Benjamin Ferrer
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Articles by Benjamin Ferrer
IFF report maps GLP-1 eating moments from protein-first mornings to evening comfort
International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) has published its newest report, GLP-1 Consumer Moments of Opportunity. The overview uncovers ten emerging consumer moments that reflect the evolving needs of patients seeking nutritional support while on GLP-1 medications. GLP-1 drugs lessen appetites to reduce food intake, and IFF’s research outlines that consumers are re-evaluating their food and beverage choices throughout the day.
Revyve’s new yeast protein targets plant protein texture gaps in shakes and bars
Dutch food-tech company Revyve has unveiled a yeast protein solution to improve the plant-protein quality, texture, and taste of active nutrition and healthy aging products. According to Revyve, the solution has a PDCAAS of 1, the top score for protein quality, and adds fiber to the blend. In ready-to-mix beverages, it brings a creamy body and smooth mouthfeel, while it helps keep protein bars soft and chewy.
Prolacta’s meta-analysis links human milk diet to 20% lower odds of death in preterm infants
A systematic review and meta-analysis examining premature and very low birth weight (VLBW) infants associates an exclusive human milk diet (EHMD) with 20% lower odds of mortality before hospital discharge, compared with diets based on cow milk-derived nutritional products. The researchers compared an EHMD — human milk fortified with Prolacta Bioscience’s human milk-based fortifier — with diets containing cow milk-based fortifiers or formula.
Leprino Nutrition quadruples microparticulated whey capacity with US$35M Texas expansion
Leprino Foods Company’s specialty ingredient division, Leprino Nutrition, has quadrupled its microparticulated whey production capacity through a US$35 million expansion at its Lubbock, Texas, US facility. The expanded capacity supports the production of the company’s Sweet Whey and will focus on consolidating externally sourced whey solids.
BMC Ingredients’ Rhiza high-protein mycelium secures FSSAI approval in India
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued an approval letter for BMC Ingredients’ Rhiza Mycelium, the company’s flagship ingredient made through fermentation. The regulatory notice advances the company’s plan to bring its high-protein ingredient to Indian food manufacturers as it expands its international business. BMC Ingredients produces Rhiza from whole- food mycelium — the root-like structure of fungi.
DMC Biotechnologies raises US$18M to commercialize precision-fermented KeyPura inositols
DMC Biotechnologies has secured US$18 million in financing to scale its high-purity bioactives made from precision fermentation. The US-based health ingredient company plans to channel the investment toward the commercialization of its KeyPura ingredients portfolio across the health, wellness, and personal care markets.
FDA proposes action levels on cadmium in processed baby and toddler foods
The US FDA is seeking public input to help guide food manufacturers on reducing cadmium levels in processed foods for babies and young children. The proposal falls within the agency’s Closer to Zero initiative, which is focused on reducing dietary exposure to heavy metals like arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury to as low as possible.
Superbrewed Food targets digestive health with Thryvia postbiotic at SupplySide Global 2026
Superbrewed Food highlights new results from a four-week consumer perception study of its flagship Thryvia postbiotic made from precision fermentation. Spotlighting the ingredient’s potential benefits for digestive health, independent research by Citruslabs was based on a 200 mg daily dose of the wellness ingredient.
Symrise to debut clinical evidence for acerola beauty ingredient at SupplySide Global
Symrise will unveil clinical evidence supporting the skin health claims for its acerola-based beauty ingredient, Acerowell, at SupplySide Global 2026 (Oct 26–30) in Las Vegas, US. Additionally, the company’s Care and Wellness Division will debut its Health Active Solutions and Probi offerings for the Americas. At its booth, Symrise will showcase market-ready formulation concepts, recipes, and taste-balancing solutions in beverages, stick packs, and chewables.
Clasado Biosciences secures ACI Group as UK and Irish distributor for Bimuno GOS prebiotic
Gut health ingredients specialist Clasado Biosciences has selected distributor ACI Group for its Bimuno GOS galactooligosaccharide ingredient across adult nutrition products in the UK and Ireland. The timing of the deal reflects a strong demand in gut health. Innova Market Insights data shows that this category is a leading functional focus for British consumers, with a quarter purchasing gut health products.
Abbott to spin off US$8.5B Nutrition business behind Ensure and Similac
Abbott plans to separate its Nutrition business into an independent, publicly traded company. The new business is projected to deliver approximately US$8.5 billion in annual sales. Abbott’s Nutrition portfolio comprises global brands across infant, pediatric, medical, and adult nutrition. Brands include the adult supplement drink Ensure, the pediatric supplement PediaSure, the diabetes management nutrition brand Glucerna, and the infant formula brand Similac.
Oobli expands sweet protein pipeline with miraculin to target metabolic health
In response to escalating metabolic health challenges, sweet proteins are gathering pace as alternatives to sugar and traditional high-intensity sweeteners. Among the companies commercializing them, Oobli is leveraging precision fermentation to produce bio-identical sweet proteins that mirror those found in rare equatorial fruits, which it says do not trigger blood glucose spikes, insulin responses, or digestive distress.
