Grain, Baking Groups Urge Maintaining Carb Intake Levels

Representatives of the American Bakers Association (ABA) told a U.S. dietary guidelines advisory panel recently that carbohydrate intakes should remain at the 2015 recommended level of between 45-65 percent of daily calories.  Registered dietician Kathy Wiemer also recommended six servings daily of traditional grains with at least half as whole grains, “given that Americans continue to under-consume whole grains.” She also urged American to eat at least three servings of enriched grains. The recommendations in the advisory committee's scientific report, due next year, will form the basis of the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs). Other organizations testifying before the panel as part of an umbrella group known as the Grain Chain included the Wheat Foods Council, the Independent Bakers Association, the Grain Foods Foundation, the Grain Chain, the North American Millers' Association, the Wheat Foods Council, the USA Rice Federation, and the Retail Bakers of America.

"Grain Chain, led by ABA, testifies on health benefits of increased grain servings", American Bakers Association, July 11, 2019

New Branched-Chain Amino Acids Drinks From Celsius

Florida-based functional drinks maker Celsius Holdings Inc., announced expansion of its product portfolio to include branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) drinks that purportedly fuel muscle recovery. The new products, launched in three flavors: blood orange lemonade, tart cherry lime and tropical twist – will be introduced initially into the fitness channel. The company says the new BCAA extension is the first post-workout, recovery beverage that Celsius has introduced in the U.S.

"Celsius Announces Launch of Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAA) Product Line", PR Newswire , August 27, 2019

Consumer Interest In “Food As Medicine” Fuels Continued Growth Of Functional Beverages

About 25 percent of American consumers are attempting to manage a medical condition through diet – the concept of “food as medicine.” That fact is reflected in the growing number of innovative beverages that deliver functional nutrients via a grab-and-go drink. Beverage companies are catering to strong consumer interest in antioxidants, digestive health, and the as yet unproven benefits of cannabidiol (CBD). Other functional ingredients companies are experimenting with include: mushrooms, the ashwagandha herb and other adaptogens, turmeric, ginger, prebiotic fibers, and probiotics. Companies active in functional drinks include: Mamma Chia (Chia Prebiotic Squeeze and Chia Energy Squeeze); Remedy Organics (Golden Mind with omega-3 fatty acids and adaptogenic herbs); Kiito Inc. (plant protein drinks for keto dieters); Kitu Life Inc. (Super Espresso with caffeine, whey protein concentrate, and coconut MCT oil); Uptime Energy Inc. (L-theanine-based energy drink); Jade Leaf Matcha (tea ...  More

"Collagen, mushrooms trending in functional beverages", Food Business News, September 03, 2019

Edelman Report Discusses Major Global Food, Beverage Trends

Global PR firm Edelman’s new food and beverage industry report highlights this year’s major trends. Demand for customization or foods and beverages, for example, has steadily increased over the past decade, but companies will need to protect consumer data used to develop personalized products. Companies are turning to “superpowders” to deliver health benefits. The powders are made from functional ingredients like ancient herbs, roots, and plants that contain collagen, adaptogens, ashwagandha, and turmeric. Companies are also developing FODMAP-friendly products that do not trigger uncomfortable digestive symptoms in susceptible people, especially those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Other key trends include: a rise in global tea consumption and the emergence of new tea flavors; the advent of a “sixth taste concept” (beyond sweet, salty, bitter, sour, and umami) called kokumi; and consumer demand for curtailed use of plastic, and increased attention to water usage and upcycling of ...  More

"Personalized nutrition, tea flavors, and kokumi: Edelman predicts global food trends", Food Navigator, September 05, 2019

Asia’s Gen Z Consumers Want Health Benefits, Exotic Flavors

Health-conscious Generation Z consumers in the Asia-Pacific region not only want natural health benefits from their beverages, they are also looking for new and “exotic” flavors and are willing to experiment. Research firm GlobalData says Asian-inspired infused beverages containing matcha, ginseng and guarana are “at the forefront of consumers' product purchase decision-making.” Brands hoping to tap into Asia's rapidly-developing markets are using combinations of "unique flavors and healthy ingredients" to sell soft drinks. An example is Suntory Beverage & Food's experiment with its Goodmood brand, a “water plus” drink with yogurt. The company is rolling it out across Asia, with well-received launches in Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Coca-Cola, meanwhile, has launched its Authentic Tea House range in six Asian markets, with more planned next year. The RTD teas contain no sugar, additives or preservatives; variants include Ayataka Japanese Green Tea, Da Hong Pao Oolong Tea. and ...  More

"Why Gen Z's interest in health & wellness should boost soft drinks innovation around Asian ingredients - Comment", Just-drinks.com, September 05, 2019