Cognition is top of mind for consumers. Tom Druke, director of VitaCholine brand development, Balchem Human Nutrition and Pharma, pointed to data from Natural Marketing Institute’s (NMI) 2015 Healthy Aging Study showing loss of cognitive function is the top age-related apprehension reported by respondents. Their concerns aren’t without merit. “As we age, changes in brain…
Consumers increasingly are hitting the road to wellness and seeking out products high in protein to fuel their bodies before, during and after workout. Fortunately, today’s array of protein-rich sports nutrition products is in sharp contrast to yesteryear’s ready-to-mix (RTM), ready-to-drink (RTD) powders and energy bars that often fell short on flavor and taste. Brands…
A business continuity plan is essential for every company, but this is especially important for contract manufacturers that depend on outside sources for ingredients and packaging components. With the globalization of the industry, and the way the nutraceuticals industry’s supply chain works across international boundaries, and with late delivery potentially causing a halt in the…
Post-workout recovery supplements replenish energy stores, promote muscle repair and reduce muscle breakdown after a demanding workout. Intense physical exercise is energy-dependent. When the muscles burn calories by oxidation, free radicals and other reactive oxygen species (ROS) are formed as a byproduct.1 Free radicals can damage muscle fibers and reduce their ability to contract.2 Moderate…
The large, complex U.S. dairy market faces several forces that are influencing growth and challenging the status quo. One trend impacting the industry across cheese, milk and yogurt, among other categories, is the competition from plant-based alternatives. Once a nascent, niche trend driven by a narrow subset of consumers, plant-based formulations are now surging in…
Food and beverage delivery have grabbed much of the cool factor attention in the sports nutrition market. However, the most bang for the buck is still in supplement form, which can deliver higher amounts of beneficial ingredients for building muscle and improving recovery/adaptations, among other body goals. Where supplement brands have a tougher task in…
Linoleic acid, a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid (PUFA) found in nuts, seeds and most plant oils including soybean, canola and flaxseed, is one of two essential fatty acids (EFAs) humans must obtain through diet. The findings suggest swapping saturated fats, trans fats or carbohydrates for linoleic acid is inversely associated with risk of type 2 diabetes. For…
The crosshairs between environmental concerns and global warming, and diet and lifestyle choices affecting personal health, is bringing the concept of sustainability into the forefront of the U.S. consumer’s mind. In fact, these ideas are driving consumer product purchasing decisions and impacting ingredient supply chains and processes. Learn more about this changing market and the…
The dietary supplement and food industries face continued tariff challenges, including a recent increase to 25% for many dietary ingredients imported from China and new retaliatory tariffs from India on nuts and produce coming from the U.S. Industry leaders, including several trade associations, have fought the tariffs via Congress, submitting comments and participating in public…
Consumers shopping for the latest beverage, snack or supplement have their list of criteria. They’re looking for clean labels, great taste, powerful nutrition … or all of these. And they’re increasingly interested in the story behind the brand. The growing interest in transparency is shining a light on the full supply chain, and offering companies…