Brevel & The Wave Group to build 300,000 L illuminated fermentation plant in India
Israeli biotech company Brevel has entered a joint-venture agreement with Indian conglomerate The Wave Group to construct a biomanufacturing facility. The site in India will house Brevel’s illuminated fermentation technologies for producing microalgae and plant cell culture ingredients. Funded by The Wave Group, the new plant in Uttar Pradesh, northern India, will initially manufacture Purallis, Brevel’s clean-label chlorella.
NOW launches GLP-1 metabolic support supplement for blood sugar and satiety
NOW has unveiled its GLP-1 Metabolic Support dietary supplement, featuring a botanical blend of clinically studied ingredients to support appetite management, healthy post-meal glucose response, and metabolic health. The formula blends two clinically studied branded botanical ingredients, Metabolaid from Monteloeder by SuanNutra and Reducose from Phynova, with berberine hydrochloride (HCL) derived from Berberis aristata bark.
Better Dairy secures self-affirmed GRAS for precision-fermented lactopontin in the US
Better Dairy has achieved self-affirmed GRAS (generally recognized as safe) status for its precision-fermented lactopontin ingredient, marking a step toward the commercialization of a new generation of nutrition products in the US. While lactopontin occurs naturally in human and cow milk, the supplier underscores that its use as a functional ingredient in nutrition and supplements has historically not been possible.
India’s food safety watchdog proposes ban on added sugars in infant formula
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is pushing to restrict added sucrose and fructose in food products formulated for infants up to six months of age. This was outlined in its newly published draft amendment to the nation’s Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020.
Nestlé backs WSSO initiative to tackle malnutrition in cancer surgery patients
Nestlé has pledged its support for the World Society of Surgical Oncology’s (WSSO) international initiative to develop expert recommendations on nutritional care for patients undergoing cancer surgery. The partners aim to create a more consistent approach to providing patients with relevant nutrition advice tailored to their condition, alongside systems to identify those who are at nutritional risk.
Odacova Health’s nine-year dog study links MHCR-1 to calorie restriction benefits
Odacova Health is highlighting findings from a nine-year canine research program surrounding the performance and safety of its lead bioactive, MHCR-1.
Paul Stamets’ Fungi Perfecti maps first full genome of endangered Agarikon
Mycologist Paul Stamets, founder and chief scientific officer of Fungi Perfecti have made headway in fungal research with the publication of the first complete genome assembly of the endangered Agarikon fungus (Laricifomes officinalis syn. Fomitopsis officinalis).
Fiber for bones? Prebiotic soluble corn fiber boosts bone mass in teen girls, trial finds
Early adolescent girls adding a prebiotic soluble corn fiber to their usual diets built more bone than those taking a placebo, according to findings from a new double-blind, randomized clinical trial.
Euromed’s Pomanox P30 may support skin hydration and elasticity, trial suggests
A randomized, placebo-controlled trial and exploratory analyses suggest that Pomanox P30 benefits skin hydration and elasticity. The standardized pomegranate extract from Euromed also showed reduced pigmentation from four weeks in the “Pomaskin” study. The Mediterranean-sourced botanical extract is standardized to contain at least 30% punicalagins and is produced using Euromed’s proprietary water-based Pure-Hydro Process.
Hybrid formulas, casein innovation & cellular health fuel sports nutrition
The sports nutrition category is sprinting beyond basic muscle recovery toward multifunctional everyday wellness solutions that address gut health, mental clarity, and longevity. Younger consumers are driving demand for clear protein drinks, functional hydration, and hybrid formulas blending adaptogens and prebiotics.
Kinjirushi and Kun Health turn wasabi and Chinese herbs into daily supplements
With its time-honored roots, Eastern herbal medicine lends inspiration to modern-day botanical nutraceuticals as the science behind traditional ingredients continues to uncover their targeted health benefits. Nutrition Insight explores the latest advances in the field, with insights spanning Kinjirushi’s Japanese wasabi ingredient for cognitive wellness and Glorious Seed’s practitioner-formulated Chinese herbal blend.
AI Menu4You launches personalized meal planning app for families in the US
Designed around its philosophy that “food can heal,” the new AI-powered meal planning app AI Menu4You (AIM) has launched in the US, through the Apple App Store and Google Play. The platform personalizes meal plans, recipes, and grocery lists for each person in a household, accounting for each family member’s individual health goals, dietary restrictions, and preferences in one unified plan. The app allows families to generate personalized three-, five-, seven-, or 21-day meal plans.
PLT’s Ceratiq phytoceramides may calm sensitive skin and boost dermal density
PLT Health Solutions has shared new randomized clinical research on its Ceratiq ingredient indicating that it offers benefits beyond hydration and wrinkle appearance. Although the two studies have not been published yet, the company says they detail how the gluten-free, phytoceramide-rich wheat lipid extract supports the structure of sensitive skin while reducing its reactivity.
