When broadline foodservice distributor US Foods Holding Corp., introduced as many as 18 “Spring Scoop” products this March, it embraced the theme, “Do More with Less” and emphasized versatile items to help operator customers manage labor shortages and other operational challenges.

Today, the global food system is under tremendous pressure. It's estimated that two out of three people are undernourished, and we're at risk of not meeting the United Nation's SDG Goal No. 2: ending hunger, achieving food security, and improving wellbeing and sustainable agriculture by 2030. It's clear that progress is slow-moving, but there are some tangible strategies that the food industry can implement to overcome the challenges facing today's food system.

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.

Watch this video to learn how third-party organizations, such as the Upcycled Food Association, have developed a certification program for companies seeking to highlight efforts to reduce food waste.

The clean-label and better-for-you products are moving from a niche marketplace and into the mainstream at a rapid rate. The ingredients for these new formations often have special needs, including the need for clean label bitter blockers, flavor maskers, flavor potentiators, and flavor extenders.

Prepared Foods is giving readers even more food and beverage content across six key topics, which we’re calling POWER TRENDS.

In this video interview, Dr. Kantha Shelke, principal of Chicago-based food science and research firm Corvus Blue, LLC, discusses trending and emerging ingredients across multiple categories suitable for better-for-you foods and beverages.

With more consumers choosing to prepare their daily ritual beverages at home, the usage of coffee in single serve cups, specialty coffee bean delivery services, and beverage “kits” for flavored cold coffee beverages has grown. 

Want to listen to industry news and views on the way to work? Catch a quick video on a lunchbreak? Prepared Foods now goes anywhere—and everywhere—to cover critical topics.

What does the future hold for plant-based meats and other alternative proteins? And what opportunities exist to drive plant-based product development?