Infusing foods with smoke can impart delicious nuanced flavours, but could also come with an unwelcome side of carcinogens. To reduce the carcinogen content of smoked foods, researchers took a lesson from the automobile industry, running the smoke through a zeolite filter to remove harmful compounds. It worked, and with a happy bonus: superior smoke flavour.

Concentrated form of cheese contains high milk fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Proteins that are present in cheese concentrates make cheese the most in-demand ingredient for flavouring various food products. Cheese concentrates also have high quantities of calcium and phosphorous compounds, which are important to maintain bone health in humans. Besides, micro-level nutrients present in cheese concentrates such as water soluble and fat soluble vitamins, boost the value of foods and act as health boosters. This is resulting in the rising usage of cheese concentrate in food products as a flavouring ingredient as well as a supporting nutritious ingredient.

When expectant mothers consume sufficient amounts of the nutrient choline during pregnancy, their offspring gain enduring cognitive benefits, a new Cornell University study suggests.

Indulgence has long been known as a key driver for chocolate NPD, but nowadays consumers are looking for a healthier chocolate experience. According to Innova Market Insights, 11 percent of global chocolate products have an indulgent and premium positioning in 2017 and globally, 23 percent of all chocolate launches tracked in 2017 carry a texture claim. Social eating occasions are driving the trend for sharing bags and easy to share formats across the confectionery, bakery and snacking segments.

Targeting increasingly adventurous consumers, set on new discoveries and experiences, will be key to developments in the food and beverage industry in 2019. The connected world has led consumers of all ages to become more knowledgeable of other cultures, contributing to 35 percent growth of “discovery” claims, when comparing 2017 and 2016 new product launch numbers.  “Discovery: The Adventurous Consumer” leads the list of Innova Market Insights’ Top Ten Trends for 2019. The company continuously analyzes global developments in food and beverage launch activity and consumer research to highlight the trends most likely to impact the industry over the coming year and beyond.