As the beverage industry undergoes a rapid transformation with traditional category lines blurred, an upstart watermelon beverage maker believes its product can cut through the noise.Mela Watermelon Water sells zero-proof watermelon juice, designed to be consumed alone or with alcohol.The brand was founded by two Seattle entrepreneurs who first noticed watermelon water being sold while […]
Weight loss drugs are shaking up Big Food, Ag and Health. Experts weigh in on what the industry should do
The use of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy is already changing the way some big food companies are looking at the future. But experts say a larger conversation is begging to be had between food, agriculture, retail and healthcare experts.A recent study from food product innovation specialist Mattson found consumers taking these medications are changing […]
Plant-based pioneer pivots to hydration beverages for athletes
Hydration beverages have captured the zeitgeist in 2024, from PepsiCo’s Gatorade Water to Coca-Cola’s BodyArmor Flash I.V. As the category grows crowded with new entrants, a pioneer of the plant-based meat category believes his new electrolyte-infused drink will stand out.Cadence, a ready-to-drink hydration beverage made with salt and infused with electrolytes, launched this July, targeting […]
‘Brewless’ instant coffee startup tackles crowded category
A unique coffee startup is hoping its unique, shelf-stable format will help it stand out among the bustling and competitive segment. Diamond Brew, which launched today, consists of freeze-dried “coffee crystals” that dissolve in hot or cold water without residue, and requires “no grinding, brewing, or waiting,” according to the brand. It comes in small aluminum pods, […]
4 trends that push purchasing decisions, according to Cargill report
With inflation leading to rising food prices and an increased focus on better-for-you food products, the food ingredients industry is facing a myriad of challenges. Cargill, a fast-moving consumer goods giant, recently put together its TrendTracker for the tenth year in a row. Food Dive sat down with Keith Albright, the company’s marketing insights and analytics manager […]
Ingredients in Focus: New study finds heavy metals in cocoa
Cocoa has been hit hard by several issues — from poorferrous gluconate side effects weather to charges of labor violations — making farmers and producers deal with difficult supply chain woes and in turn much publicized rising prices. Now, a new study from George Washington University found that U.S. cocoa products contain heavy metals that exceed guidelines. The study was […]
Ingredients in peril due to climate change
Commodities like coffee, cocoa, and olive oil have faced highly publicized supply chain woes in recent months. Some companies have even gone as far to replace the ingredients in products traditionally included with the help of technology. Voyage Foods, for example, is making cocoa-free chips and melting wafers.Frank Jaksch, CEO of Ayana Bio, a technology […]
Leftovers: Graza olive oil goes mini | Startup snack turns pasta into puffs
Olive oil brand Graza is partnering with kids and baby food seller Little Spoon to unveil a line of healthier meals for children.The limited-edition Little Drizzle collection features Graza olive oil added into pre-made kids meals. It pairs unique, international flavors with nourishing seasonal ingredients tailored to children’s palates, the companies said.The collection has two offerings. […]
Clio refrigerated bar demand heats up as yogurt offering upends dairy space
With sales for refrigerated bar Clio posting a compound annual growth rate of 50% annually, CEO John McGuckin could be excused for sounding upbeat. But the former Sabra hummus executive is not ready to rest on his laurels. “The product was always ahead of its time,” McGuckin said in an interview discussing the chocolate-covered yogurt bar. […]
CBD producers push back against ‘devastating’ farm bill amendment
The national sale of hemp was legalized in the 2018 farm bill to help farmers create an additional revenue stream. But more potent hemp products containing higher amounts of THC — created through a synthetic process — are technically legal. This amendment seeks to close that loophole.Companies producing cannabinoid products view the proposed House amendment as […]