January 2021

Expanding its toolbox of stevia-based rebaudiosides, SweeGen is commercializing Bestevia Rebaudioside N (Reb N). The zero-calorie natural stevia molecule is produced through a patented bioconversion technology from the biotech company Conagen.

New research from Ohio State University claims that saccharin does not cause diabetes, allaying fears that the sweetener may be doing more harm than good.

The staple trend of ingredient naturality is becoming more pronounced as the COVID-19 health crisis has prompted consumers to opt for more natural flavors – associated with perceived healthful attributes. FoodIngredientsFirst speaks with players in this arena, who hone in on the trending natural flavors of 2021.

GNT is extending its Exberry range of oil-dispersible Coloring Foods with the launch of a pink shade made from fruit and vegetables. Specifically developed for use in fat-based applications, Exberry Shade Pink – OD is the latest addition to the company’s portfolio, that also includes red, yellow, orange, blue and green options.

Today marks the launch of Novozymes’ new enzyme created for “better tasting” high protein beverages. It can help overcome taste challenges associated with bitterness and astringency and relieves the need to compensate by adding other ingredients to mask such off-tastes, the company says.

New Food’s Editor spoke with Unilever’s Executive Vice President of Global Food to hear his thoughts on our current food system and why he believes plant-based ingredients are the solution.

E-commerce giant JD has seen a boom in organic product sales in China after working with brand partners to establish the country’s first-ever organic alliance, with the firm saying demand has been boosted by consumers seeking ‘safer and healthier’ food.

Insufficient integration among ministries and related stakeholders has made it difficult for food to be distributed to remote areas of the country.

Malaysia headquartered Ritamix Global has launched a tea modelled on a TCM formula used in China for COVID-19 treatment ‘ but the new product is registered as food and beverage and makes no health claims.

Australian organic camel milk producer QCamel is targeting Singapore as the first export market for its milk, smoothie, feta cheese, dried powder and chocolate products.

Singapore halal authority MUIS has highlighted several guidelines for food firms to heed in order to smoothen their product export process – including prioritising consistency and labelling – as it encourages the local industry to tap into the trillion-dollar market.

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has advised cell-based meat firms looking to get regulatory approval for their products to start the application process as early as possible, and always prioritise food safety to maximise their chances of success.

The government of Thailand has ambitious plans to digitize the nation’s food and agricultural industry and is starting with a national tracebility system dubbed TraceThai, which will first focus on tracking organic foods, the Ministry of Commerce told us.

“Giggling bread” and “joyfully dancing salad” aren’t the usual dishes on a menu in Thailand, but one eatery is hoping its cannabis-infused cuisine can lure foreign tourists and take the taboo out of the recently legalized leaf. The restaurant at the Chao Phya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital in Prachin Buri started serving its own happy meals this month, after Thailand de-listed cannabis as a narcotic, allowing state-authorised firms to cultivate the plant.