According to new data from Mintel’s Global New Products Database (GNPD), out of more than 20,000 food and beverage products launched in the U.S. in 2011, ‘no high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS)’ claims only accounted for about 400 new product introductions, or 2%. Some of the most frequent health-focused, on-package new product claims were ‘Low/No/Reduced Fat’ and ‘Low/No/Reduced Calories,’ which were used two to four times as often as ‘no HFCS.’
Last week, the American Bakers Association (ABA) urged the U.S. Senate to vote in favor of an amendment to the Agriculture Food, Farm and Jobs Act, or the Senate Farm Bill, reforming the current U.S. sugar program.
All-natural, zero-calorie sweeteners are being hailed as ‘Holy Grails of the food industry’ and ingredients that could fight obesity, says a report by market research group Euromonitor.
On its own, chocolate is a wonderful treat. Marry chocolate with the perfect flavor pairing, and the snack becomes even more memorable. Classic pairings, such as chocolate with peanut butter, raspberry or mint, are here to stay, but adventurous flavors are growing in popularity.
Consumers are asking for a lot of bars these days. Some want bars to be a healthy, easy snack, while others demand that their bars act as a supplement to an active lifestyle. Many prefer a bar that can substitute for a meal or act as a diet aid. Either way, bar manufacturers are making products that satisfy all of these requirements, so it’s just a matter of picking which bar is right for the job.
When eating a favorite snack or bakery product, few people stop and consider all of the ingredients that give these products the taste and mouthfeel they enjoy. Consumers don’t care if the layer cake on their plate is moist because it’s made with a special flour formulation or that a gum blend makes the frosting smooth.
The mounting pressure to stand out on grocery store shelves has manufacturers looking to new and exciting ways to grab interest in their products through better-for-you sweet and savory options and unique flavor profiles.
In a move toward boldly-flavored, healthful products, manufacturers are finding innovative ways to meet the needs of consumers who favor sweet and savory bakery foods and snacks. Starting with the dessert first, familiar flavors and healthful benefits can be found in many of Wholly Wholesome’s pie products.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) says sugar prices will likely remain high due to external factors such as government policies, oil prices and instability in the Eurozone.
The bases are loaded when it comes to sweet goods and snack cakes. Though sales are sluggish, consumers want sweet treats to be healthy but still like to indulge a bit. But with fewer calories and fat, portion packaging and better-for-you formulations, today’s sweet treats won’t stay in the dugout for long.