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Woman drinking a bottle of electrolytes-based beverage.

Hydration beyond the hype: Developing next-generation functional beverages

Electrolytes have traditionally been associated with sports drinks and replacing minerals lost through sweating. Increasingly, however, brands are positioning them for a much broader range of consumers and occasions, from morning routines and busy working days to family hydration and everyday refreshment. Recent product launches illustrate how far the category is expanding, encompassing sparkling beverages, convenient powder mixes, reduced-sugar formulations, and products designed for specific consumer groups.
Woman choosing snacks in supermarket while grocery shopping.
Healthy indulgence: The ingredient strategies behind better-for-you foods
Reducing sugar or fat and adding protein or fiber can reshape everything from sweetness and creaminess to crunch and juiciness. For manufacturers developing healthier indulgent foods, the challenge is to deliver nutritional benefits through products that consumers want to eat again. Ingredient suppliers speaking to Food Ingredients First highlight opportunities spanning layered coffee drinks, crispy meat snacks, and meat and vegetable hybrids. Across these applications, nutrition, flavor, and texture need to be developed together, with changes to one ingredient often demanding adjustments elsewhere in the recipe.
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SupplySide Global 2026: FrieslandCampina Ingredients discusses GLP-1s, hydration and “protein plus”
The rise of GLP-1 medication and growing demand for protein beyond sports nutrition are reshaping F&B innovation around portion size, nutrient density, and new beverage formats. At SupplySide Global 2026 in Las Vegas, US (Oct 28–30), FrieslandCampina Ingredients will spotlight concepts designed around changing protein consumption habits through two new innovation platforms.
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Creating dairy alternatives with gluten-free oats
Gluten-free oats offer versatile opportunities for developing high-quality dairy alternatives, from plant-based drinks to spoonable products and creams. Raisio Food Solutions explores consumer preferences, explains the benefits of oats, and helps food manufacturers choose the right gluten-free oat ingredients for their application and product development needs.This Technical Paper is brought to you by Raisio Food Solutions.
Michiel Van Der Pom, Cargill
Cargill VP on navigating cocoa costs and health demands
Cargill operates its House of Chocolate in Mouscron, Belgium, where customers can work through formulation challenges and accelerate product development. Michiel Van Der Bom, VP and product line director for Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate in EMEA, discusses the chocolate trends shaping customer demand, how Cargill is helping manufacturers navigate cocoa price volatility, and the growing role of cocoa alternatives. 

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SupplySide Global 2026 preview: Biotics, protein & longevity top agenda
At SupplySide Global 2026 (Oct 28–30), exhibitors will highlight where the nutrition and food industries are heading. GLP-1 companion nutrition is expected to take center place at the event in Las Vegas, Nevada, US, from protein innovations to fiber-forward beverages for satiety and muscle preservation. Companies are spotlighting their advances in supporting longevity, women’s health, and active nutrition, while exploring new and convenient delivery formats for actives, postbiotics, and dairy and plant proteins.
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SupplySide Global 2026 preview: Protein demand reshapes everyday F&B
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Protein is moving deeper into everyday food and beverage categories, bringing manufacturers new questions about how to combine nutritional value with taste, texture, and convenience. Ahead of SupplySide Global 2026 in Las Vegas, US (Oct 28–30), Valio, Tirlán, and Cargill point to opportunities across recovery drinks, protein-fortified bakery, bars, and dairy alternatives, as consumers seek products that fit around daily routines.
SupplySide Global 2026 preview: Suppliers tackle taste and stability in...
People at trade show venue.
Functional ingredients are finding their way into savory snacks, protein shakes, and refreshing beverages as food and beverage brands seek more ways to combine added benefits with everyday consumption. Ahead of SupplySide Global 2026 in Las Vegas, US (Oct 28–30), Kerry, dsm-firmenich, and Cargill are preparing to showcase concepts and formulation support that address taste, serving size, processing, and shelf life. “Consumers are increasingly looking beyond nutrient counts to consider how food and beverages equip them for their lives, from how they feel after eating to how products support their energy and appearance,” Karlis Nollendorfs, consumer insights manager at Cargill, tells Food Ingredients First. 
Nestlé Q3 results: Confectionery and frozen foods drive growth as pricing eases
estlé France headquarters building in Issy-les-Moulineaux, France.
Nestlé’s food and snacks business gained momentum in the third quarter, supported by confectionery, cooking solutions, and improving US frozen food sales. The performance helped strengthen the group’s recovery as price increases contributed less to growth.
EU Seafood Vision 2040 faces industry calls for aquaculture targets and...
Fishers on boat.
The European Commission has unveiled its Vision 2040 for fisheries and aquaculture, setting out plans to strengthen Europe’s seafood supply through aquaculture legislation, digital traceability, and investment in cleaner production. Industry groups have welcomed parts of the strategy but questioned whether it goes far enough to unlock growth and address pressures on producers. Presented on October 20, the commission’s strategy covers the aquatic food value chain, linking production and environmental protection with demand for EU seafood. It aims to give businesses greater certainty to invest while safeguarding the resources on which the sector depends. 
Kerry Q3 volume growth accelerates as taste and reformulation drive demand
Kerry logo on a mobile phone screen.
Kerry Group reported strong volume growth in the first nine months of 2026, with demand for taste, nutrition, and reformulation solutions supporting performance across key food and beverage categories.
Menopause supplements need women-only trials to move beyond wellness claims
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Nutrition Insight

