Cindy Hazen

Dec 10, 2024 | powderbulksolids.com | Cindy Hazen

In the US, terms like food deserts, food insecurity, and food pantries reflect real problems with hunger. Food waste is a topic less talked about, yet the country generated 91.2 million tons of surplus food in 2023. Aside from food not reaching people who might benefit from it, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) believes upcycling food is a high impact solution to the climate crisis.

Nov 27, 2024 | supplysidefbj.com | Cindy Hazen

Natural colors and flavors offer vibrant sensory appeal but demand innovative techniques to overcome challenges like instability, processing sensitivity, and off-notes. At a GlanceNatural colors and flavors are sensitive to heat, pH and other conditions, requiring encapsulation or antioxidants. Specific ingredients influence flavor perception, often requiring tailored approaches to achieve balance.

Nov 25, 2024 | powderbulksolids.com | Cindy Hazen

When the new administration goes into action in 2025, change is the only certainty. In food and other industries, key questions arise around FDA, tariffs, transportation, and immigration. The road ahead is as foggy as it has ever been, but there are clues to help clear the haze. Under President Biden’s term, the US Food & Drug Administration reorganized. The newly formed Human Foods Program oversees all activities related to food safety, and nutrition. The agency has become more transparent.

Nov 25, 2024 | supplysidefbj.com | Cindy Hazen

The wellness beverage industry is innovating with low-sugar sweeteners like sweet proteins, stevia, isomaltulose, and chicory root fiber to meet consumer demand for health-conscious, functional options. At a GlanceSweet proteins such as brazzein offer sugar-free sweetness up to 5,000 times that of sugar while being digestion-friendly. Some stevia-based solutions enhance sweetness and mask off-flavors, making them ideal for sugar-free wellness beverages.

Nov 21, 2024 | supplysidefbj.com | Cindy Hazen

Replacing sugar with nonnutritive sweeteners in baked goods requires precise formulations to balance sweetness, bulk and functionality while addressing challenges like texture, browning and digestion. This is often achieved by combining complementary ingredients like stevia, monk fruit, allulose and fibers. At a GlancePlant-based sweeteners can provide sweetness without calories, but they require careful formulation.