi movie, but there is a huge possibility that it could happen.

The possible future of our food system is driven by our current food culture and our past. This may be our outlook for 2020 when it is 2040…A few decades ago, our farmers experienced an agricultural bottleneck caused by global warming that, in turn, affected the production of our food. Our livestock was plagued by diseases that severely compromised our food sources. Three-Fourths of the world’s food is derived only from 12 plants and five animal species. This means that we are eating the same food day in and day out – no diversity at all! And so, our food scientists reacted to food scarcity using a novel approach by growing meat in labs and implementing robotics in farms to increase productivity and food sustainability.

Farming Is Reinvented

Because of the high demands to produce food, traditional farmers have reinvented themselves to adapt to modern technology in growing, caring for, and harvesting their crops. The involvement of technology in agriculture has also paved the way for young farmers to join in. Around 70% of the young farmers are fresh out of college, and they refer to themselves as urban farmer-scientists. The young generation farmers are no longer planting crops the conventional way but are growing plants in containers or a hydroponic setup. The rise of the movement of the urban farmer-scientists bridges the gap between the citizens and their food source. This has the potential to solve the issue of the food desert.

On the other hand, the fields that were heavily cultivated in the past using traditional agricultural methods have been turned into sites for regenerative agriculture wherein the farmers can improve the quality of a once-depleted soil and use it to grow organic products. Obtaining the organic label does not only appease the growing demands for organic products, but it can also help combat climate change by sequestering carbon into the ground.

Transparency Is King

In today’s society wherein, we prefer too much personalization even in our food; transparency is the mainstream in many food manufacturers.  The focus on food security and climate change have led to many kinds of food police. Transparency allows consumers to determine the source of their food and monitor if the food was made using sustainable means. Transparency of our food labels also will enable consumers to analyze the health effects of the food products that we buy. This can be achieved by technological innovations such as a digital implant tattoo or an edible nanorobot to assess the benefits of the food we consume.

The future of food will become more complicated, but whatever our food researchers and scientists come up with, it will be for the benefit of everyone.

Inspired by www.fastcompany.com

Singapore Researchers Discovered Plant-Based Food Preservative

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Researchers from the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore recently discovered a healthy plant-based food preservative that is more beneficial and effective than conventional preservatives. This natural preservative is made up of flavonoids – a group of phytonutrients found in all plants. The flavonoid combination developed by the researchers have strong antioxidant and anti-microbial properties that can inhibit the growth of bacteria thus keeping the food fresh for longer.

They tested the new preservative on meat and fruit juices and it has kept the food fresh for two days in the absence of refrigeration. Lead researcher Professor William Chen noted that the new preservative can provide a low-cost solution in preserving food. In fact, the team is in talks with companies to develop a new food preservative that is healthier compared with artificial preservatives. The findings of the study were published in the journal, Food Chemistry.

Understanding More About Flavonoids

Flavonoids are naturally-occurring compounds found in plants. The main function of flavonoids is to defend the plant against pests, herbivores, and pathogens. They also protect the plan against environmental stress. You can say that flavonoids are part of the plant’s immune system. But aside from protecting plants, they are also responsible for making your favorite fruits and vegetables colorful.

In nature, flavonoids do not have strong anti-microbial activities, but the researchers were able to create a flavonoid that has a stronger antimicrobial activity. They can be further processed via prenylation wherein additional hydrophobic molecules are added to the protein to facilitate cell attachment and increase its antimicrobial molecules. They achieved the stronger flavonoids by implanting the selected flavonoid of the plants into baker’s yeast to create the new plant-based preservative.  This process might sound complicated, but it is actually cheap and easy thus making the natural preservative a cost-effective alternative to artificial preservatives. Early studies also show that the natural plant-based preservative is more effective than artificial preservatives.

Growing Concern on The Use of Artificial Preservatives

There is a growing concern of using artificial preservatives in increasing the shelf-life of food. The American Academy of Pediatrics issued a warning regarding the chemicals in food preservatives particularly the meat products. Meat products such as bacon and hot dogs contain nitrates and nitrates that can interfere with the thyroid hormone thereby affecting the metabolic processes in the body. These compounds can also cause problems with the metabolism as well as linked to cognitive decline.

