Microbiome science meets business: Probiota returns in 2026
With a wealth of content on functional food, beverage and supplements, the leading event for microbiome science is back in February
Functional dairy
Probiotic combination may help lower antibiotic resistance in premature babies
A combination of Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus acidophilus could restore a healthy gut microbiota in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) babies, according to new research published in Nature Communications.
Pioneers
Pioneers: How Alec’s Ice Cream reinvented better-for-you ice cream
By combining taste, sustainable credentials and nutritional goodness, Alec’s Ice Cream has taken the category by storm. Founder Alec Jaffe tells us what’s next
What makes a GLP-1-friendly yogurt drink? Danone tells all
By formulating a dairy drink that specifically caters for weight loss medication users, Danone has set a new standard with Oikos Fusion
Third time lucky? Danone, Lifeway in fresh acquisition talks
After twice failing to reach an agreement, Danone and Lifeway Foods are talking again - but is a deal in sight?
Critical milk-based supplement ingredient faces regulatory, trade challenges
Products derived from nonfat milk solids, essential ingredients across multiple dietary supplement categories, are vulnerable to shifts in government regulations, trade agreements and export controls.
FBIF 2025
Meiji: Protein intake trumps exercise to build muscle gains
Meiji has urged consumers to focus on protein consumption over exercise for muscle growth and maintenance, across all groups from seniors to athletes
Beyond intolerance: The rise and rise of low and no lactose dairy
By combining functional and digestive benefits, lactose-free dairy is carving out a growing niche of health-focused formats
Pioneers
High-protein game-changers: Protein Pints
Making ice cream both nutritious and delicious has stumped many food firms - but US-based Protein Pints says it has cracked the code to a good-tasting, protein-rich ice cream
Good & Proper’s barista-ready matcha taps into booming matcha latte trend
Matcha is having a moment: nowhere more so than in trendy, Instagram-friendly matcha lattes. But that’s opened up the market up to cheaper, lower quality alternatives. Good & Proper’s latest launch heralds a return to ‘matcha, as it should be’
Probiotic may ease gut microbiota changes linked to stress: RCT
Consuming a probiotic yogurt before academic exams may help students protect their gut microbiota from stress-related disruptions, says a new study from KU Leuven and Danone Research & Innovation.
ADM reveals what drives functional food & beverage innovation
Consumers are prioritizing wellness through everyday foods and drinks – ADM’s latest insights show how sensory cues like flavor and color are shaping the next wave of functional innovation
How brands can bank on yogurt’s health halo
The wellness trend is driving demand for functional, protein-rich foods like yogurt. Here’s what’s fueling growth in the category
Brand new: Amway, Mengniu, GNC in the spotlight
See new developments from health and nutrition brands across Asia-Pacific, including new initiatives between Amway and biotech firm HEM Pharma, Mengniu’s sports nutrition plans and more.
Danone-owned Kate Farms shakes up high-protein space with GLP-1 drinks
The company’s new range promises to elevate nutritional support for consumers on weight management medications
IFT First: New tech and innovations to look out for at the food science expo
Ready for the new world of GLP-1 food and drink? Want to keep up to speed with the latest in functional and plant-based ingredients, alternative proteins, sugar reduction tech and much more? Here are some of the innovations set to star at the global food...
Fortified dairy: What you need to know, from methods to consumer perceptions
Fortifying dairy products with bioactives such as vitamins and probiotics not only enhances nutritional value but paves the way for next-gen formulations
‘Return Lifeway to the people who own it’: What now for the scandal-plagued kefir brand
Lifeway Foods board members are battling for control after the Smolyanskys’ family feud intensified
Healthplex Expo 2025, Natural & Nutraceutical Products China 2025 (HNC 2025)
Mengniu to explore bone, joint, anti-oxidation for sports nutrition range
China dairy giant Mengniu Dairy is exploring bone and joint health, as well as anti-oxidation as it expands its sports nutrition range.
Danone homes in on gut health trend with The Akkermansia Company acquisition
The Akkermansia Company has been acquired by Danone as the global food company looks to invest further in gut health and next-generation biotic science.
Pioneers
High-protein game changers: Slate Milk
In a new article series, we spotlight some of the companies that are driving innovation in high-protein dairy . . .
Dairy Innovation
Ultra-filtered milk is redefining dairy: Inside the strategies of Quest, Nurri and Pioneer Pastures
As consumers demand more protein, less sugar, and better nutrition from their beverages, three disruptive brands are using ultra-filtration to reinvent milk – and reshape the dairy aisle
Danone’s Oikos expands into $7bn ambient protein shakes market
The move creates a new aisle presence for Oikos, traditionally known for its high-protein yogurts
From gut health to immunity: What do consumers want from functional food and beverage?
