The 2019 International Food Information Council (IFIC) Food and Health Survey reported that limiting or reducing sugar in the diet, along with eating more fruits and vegetables, topped the dietary changes consumers were making.

Prepared Foods talks sugar reduction and sweeteners with Elizabeth Sisel, manager of taste modulation at Imbibe Inc. Imbibe is a Niles, Ill., beverage development company focused on the formulation, customization and commercialization of cutting-edge beverage products.

Many functional beverages use ingredients that are great for you—but may lack appealing taste. Not only does honey mask the unpleasant flavor of these ingredients, but it also brings familiarity to functional products that people may otherwise be unfamiliar with. 

Finding the sweet spot for taste, texture and nutritional profile is a challenge for beverage brands because consumer sentiments about desired product attributes are changing faster than ever.

“Comax is pleased to offer our customers this sweet and comforting collection with a variety of flavor combinations and formulas,” says Catherine Armstrong, Comax Flavors vice president of corporate communications.

Consumers can seek relief with just three sprays of the Bee Propolis Sprays to help soothe throats and support their immune systems.

“From mushroom jerky to sparkling honey water, we’ve seen some incredible products that use honey developed in the last 12 months,” Catherine Barry, National Honey Board’s director of marketing, says. “By recognizing some of these products through our Queen’s Choice Award, we’re able to show appreciation to food and beverage manufacturers that choose honey and use it as a flavor, functional ingredient and marketing benefit.”

The drive to satisfy the sweet tooth of the American consumer seems to become more complicated and confusing every year. The realities of the obesity epidemic create a divide that nearly every consumer confronts on a daily basis.

Cascadian Farm, a pioneer in the organic food movement, is working to advance climate-beneficial foods with the launch of its small-batch, limited-edition Honey Toasted Kernza® cereal. 

Here is a quick survey of some of the most notable sauces, marinades and dressing introductions from the past year.