The new natural preservative obtained from the flavonoids from yeast is brilliant. Many experts wouldn’t have thought that a natural preservative can be made with the help of yeast, which has been used in making beer and in manufacturing vaccines against hepatitis B.

The Future of The Natural Preservative

There is a huge potential for using the new natural preservative. Since there are no pieces of evidence that indicate the dangers of using the natural preservative, it has a huge potential within the food industry. Food industries can utilize this plant-based preservative to create healthier products that are safe to consume by everyone.

Inspired by www.eurekalert.org

Sales of Plant-Based Meat and Dairy Alternatives Rise 20%

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The plant-based food industry is no longer a niche. With many people shifting to this lifestyle, it has moved into the mainstream food culture. The meat and dairy producers are fighting back at all cost. Senator Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin introduced the Dairy Pride Act that reserved the word “milk” to products precisely for lactating animal sources. However, the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) is hands-off with this matter as the consumers are not confused with the term milk especially those made from plant sources. The agency reasoned that the terms are used to help consumers and not to protect selected industries against their competitors.

More Companies Jumping on the Bandwagon

And so instead of fighting against the plant-based food industry, some companies are trying to find out how to use this trend to their advantage. A study from HealthFocus International revealed that 17% of the consumers in the country aged between 15 and 70 years old claim to eat a plant-based diet while 60% are cutting back on dairy and milk products.

With this information, food manufacturing giants are transforming some of their products to meet the demands of the emerging number of plant-based dieters in the country. For example, the company Tyson Foods took a 5% stake in Beyond Meat two years ago. It is interesting to take note that Tyson Foods, one of the largest meat companies, invested in a plant-based company. The plant-based food industry has also added new rosters of companies that are dedicated to making exclusively plant-based food items. These include Beyond Meat and Impossible Burger that have made plant-based proteins more palatable to vegetarians, vegans, and carnivores alike. As such, the plant-based food industry is estimated to hit 5.2 billion within the next two years, and products from these companies are now found in more than 10,000 groceries nationwide.

The growth of the plant-based food industry is also the driver for the expansion of such companies. For instance, Beyond Meat announced that it was opening a new research and development center that will work together in discovering and developing plant-based meats for everyone to enjoy. This will boost the sales of plant-based meat alternatives that are experiencing a jump in its total sales from 6% to 24% from the previous years.

 

Dairy Alternatives Continue to Soar in Sales Growth

While the plant-based meats are soaring high this year, the sale of plant-based diary makes up a meager portion of the pie. Data shows that only 13% of “milk” sales come from non-dairy sources. Although small, it is projected to rise in the next few years as consumers continue to look for healthier alternatives and cleaner sources. And the prospect is very much definite as companies like Campbell’s are now selling protein milk sourced from peas. There is also a growth in the sales of plant-based creamers at 131% while plant-based cheese is at 43% while the sales of cow’s milk dropped to 6% last year.

Inspired by www.fooddive.com

Generation Z Will Influence the Future of Food & Beverage Innovation

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Companies are now looking harder at Generation Z on how they will impact the future of the food and beverage industry. Generation Z or the iGeneration precedes the millennials. They have the potential to change expectations when it comes to health and wellness and also increase the reach of different cuisines from all over the world. In a recent survey conducted by Mintel, they looked in-depth at the reasons why this tech-savvy generation will transform the food and beverage industry.

Head Start On The Healthy Lifestyle

Born from health-conscious late Generation X and early Millennial parents, Generation Z has an early head start on the healthy lifestyle. The Mintel study suggests that 25% of teens between 15 and 17 years old worry about staying healthy. 11% of the respondents claimed that they had low or reduced sugar intake compared to their counterparts. The reason for this is that their parents are always on the lookout when it comes to their health, and as a result, it is natural for them to build healthy habits. In fact, the youngest consumers are increasingly growing in terms of living health-conscious lifestyles such that 49% of the respondents believe that drinking soda is unhealthy. According to Dana Macke, Associate Director for Lifestyle and Leisure Reports from Mintel; this generation has grown up when health and wellness became a major consideration.

