Gums and hydrocolloids are a diverse collection of polysaccharides that create gel-like formations when in contact with moisture. They are extremely versatile, improving texture, mouthfeel, and physical appearance in foods and beverages. Gums can be used to increase viscosity levels or benefit flow. They are especially prized for increasing stability in an ingredient matrix.

Consumer interest in comfort foods, especially indulgent foods, is higher than ever. Yet the forces driving that interest are in conjunction with an equally high awareness of the importance of nutrition to health. The two trends need not be in conflict, however. Several strategies already are firmly rooted in formulating better baked goods.

Made from organic cashewmilk and other simple ingredients, every spoonful of Forager Project's ice cream is delicate in flavor and creamy in texture, offering consumers a dairy-like ice cream experience without compromising taste and environmental impact.  

Prepared Foods talks dips, sauces and condiment trends with David Bezenyei, sales manager, Columbus Vegetable Oils. Based in Des Plaines, Ill., Columbus Vegetable Oils produces a wide range of sauces, dressings, condiments and oils for private label and contract manufacturing customers. Likewise, it supplies a Butcher Boy sauce line to foodservice operators.

Blue Diamond Growers introduced a line of Blue Diamond XTREMES™ almonds. Available in three hot flavors: Cayenne Pepper (hot), Ghost Pepper (hotter) and Carolina Reaper (hottest), the new almonds are made with real peppers and have a spicy flavor rush.

“Eat Pretty” was one of Innova Market Insights Top Trends for 2020, but interest continues to grow for 2021 and beyond. That’s because the “Beauty from Within” concept is taking on a whole new meaning and the food and beverage market continues to see a growing number of launches bordering on the cosmeceutical. 

Whether a hot condiment such as Tabasco, sriracha, or gochujang gets folded into the coating for hot and “sexy” chips or into a newly crafted fiery dip, or if the goal is a dressing, a splash, or a pour of flavorful expression, condiments are trending big.

Serendipity Brands announces its partnership with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, culminating in the release of four new pints inspired by fan-favorite series and movies.

KIND Healthy Snacks (KIND) announced its first-ever frozen breakfast snack offering, KIND FROZEN™ Smoothie Bowl. Just as it disrupted and elevated the bar aisle, KIND will bring its plant-based equity to the breakfast category via a new, frozen format.

Pretzels, Inc., a manufacturer of pretzels and other snack products, announced it has expanded its product line to offer almond butter filled pretzels. This addition complements Pretzels’ other snack offerings, which fulfill consumer demand for pretzel-based snacks that are tasty, satiating, and healthy.