Few food issues have attracted as much recent attention as high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). From the Corn Refiners Association to mommy bloggers, everyone seems to take a strong position on the issue, and the pendulum seems to be swinging away from high fructose corn syrup.
For a number of products in need of a sweetener, it seems like everything old is becoming new again, particularly in beverages. Just this summer, Dr Pepper launched a limited run of its signature beverage "made with real sugar," and Dr Pepper Snapple Group was mulling sugar-sweetened versions of others in its stable, including Canada Dry, 7-Up and A&W Root Beer.
With the elevated incidences of obesity, diabetes and general ill-health, consumers are keenly aware sugar is something that perhaps should be curtailed or, in certain cases, avoided.
A complete list of every new trend and ingredient at this year's IFT Show would be far too lengthy, but Prepared Foods' editors share some of the highlights gleaned from three-plus days on the show floor, at exhibitor gatherings and in a variety of networking opportunities.
The Republic of Tea has launched Unrefined Cane Sweetener, which is a natural product extension from tea, as the sweetener is marketed as an ideal accompaniment to the brand’s tea products.
As product developers look to better serve consumer niches with formulated sports beverages, specialty ingredients, from various whey proteins to high value nutrients to an expanding array of sweeteners, are being used by R&D.