Plants or their extracts have long been popular as medicinals, known for their benefits in addressing a panoply of health concerns.

General Mills unveiled a host of new products rolling out this month addressing a range of modern snacking trends around the world. From Annie's organic popcorn to Yoplait Custard to Nature Valley Granola Cups to great new flavors of Häagen-Dazs ice cream, General Mills has a solid line up of new products that are aligned with growing consumer interests.

"New year, new you,” right? How about “New year, new dairy formulation”? As we settle into 2017, one thing that isn’t changing — amidst a whole lot that is — is the public’s not-so-subtle request that food processors substantively change the formulations of their favorite foods and beverages, dairy included.

Chefs, long accustomed to using wine in cooking, are borrowing a page from mixologists, adding spirits to numerous formulations, especially sauces and marinades.

In the race to create new flavor experiences through new ingredients, new preparation techniques, and regional ethnic influences, savory flavors have figured strongly.

Post Consumer Brands is kicking off the new year by unveiling Cinnamon Pebbles. The new variety stays true to the classic Pebbles cereal, but with a creative flavor twist. Each box is packed with a cinnamon sweet taste.

Prepared Foods talks savory flavor trends with Samantha Brown, innovation manager for foodservice new product development at Smithfield Foods Inc., Smithfield, Va.

Award-winning Mediterra® added two new Yogurt & Oat flavors: Lemon & Walnuts and Fig & Almonds. With these new flavors, Mediterra now offers four Yogurt & Oat bars that also include Cherry & Pistachio and Apricot & Pistachio.