They Are Culturally Aware

This generation is the most diverse in the history of the United States. They come from varied ethnic and racial backgrounds or they are raised from parents who have broader palates thus they are more culturally aware in terms of food. This is the reason why 36% of the responded seem to have an appreciation for international cuisine not only limited to Italian, Chinese, and Mexican. In fact, there are more respondents who enjoy cuisines such as Indian (36%), Middle Eastern (38%), and African (27%). This food appreciation may drive the consumption of emerging international food and beverages. The reason for this is social media. They also use social media to cook different types of food with more than 60% of the respondents claiming that they cook international food at home using social media compared to the 40% and 23% of Millennials and Generation X; respectively.

Their exposure to international food starts at a very young age, so they are more likely to try out the latest international food trend or innovate on food. The adventurous food habits have led to products that feature a fusion of different cultures such as salted duck potato chops, tikka masala meal kits, and many others.

The Digital World Will Influence The Future of Food & Beverage

This generation has been raised in an era where exposure to digital media is rampant. Since they can access information 24/7, the younger generations have grown to have excellent researching skills. Their digital upbringing helps them learn about new cuisines and experiment on them. This trend is making them more creative, passionate, curious, and accepting than the other older demographics.

Inspired by www.mintel.com

Innova Market Insights Show 62% Increase in Plant-Based Product Claims

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There is a growing interest among the consumers not only for healthier products but also those that are sourced from ethical and sustainable methods. This is the reason plant-based products and ingredients are increasing in popularity and growth. Today, there are so many companies that are dedicated to producing plant-based products to cater to this growing market niche and it will not be long until this trend takes on the mainstream competition.

Plant-Based Ingredients Are Rising in Popularity

According to the report released by Innova Market Insights, plant-based product claims have increased by 62% globally with an estimated sales forecast of $4.2 billion in the United States. Plant-based products include platforms like active botanicals, plant-proteins, non-dairy milk, seasonings, sweeteners, food coloring, and so much more.

 

One example that shows how popular the plant-based foods market is the non-dairy products industry. According to Lu Ann Williams, Director of Innovation at Innova Market Insight, the availability and promotion of plant-based alternatives to dairy products such as yogurt, ice cream, and milk have helped drive the industry. In fact, global sales of non-dairy milk are higher by 8% since last year and have earned $16.3 billion in global sales.

The Growth of Non-Dairy Milk Products

It is estimated that plant-based milk products will double its growth within the next five years. With this fact, there are many companies that are venturing into non-dairy milk products category. Successful companies that have ventured into non-dairy milk products include Spoonable. The company makes non-dairy yogurt and it saw a growth of 48% during the 2013-2017 market period.

While some non-dairy milk products are successful, some have stable yet minimal growth. For instance, a non-dairy alternative such as plant-based cheese and creams only save minimal growth of 0.5% in 2012 to 1.5% in 2017. The probable reason for yogurt having more sales is because it is touted as a healthy product. Many companies are researching sources of non-dairy milk alternatives and aside from your usual oats and almonds, plant-based milk and milk products are now made from hazelnuts, walnuts, cashews, macadamias, coconut, flaxseed, and hemp.

Plant-Based Product Claims Grow in Meat Category

There is a growing interest when it comes to plant-based eating and it is reflected in the development of alternatives from the meat industry. Plant-based meats used today are made from soy, grains, and vegetables. Companies like Valess and Quorn were the pioneers of the plant-based meat industry. Today, other companies have sprung up such as Beyond Meat and Impossible Burger that have produced plant-based meat that tastes and bleeds like real meat.

There are many reasons why people gravitate towards plant-based ingredients these days. The pull towards plant-based diets such as flexitarianism, vegetarianism, and veganism might be the most important factor that contributed to such a shift in food preferences. In fact, the same market study noted that four in ten or 40% of consumers in the United States have increased their consumption of meat and dairy alternatives since last year.

