Faravelli Horizontal Banner November 2025
Fi Europe Innovation Awards 2025: Diving into the dairy alternative finalists
Fi Europe Innovation Awards 2025: Diving into the dairy alternative finalists
In a series of features, Food Ingredients First takes a look at the upcoming Fi Europe Innovation Awards categories and finalists, ahead of the event in Paris, France (Dec 2–4). Industry experts have evaluated and shortlisted entries (23 finalists across six categories). The winners will be revealed at the Fi Europe Celebration and Awards ceremony on December 2.
What’s driving ingredient innovation in protein-forward dairy alternatives?
What’s driving ingredient innovation in protein-forward dairy alternatives?
The market growth of plant-based dairy alternatives is now being driven directly by consumers who no longer take an “all or nothing” approach to protein consumption. Aligned with Innova Market Insights’ top trend for 2026, “Powerhouse Protein,” consumers are looking for clean label dairy alternatives with added health benefits like high protein, but also indulgence for the senses.
California Natural Color on replacing synthetic dyes with plant-based alternatives
California Natural Color on replacing synthetic dyes with plant-based alternatives
California Natural Color is offering F&B manufacturers a “pathway to clean label formulations” while helping maintain the visual appeal and quality of their products, as tightening regulations push the industry away from synthetic dyes. The company’s plant-based liquid and crystal colors — made from fruits, vegetables, and other botanicals — are designed to deliver the vibrancy and stability needed to replace artificial colors without affecting product quality.
Yerba Mate vs. Matcha: A New Chapter in Functional Innovation
Yerba Mate vs. Matcha: A New Chapter in Functional Innovation
Matcha meets its Latin American counterpart. Discover how yerba mate delivers balanced vitality, a bold flavor profile, and sustainable sourcing. Our e-book reveals key market insights and application ideas to drive the next wave of innovation in natural energy solutions.This Technical Paper is brought to you by Duas Rodas.
The Future of Protein Production 2025: Hydrosol’s approach to texturizing cultured meat cells
The Future of Protein Production 2025: Hydrosol’s approach to texturizing cultured meat cells

Cultivated meat cells today can behave more like high-water, loose ingredients than structured meat. Germany-based texturizing specialist Hydrosol is testing how its systems can firm and shape these cells in hybrid products, helping plant-based analogs achieve more authentic meat-like qualities. Dr. Katharina Burdorf, head of product management, notes that fat type plays a critical role in creating a realistic appearance and bite.

Fi Europe 2025 preview: Nutritional demands drive food ingredient innovation
Fi Europe 2025 preview: Nutritional demands drive food ingredient innovation
Food ingredients Europe (FiE) 2025 in Paris, France (Dec 2–4), will highlight the rapid progress in plant-based development, sustainable sourcing, and science-driven nutrition. Exhibitors are introducing upcycled ingredients, advanced proteins and prebiotics, new sugar reduction and taste modulation tools, and technologies that improve texture, stability, and clean label performance. Across categories, companies are emphasizing traceability, low-carbon processes, and co-development as they work with manufacturers to meet rising consumer expectations for health, indulgence, and sustainability. We preview some of the event’s biggest innovators and their latest solutions.

