A prebiotic nanofibre matrix that protects beneficial bacteria in the low pH environment of fruit juices could prove an effective encapsulation agent for the probiotic delivery in functional beverages.
Pectin and pulp extracted from passion fruit makes an effective probiotic food carrier, research finds as it demonstrates properties that stimulate probiotic growth and survival in the gut.
From do-it-yourself kefir kits and lacto-fermented vegetable juices to kvass and spreadable cheese-style tempeh – what’s trending and what's next for the fermented food trend in Europe?
The types of fruit juices that appear to offer the most help in tackling cardiovascular disease and aiding weight management have been highlighted in a new academic review.
The list of beverages consumers drink on a daily basis is becoming more restricted, but sparkling water has maintained a prime spot and is perceived as an everyday indulgence, according to Euromonitor.
Watermelon juice enriched with l-citrulline combined with pomegranate extracts may reduce muscle soreness and markers of muscle damage following exercise, says a new study from Spain.
Frutarom launched a range of functional beverages at Vitafoods in Geneva last week, as it looks to integrate newly acquired businesses into its product portfolio.
Consuming 400mg of caffeine a day from all sources is not bad for your health, researchers have said in a systematic review looking into the effects of caffeine on humans.
Glanbia has developed BevEdge, a patent-pending technology that allows manufacturers to remove lecithin from protein powders and beverages, cleaning up the ingredient list and removing a potential allergen.
PepsiCo has launched an incubator programme to help nurture the ‘best and brightest’ entrepreneurs in the nutrition, health and wellness sectors. Eight ‘breakthrough brands’ will benefit from a €25,000 ($26,500) grant each, and access to experts from...
A blueberry drink a day can help keep stress away, suggests a study which found blueberry’s antioxidant power improved the cognitive performance of adult rats exposed to stress.
Despite the emerging trend of blurring category lines in the functional beverage sector, many consumers still hesitate to believe the claims and attributes on pack, let alone make a purchase, a new study from Mintel reveals. But it's not stopping...
Functional beverages are set to boom with projected 8% annual growth, with energy drinks, waters and teas strong performers – but are consumers growing weary of gimmicks.
A British University has been fined after a bungled nutritional experiment led to students consuming caffeine quantities equivalent to '300 cups of coffee.'
Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP) has launched a new citrus flavor for sugar-free Monster Energy Ultra, seeing a 32% rise in sales of low calorie energy drinks and a shift in interest away from traditional energy drink tastes.
The anti-inflammatory properties of caffeine may be why coffee drinkers live longer, says a Nature study, in which its research team provide proof for the compound’s role in heart health.
Cap-based nutrient delivery systems have been around for several years but have not won widespread uptake on-shelf. A reusable cap featured at the recent Health Ingredients Europe (HiE) trade show in Frankfurt offers home-use options.
Polyphenols from citrus fruit may counter the detrimental effects of high fat meals on cardiovascular health, report scientists from the University of Reading and PepsiCo.
The European Specialist Sports Nutrition Alliance (ESSNA) is lobbying for two different solutions to the EU caffeine claim hold up, one of which could see use of the claims limited to sports supplements only.
Arla Foods Ingredients has developed an on-trend whey protein iced coffee concept that it is confident will be “on the market and available to consumers very soon”, but can it dispel negative perceptions around whey protein drinks?
Maastricht University researchers are seeking sponsors – preferably from a drink or shot maker – for a weight management trial exploring ‘intestinal brakes’ that has showed promising phase 1 results.
London-based English Premier League (EPL) football club Tottenham Hotspur has inked a deal with Norwegian firm Smartfish to supply high-dose omega-3 products for player recovery.
The cranberry industry and academics have rubbished a cranberry-UTI study and accompanying commentary published in JAMA in the past week, saying the research is “misleading” and “suffering from fatal flaws.”
The health and safety of energy drinks and shots could come under the microscope again after a man developed acute hepatitis after excessive daily consumption of such a product, as reported Nov. 1 in BMJ Case Reports.
For the latest edition of Tetra Pak’s annual Consumer Generations Whitepaper series, the packaging giant interviewed more than 40,000 people and gathered insights from 27 different developed and developing countries, and found that the senior population...
The European sports nutrition industry is calling for a ‘protein spiking’ loophole to be closed, but if there is any Brussels movement it is likely to be slow and this lapse threatens to knock the nutrition staple from the top step of the sports nutrition...
Food and beverage start-ups that bring to market on-the-go snacks or beverages with a ‘free-from’ positioning have the best chance of success, whilst dairy concepts face the greatest risk of failure, finds new research.
Australia is the largest market for breakfast drinks, with a current retail value of around A$200m (USD $153m). But when it comes to innovation, the UK can give the Aussies a run for their money, says Zenith International, while the US market also shows...
Luis Cantarell, who headed up €500m+ food-pharma crossover research centre Nestlé Health Science when it launched in 2010, is retiring after 40 years at the Swiss food giant.
The Irish government has launched an ambitious national obesity plan which proposes a sugary drinks tax, maximum portion sizes, marketing restrictions and reformulation targets - but the lack of funding to implement the policy has led to criticism from...
The first production of a new ginger-based sports energy drink is currently underway, after raising over £6,500 (€7515) in pre-orders through a Kickstarter crowd-funding campaign.
Scientists from PepsiCo and the University of Reading (UK) report that a single glass of flavonoid-rich orange juice may boost cognitive function, compared to placebo.
100% juice products are capturing the imagination of consumers and driving growth, which will see expansion beyond traditional fruit base drinks to include vegetables, exotic plants and coconut, according to Tetra Pak.
The EU should “quicken its step” and raise the upper limit of stevia that is permitted in soft drinks, says VitHit’s founder, Gary Lavin, whilst dismissing health claims as “unnecessary” when marketing a vitamin drink.
Protein supplementation during intensive cycle training increases muscle growth and improves heart rate, but does not have a measurable impact on performance, according to a study.
Whether “ahead of its time” or just very niche, blood flow beverage brand Sirco is seeking to attract a broader consumer base, with the launch of of two new ‘easy to drink’ products.
Researchers have uncovered a direct link between caffeine-binding receptors in the brain and age-related memory problems, suggesting that caffeine may help reverse memory deficits.
For the first time Germany has overtaken the US as the top energy drink innovator with the highest rates of new product development (NPD) in 2015, according to Mintel.
Why do some people need to drink more coffee to feel the same effect? It could be down to a gene that controls cells' ability to process caffeine, scientists have found.
Drinking beetroot juice after exercise can reduce muscle pain and improve recovery, but does not improve real-world performance, according to a study also showing no benefit from antioxidants.
From teas enriched with medicines to programmable tea taps, the humble brew could see a dramatic evolution over the coming years, says Tetley. Even the concept of tea consumed as a liquid could be challenged.