Inspired by www.prnewswire.com

New Survey: Shoppers Reported that Traditional Package Labels = NOT Enough Details

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In a national study conducted, it showed that 70% of shoppers need to know more about the products they are buying off grocery shelves. They are no longer satisfied with the traditional package labels that come with the item they purchased. In fact, they want to know more beyond these labels.

As such, it has accentuated the usefulness of a new digital tool that makes it easy for shoppers to get access to detailed info on household, personal care, beverage, food and a host of other products sold at supermarkets. This tool is known as the SmartLabel®, and more than 28,000 products are already using the device.

smart label traditional label not enough details packagingWith SmartLabel, shoppers have access to a host of information about the product they’re buying with a touch of their fingertips. It contains far more information than the usual on-package label can ever hold. Information can include product ingredients, where it was sourced, what it does, and even why it was used in the product. Other relevant information can also be accessed via SmartLabel like the product’s environmental impact, animal treatment during the development process, how the product was produced, directions for use, and even a detailed description on allergens.

How to Use SmartLabel®

It is reasonably easy to use so long as you have a Smartphone. Access to this information is instantaneous. All you need to do is use the SmartLabel app to scan the QR code of the product, and like magic, all the information appears.

The Launch of Consumer Education Campaign on Evaluating Package Labels

Since product info for consumers is very accessible via the SmartLabel, in the next several months’ retailers and manufacturers are commencing a campaign to educate consumers. They are hoping to increase people’s awareness about this source of true information on the products they are buying and how to use it.

In early 2017, product participation in SmartLabel was at 4,000 items, and by 2018 it has grown seven-fold. Each week, more and more products are joining SmartLabel—increasing the support for the consumer education program.

In essence, it is believed that retailers are viewed by consumers as the trusted source for information on the products that they sell. This digital disclosure enables the retailer to connect the consumer more closely to the foods and products they buy. Therefore, the education campaign not only raises awareness that there is an app that buyers can turn to for detailed information on products they buy, but it is also a way for buyers to feel more connected to the items they support or use.

According to one user of SmartLabel, Natalia Johnson, the thing she loves most about this digital tool is the ease of use and the convenience. Since she rarely shops without her phone, whenever she wants to get to know a product more, she whips out her phone and scans the QR code.

Product package labels will need to adapt to be clean and full of information on what makes up the product. We look forward to seeing consumers get more information on the food they are eating and how some manufacturers are striving to make it better for you!

Inspired by www.multivu.com

Summer 2018: Kroger’s Top Food Trends

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Here are the top Kroger food trends of summer 2018 to watch out for and enjoy.

1 – Snacking that’s Better for You

With a busy summer, consider raising your standards for on-the-go snacking especially when out and about during road trips, soirees, and picnics. You can take your pick from hydrating with the new sparkling coconut water, fun twists on seltzers, and healthy snack bars. You can choose from Kroger’s Simple Truth Date Bars, Simple Truth Seltzer waters, or Simple Truth Sparkling Coconut Water.

2 – Alcohol Flavored Foods

Summer brings together families and friends to enjoy the sunshine outside and partake in good food. And what better way to imbibe on alcohol without the side effects of being tipsy? Enjoy alcohol-infused food and flavors, of course! Enjoy booze-infused eats, bourbon-infused cola, and even wine-infused steak sauce. Check out Brown Butter Bourbon Truffle Ice Cream to beat the heat or Private Selection Wine Infused Steak Sauces to add oomph to your BBQ parties!

3 – International Flavor

Gustatory delights are just around the corner with new and exciting flavors all over the world. Delight your senses and palate from African Peri Peri to Korean inspired sauces. Try Kroger’s General Tso’s Chicken Potato Chips, Private Selection Wing Sauces, and Private Selection 24-Hr Marinated Jerky to name a few.