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Lancet series links ultra-processed foods to harm across “nearly every organ...
Lancet series links ultra-processed foods to harm across “nearly every organ system”
A three-paper series published in The Lancet links ultra-processed foods (UPF) to chronic disease across nearly every major organ system, presenting what researchers describe as extensive evidence that diets high in these products displace healthier eating patterns and drive poor health outcomes globally.
EU member states endorse one-year delay to EUDR enforcement
EU member states endorse one-year delay to EUDR enforcement
EU member states have now officially agreed that companies should get an extra year to prepare before the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) comes into effect. The EUDR sets strict rules on supply chain traceability and sourcing transparency, requiring businesses to prove that imported or traded goods are not linked to deforestation. 
Planteneers boosts plant-based cheese texture with new stabilizing system
Planteneers boosts plant-based cheese texture with new stabilizing system
Planteneers has launched a stabilizing and protein system from its fiildDairy CH range, which aims to help manufacturers achieve smooth, elastic textures in plant-based cheese slices with a high protein content of up to 8%. The innovation responds to the challenge of “low protein content” in plant-based cheese slice substitutes, as protein generally negatively influences texture.
Tetra Pak launches sunflower protein for plant-based functional beverages
Tetra Pak launches sunflower protein for plant-based functional beverages
Tetra Pak has introduced sunflower protein, a plant-based ingredient designed to help food and beverage producers expand into plant-based and functional product categories while maximizing existing production infrastructure. The ingredient contains up to 50% protein along with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, with a neutral, slightly nutty flavor profile and off-white coloring. 
COP30: Brazil launches farmland restoration accelerator to bridge US$105B...
COP30: Brazil launches farmland restoration accelerator to bridge US$105B annual funding gap
Eight countries have backed a Brazil-led financing accelerator to close a US$105 billion annual funding gap for restoring degraded farmland worldwide, though the Brazilian programs it draws on are too new to demonstrate productivity gains yet. 
Nestlé fires back at accusation of adding sugar to infant cereal in Africa
Nestlé fires back at accusation of adding sugar to infant cereal in Africa

Nutrition Insight

Nestlé has disputed accusations by the NGO Public Eye that its infant cereals sold in Africa feature added sugar. Recent reports by the NGO claim the Swiss nutritional company’s brands Cerelac and Nestum sold in Africa contain added sugar, while the same products on the European market are refined-sugar free. “We disagree with this report as it contains misleading and unfounded allegations,” a Nestlé spokesperson tells Nutrition Insight. 
Highlighted features
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New Product Development
Gut health goes mainstream: The new growth engine for...
Gut health has hit the mainstream with global consumers increasingly perceiving microbiome boosters as the gateway to holistic wellness. The surging demand for food and beverages with gut health benefits is reshaping the industry as manufacturers respond with wide-ranging innovations in functional, clean label foods. The gut health trend is also driving rapid innovation in low-additive formulations and an expanded range of probiotic and fiber-rich products beyond traditional dairy. 
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Regulatory News
US F&B industry and political leaders clash over how to...
A Republican senator’s push to close loopholes in food ingredient oversight is colliding with industry efforts to block state-level regulations — exposing a rift within the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement. Republican Senator Roger Marshall’s “Better Food Disclosure Act of 2025” would require food companies to report all ingredients to the FDA, fundamentally changing how the agency oversees substances classified as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS).
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Food Ingredients News
The GLP-1 movement: How weight management medication is...
As GLP-1 medications gain momentum to support weight management, the food and beverage industry is heavily influenced by the rise of this crucial behavioral and nutritional shift. The popularity of GLP-1 medications is not just a pharmaceutical trend, but a growing influence on how people make decisions about food, what they purchase, and how they eat out.

Ingredient focus

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Rising demand for ethical animal welfare in F&BNov2025

Innova Market Insights data reveals that 30% of consumers globally look for animal welfare claims on F&B products. Additionally, 27% say they are willing to consume meat or dairy from farms with h...

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Product innovation

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Flavor Trends Nov 2025

Innova Market Insights data shows that 40% of consumers worldwide consider flavor the most important factor when shopping for food. Rich flavor or taste is an attribute that makes F&B products stand out, with 31% of consumers citing flavor combinations as particularly attractive.

Trend analysis

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Emulsifier innovationNov 2025

Consumers increasingly pay attention to what they are eating, where it comes from, and how it is produced. This demand is driving innovation for natural, plant-based emulsifiers with clean labels. Innova Market Insights data indicates a 5% compound annual growth rate in F&B launches with emulsifiers (July 2020 – June 2025). Bakery was the top category in launches with emulsifiers, while Soft Drinks showed the fastest growth in this period.

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The Future of Protein Production 2025: Hydrosol’s approach to texturizing cultured meat cells

Cultivated meat cells today can behave more like high-water, loose ingredients than structured meat. Germany-based texturizing specialist Hydrosol is testing how its systems can firm and shape these cells in hybrid products, helping plant-based analogs achieve more authentic meat-like qualities....

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