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.

Prepared Foods talks with executives at OWYN (Only What You Need), a New York City-based processor of plant-based protein and nutrition shakes and powders.

Global concerns over obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease will usher in the new year’s health and wellness initiatives. Consumers will engage in the annual effort to seek out food and beverage choices with more moderate amounts of nutritive sweeteners (i.e., sucrose and fructose), lower amounts of “undesirable” fats, and fewer calories. 

Over the years, bars increasingly focused on health, meal replacement, weight management, and energy. But indulgent branding and product formulations are on the rise again. This turn toward the more extravagant can pave a lucrative path for innovative bar makers.

There’s a well-known phrase about the “gift that keeps on giving.” But here’s an interesting twist with a win—that presents still more winning upcycled ingredient ideas for new product developers.

David Feder, Executive Editor-Technical for Prepared Foods, interviews Jackie Kim, product manager for Nasoya, a part of Pulmuone Foods, USA, makers of the Nasoya and Plantspired brands of tofu and plant-based foods.

Dr. Andrew Hurley discusses advances in sustainable packaging as well as related improvements in both packaging design and packaging materials.

Nuts have become a critical tool to help product developers meet consumer needs in the well-being space.

Founded in 2015, Vive Organic is apioneer in cold-pressed and plant-powered 2oz ready-to-drink wellness shots made from organic and sustainably sourced super-herbs. Vive Organic's beverages are organic, non-GMO, gluten free and vegan and offered in thousands of blue-chip retailers across the United States.