We look at data from five major European countries to find out what are the major claims driving interest towards biotics – and what that means for food and beverage brands
Whey to go: Bel Group is making cow-free dairy proteins from cheese waste
The Babybel maker has found a non-GMO way to produce bovine casein without the animal in a major tech and sustainability breakthrough
From Danone to Müller: Why kefir is a big pull for big brands
From an obscure ethnic beverage to a global dairy megatrend, kefir is attracting big-brand interest and a growing consumer base
Natural Products Expo West
Kerry’s new strategic direction focuses on sustainable nutrition and functional benefits
Consumers are demanding lower sugar and sodium products with functional benefits, inspiring CPG and ingredient innovation
Danone’s Super Bowl commercial masterstroke in a GLP-1 world
We look at why the dairy major tracked GLP-1-related conversations on social media - and how its Super Bowl commercial spoke to the masses
Natural Products Expo West
Chobani bets big on protein in yogurt and RTD coffee
The company boosts its protein content for its yogurt and coffee businesses
Lifeway Foods rejects Danone’s ‘opportunistic proposal’, adopts ‘poison pill’ plan
The kefir maker’s board of directors has adopted a shareholder rights plan in a bid to avoid a hostile takeover.
Can functional dairy beverages thrive on the ‘dusty shelf’?
Products such as probiotic-enriched milk can now be stored outside the fridge thanks to food technology and packaging innovations. But would consumers buy into the emerging category?
Functional formulations with upcycled acid whey
Acid whey is typically discarded as a waste product from yogurt and cottage cheese production; but it could be better utilized as an ingredient in functional foods and beverages.
Dairy NPD trend drivers: what do consumers want?
From supporting weight loss to boosting protein intake, how can dairy brands respond to the latest consumer trends?
Chobani’s all-natural high-protein yogurt for the masses
The US Greek yogurt producer wants to ‘broaden the market’ of high-protein yogurt for mainstream consumers – but how does the range stand out?
How dairy majors are tapping into high-protein dairy this fall
Recent product releases from Saputo, Müller and others ride on the growing consumer demand for high-protein dairy in the UK. How are companies innovating?
Danone caps 30 years of gut health innovation with Actimel+ Triple Action release
The dairy major has enhanced its functional yogurt beverage to address key nutritional challenges for European consumers while also lightening up the range’s packaging.
What's new in dairy? From yogurt shots to plant-based cheddar
We round up some of September's latest retail launches across the UK and North America...
Brand focus: Lactoferrin milk powder maker Jatcorp moves way from distribution, OEM model
Australia-based Jatcorp will focus on building its nutrition brands and potentially acquire at least one new brand in the upcoming year, as it moves away from product distribution and OEM.
Synbiotic yogurt consumption reduces oxidative stress, a risk factor for developing cancer, diabetes
Consuming the functional dairy product can lower the risk of cell and tissue damage that can later cause chronic and degenerative diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
News
Functional foods fuel healthy eating trends
A growing trend of health-conscious consumers in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic has sparked calls for manufacturers to focus on functional foods.
Danone seeks untapped opportunities in a booming high-protein space
The French dairy major is looking to deepen and expand its protein strategy to meet evolving consumer preferences for high-protein dairy products.
Are food producers making the most of the cottage cheese trend?
Cottage cheese is growing in both volume and pricing in the US, making the category ripe for innovation. But are manufacturers taking advantage – and why should they?
Consumers are ‘overwhelmed’ by ‘confusing’ gut health marketing, Danone finds
The maker of Activia tells us what matters most when it comes to effectively communicating information about gut well-being to consumers.
The next dairy 'superfood' could be... fortified buffalo yogurt
A nutritional powerhouse that packs more protein and less cholesterol than cow's milk yogurt, buffalo yogurt is ripe for functional innovation, a study suggests.
Postbiotics: The lesser-known microbes in the gut health universe
Prebiotics and probiotics are practically celebrities in the world of gut health, but have you heard of postbiotics? This lesser-known friend of pre and pro is quickly climbing the gut-health charts.
‘The prospects are tantalizing’: Prebiotic fiber can make low-calorie ice cream as creamy as the full-fat stuff
Dietary fiber with functional and clean-label appeal can be a ‘genuine’ fat replacer in low-calorie ice cream, new research has found.
Dairy trends unwrapped: Consumers seek added value, scrutinize claims
The majority of shoppers are ‘unwilling to sacrifice quality’ even if that means paying a higher price, new research suggests. Plus: opportunities in dairy desserts, ice cream, label claims and pack sizes.
Most global shoppers would spend more for natural, clean label claims
Clean label formulations attract new consumers and increase quality perceptions and purchase intent, according to global consumer research.
Yogurt on toast? Consumers are getting more creative with use occasions, Onken says
The yogurt brand aims ‘to inject a sense of fun’ through its latest advertising campaign in the UK as it admits consumers use the dairy staple in unexpected ways.
Healthier Choices: Yili on clean label, Freshcourt on health trends, Nestle on healthy ageing and more feature in our round-up
Yili on clean label, Freshcourt on health trends, Nestle on healthy ageing and more feature in this edition of Healthier Choices.