At a time that the plant-based meat analog industry is currently passing through some growing pains, cell-based meat is encountering its own challenges.

Sweegen addressed the pressing issue of mislabeling within the stevia industry, specifically concerning Reb M stevia sold under false claims intentionally. 

“Here at GoodPop we’re enabling families to make better and healthier choices by cleaning up and innovating in categories that typically have lots of sugar ― from ice cream and freezer pops to now beverages,” said Daniel Goetz, CEO and founder of GoodPop, in a statement. “Not only do our Mini Cans have much less sugar than the juice boxes and sodas we're used to seeing in lunch boxes and coolers, we’re proud that they are more sustainable by coming in a recyclable can format.”

The FDA considers the term “natural” to mean that nothing artificial or synthetic (including all color additives regardless of source) has been included in, or has been added to, a food that would not normally be expected to be in that food.

"Today's draft guidance was developed to help address the significant increase in plant-based milk alternative products that we have seen become available in the marketplace over the past decade," said FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, M.D.

Unlike other label claims, such as “natural” or “regenerative,” “USDA Organic” is the only federally defined and enforced eco-label in the marketplace. It is backed by third-party certification and provides traceability from the farm to the consumer.

Extending the shelf life of food and beverage products—and communicating this to consumers—could be one way to reduce food waste. In fact, according to the Innova Packaging Survey 2022, 40% of consumers surveyed globally from 11 countries agree that shelf life has a strong influence on their purchasing decisions.

Consumer research conducted by Innova Market Insights consistently shows that consumer definitions of natural and of clean label are very similar. Furthermore, many consumers believe that natural products also are organic.