During Menopause Awareness Month, Nutrition Insight meets with industry players to discuss how they are balancing efficacy, safety, and credibility as women at this life stage often want natural or non-hormonal solutions. Gnosis by Lesaffre, Lallemand Health Solutions, and Lallemand Bio-Ingredients also highlight what evidence is still missing to help move menopause products from wellness claims to trusted solutions. 
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Food Ingredients News
The next citrus wave: Suppliers turn exotic varieties into...
Classic citrus flavors such as lemon and orange are increasingly sharing the spotlight with yuzu, calamansi, and pomelo as F&B formulators explore their potential beyond beverages and into bakery, sauces, and confectionery applications. But industry experts say taking exotic citrus beyond trend-led launches will require more than consumer curiosity.
Worker standing next to apples in crates.
Food Ingredients News
Fresh produce industry urged to strengthen supply chain...
A new charter aims to improve collaboration, transparency, and risk preparedness across the fresh produce supply chain, as businesses face interconnected threats ranging from shipping delays to cybercrime and payment fraud. The fresh produce industry needs to look beyond logistics to build more resilient supply chains, with collaboration, transparency, and trust between trading partners becoming increasingly important in managing disruption.
GLP-1 injection pen in female hands near abdomen.
Food Ingredients News
Rethinking portion size, nutrition and sensory satisfaction...
For food and beverage manufacturers responding to the rise of GLP-1 weight-loss medications, the first challenges were relatively clear: consumers eating less may need smaller portions, while products must deliver more nutritional value in every bite. Protein enrichment, fiber fortification, and portion control have consequently become prominent themes in product development. 

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Healthy indulgence hitsOct2026

Innova Market Insights data indicates that consumers globally associate indulgent F&B experiences with healthier enjoyment. The market is responding to this demand, with confectionery, bakery and ...

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Nutritional value takes the spotlight as the F&B 2027 trend Oct 2026

Innova Market Insights has named “Nutrient Density Design” the top F&B trend for 2027. Consumers want more nutritional value from everyday food and drink, with 59% globally reading all or most nutrition information on packaging. Brands are responding by reducing negatives, removing scrutinized ingredients, and boosting positive nutrition.

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Functional fiber opportunitiesOct 2026

Innova data indicates that consumers globally are increasingly incorporating fiber into their diets. Fiber ingredient use in food and beverage products is gaining momentum, with Europe leading the growth. Soft Drinks accounted for the highest share of launches, while postbiotic claims continued to gain traction.

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Michiel Van Der Pom, Cargill
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Cargill VP on navigating cocoa costs and health demands

Cargill operates its House of Chocolate in Mouscron, Belgium, where customers can work through formulation challenges and accelerate product development. Michiel Van Der Bom, VP and product line director for Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate in EMEA, discusses the chocolate trends shaping...

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2027 Food Safety Risks for Quality & Compliance Leaders
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Oat-Standing Ingredients - Showcasing Irish Grain Through Innovation
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IFT president explores ingredient innovation and affordability
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