4 – Comfort Food

Get nostalgic and remember your childhood days with traditional dishes reinvented to wow your palate. Now that you are a grown-up, you also want to try grown-up renditions of old-school soda pop flavors, pimento cheeses, and even mac & cheese. Interested? Try out Kroger Real Sugar Sodas, Private Selection Mac & Cheese sauces and Kroger Deluxe Ice Cream.

5 – Cocktails and Meals—No Waste

What does that even mean? Well, America is widely known to be wasteful, and to minimize food waste, this is the solution to the dilemma. Did you know that 40% of the food produced each year in this country goes to waste? And did you also know that 1 out of 8 American is hungry? To combat this, consumers are getting more creative when it comes to repurposing ingredients, storing food to extend freshness, buying only what you need, meal planning, and even getting inventive with leftovers.

6 – Flexitarian Lifestyle

Flexitarian is a person who is primarily a vegetarian but sometimes eats fish or meat. It was noted that flexitarian practices are in the trend where people tend to eat vegetables as a significant part of their diet. However, they also enjoy poultry, fish, meat, and dairy on occasions. However, with the innovation in the food industry, there’s so many to choose from the meat-free and dairy-free alternatives that ooze with flavorful enjoyment with each bite. With these options, buyers can have a better-for-me and flexible decisions due to the options available. Kroger choices can be Simple Truth Meatless Crispy Tenders, Simple Truth Meatless Stuffed Cutlets, and Simple Truth Meatless Patties and Crumbles to name a few.

Inspired by www.prnewswire.com

FDA Approves 8 Ingredients for Fiber Claims

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Food manufacturers today boost their products by adding fiber to make them healthier. Fiber is not only found in bread but even in ice cream, brownies, candies, and gummies. For instance, a small bag of Smart Sweet gummy bears contains 28 grams of fiber so that you can get a whole day’s fiber requirement from your favorite sweet.

Fortifying food with fiber is the recent hype among food manufacturers, and the US Food and Drug Administration is supporting the bandwagon by finally approving ingredients that can boost the fiber content of different products. This initiative stemmed after the 2016 rule that indicated that added fiber does not only add the non-digestible carb content on food, but it provides overall health benefits.

Approved Fiber Claims

Today there are eight (8) ingredients approved by the FDA, and these include alginate, arabinoxylan, inulin and inulin-type fructans, galactooligosaccharide, high amylose starch, resistant dextrin/maltodextrin, and polydextrose. While there are the only eight on the list,  the FDA mentioned that it is planning to add other dietary fibers as long as scientific evidence proves that they provide additional health benefits.

Many food manufacturers are ecstatic with the decision of the FDA since it gives their new products the green light. Companies like General Mills and Activa have developed products that include fiber in them. For instance, General Mill’s Fiber One line of products contains inulin and inulin-type fructans. Other brands that contain inulin fiber include Frutafit from Sensus America, Oliggo-Fiber from Cargill, and Orafti from Beneo.

Health Benefits of Fiber

Speaking of health benefits, consumption of fiber can help stabilize both blood sugar and cholesterol levels. It can also help lower the blood pressure and promote good bowel movements. The presence of fiber in the intestinal tract can increase the efficiency of the body for mineral absorption. But more importantly, fiber can also aid in weight loss as it increases the satiety level for a long time.

Consumption of at least 15 grams of fiber daily can help prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes and colon cancer. But in reality, so many people don’t even come close to the recommended minimum daily amount of 28 grams.

The Dark Side

The effects of putting fiber into food have done most companies good regarding marketing their products. Many consumers believe that food containing fiber is healthier. But this also presents a problem. According to Bonnie Liebman, director of nutrition from the Center for Science in the Public Interest, this might confuse people regarding which foods are truly healthy. For instance, they might opt for a brownie with added fiber over peach because they choose for convenience over real nutrition.

Because of this, it is essential for food manufacturers to explain what type of fiber they are using on their products as well as the kinds of health benefits that consumers can get from them. That way, people will be able to compare the benefits to naturally fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. They can also impose upon the consumers to not be too indulgent on their products and that natural fibers occurring in fruits and vegetables should be prioritized.

Inspired by apnews.com