Ingredient Spotlight

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Whenever consumers make Jell-O, thicken gravy or add corn starch to a pie filling, they knowingly or unknowingly are using hydrocolloids to thicken their products and give them a desired consistency. As health-and-wellness trends impact new product development, beverage formulators increasingly are using these ingredients to give consumers the clean label, nutrient-enriched beverages they seek, experts say.

Although the U.S. Dietary Guidelines encourage Americans to eat more fruit, more than half are traditional options, such as bananas, apples, strawberries and oranges. Yet, as the beverage landscape has gotten more complex and exotic fruits have become more mainstream, consumers are experimenting with exotic fruits, including guaraná, lychee, dragon fruit, tamarind, pomegranate and mango for their exotic appeal, natural sweetness and enhanced, functional capabilities, according to ingredient suppliers.

Thomas Jefferson was quoted as saying, “Coffee — the favorite drink of the civilized world.” Today, coffee remains a favorite beverage and flavor in the United States. As such, beverage-makers are using the flavor within a plethora of categories, including ready-to-drink (RTD) coffees, spirits and craft beers.

At an annual wellness appointment, most doctors will preach about living a healthy lifestyle to help prevent the development of illnesses. As more consumers embrace this proactive approach, beverage-makers are seeking ingredients that can support this health-and-wellness trend.

As health-and-wellness trends proliferate in the marketplace, consumers demand products offering functional benefits as well as great flavor. Used for thousands of years, tea has been a popular go-to for many health-conscious consumers whether in bagged, ready-to-drink (RTD) or through non-traditional categories like sports drinks and spirits.