DolCas Biotech debuts Curcugen curcumin in Mānuka honey and cognitive drink
Nutraceutical supplier DolCas Biotech has introduced its Curcugen “full-spectrum” curcuminoid complex in two new functional applications. These are a Body Recovery & Gut honey supplied by New Zealand-based Mānukora and Numin, a functional beverage by SLS Performance developed to address “decision fatigue.” Curcugen is a turmeric-derived, full-spectrum curcuminoid complex extracted from the whole turmeric rhizome and clinically studied for enhanced bioavailability, according to DolCas Biotech.
D-ribose may aid marathon performance and recovery, says Bioenergy Life Science
D-ribose supplier Bioenergy Life Science (BLS) welcomes two clinical trials in China indicating that the nutrient may support endurance, exercise performance, and post-exercise recovery in amateur marathon runners. While the findings of the trials are unpublished, BLS says they point to D-ribose’s potential in sports nutrition. Beijing Sport University conducted the studies, one in middle-aged and older marathon runners and another in younger runners.
Vitamin Angels data shows digital tools may lift prenatal supplement adherence
Vitamin Angels has released new data pointing to the potential of digital technologies used in tandem with global nutrition interventions to support maternal and child well-being. Supported by national health systems, the nonprofit’s programs span Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.
SupplySide Global preview: Women In Nutraceuticals members to debut fizzing brain formulas
Member companies of the US nonprofit Women In Nutraceuticals (WIN) will debut new fizzing supplement concepts for day and night cognitive well-being at SupplySide Global in Las Vegas, Nevada, US (Oct 26–30). The effervescent granule delivery format enables formulators to combine multiple active ingredients, health functions, and benefits into a single, portable sachet.
Ultra-processed foods linked to insulin spikes even when nutrients match, study finds
Findings from a study in healthy adults suggest that different food processing methods produce distinct metabolic outcomes, even when lesser and ultra-processed foods are standardized to identical nutrition profiles — in terms of calories, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, water, and salt.
Lallemand wins US FDA approval for vitamin D2 inactive baker’s yeast in foods
The US FDA has amended its food additive regulations to allow the use of Lallemand’s vitamin D2 inactive baker’s yeast as a labeled “source of vitamin D2” in various food categories. Following the approval of Lallemand’s Food Additive Petition (FAP 1A4829), the FDA established the food additive regulation 21 CFR §172.383 to govern the ingredient. Published in the Federal Register on September 25, 2026, the final rule became effective on the same date.
Scientists design portable fluorescent sensor for vitamin B12 food testing
Chinese researchers have developed a new fluorescent sensor that could present a simpler alternative to measuring vitamin B12 in food through laboratory tests. The scientists at Liaocheng University propose that this new method could be adapted to a simple paper strip or cotton swab. The team notes that the most common measuring techniques, including chromatography and electrochemical analysis, often require complex instruments, lengthy sample handling, or precise conditions.
Lab studies link Pharmactive’s Csat carob to GLP-1 release and SCFA production
In vitro studies suggest that Csat, a whole-fruit carob ingredient produced by Pharmactive Biotech Products, boosts the production of beneficial short chain fatty acids (SCFA) by gut bacteria. These compounds may help people feel more satiated through enteroendocrine signaling, according to the findings. Pharmactive produces Csat through a proprietary process that harnesses key bioactive compounds from both the seed and pulp.
HTBA acquires delivery technology specialist Specnova to enter US market
HealthTech Bio Actives (HTBA) has acquired US biotech company Specnova, a specialist in patented and clinically validated ingredient delivery technologies. These systems are designed to improve the bioavailability, bioefficacy, and sustained release of plant-based actives, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and peptides. The deal marks HTBA’s first acquisition, adding to a portfolio of citrus flavonoids and active forms of vitamin B12.
Olly debuts “first-of-its-kind” Mochi Bites supplements for beauty, sleep & energy
Supplement brand Olly has unveiled Mochi Bites, dubbed a “first-of-its-kind supplement format” that pairs beauty, sleep, energy, and multivitamin needs with a soft, pillowy bite. The Mochi Bites will launch exclusively at Target with Target Clean certification. Each serving contains around 1 g of sugar, with no synthetic flavors or colors. The vegan and gluten-free product taps into growing consumer interest in the format, says Olly.
SupplySide Global 2026: RFI Ingredients to debut Cranova cranberry and NSR delivery tech
RFI Ingredients will exhibit its expanding portfolio of ingredient and formulation solutions at the upcoming SupplySide Global 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada, US (October 28–30). Innovation highlights include Natural Sustained Release (NSR) technology, which is RFI’s newest delivery system, alongside Cranova, its new whole-food cranberry ingredient platform designed for various daily wellness products.
Clinical study finds Aquanova micellar delivery tech raises xanthohumol absorption
A randomized clinical trial with 12 healthy adults finds that Aquanova’s proprietary micellar technology, NovaSOL, increases the bioavailability of xanthohumol, a naturally occurring bioactive found primarily in hops. NovaSOL uses micellar technology to help fat-soluble compounds mix more easily into water. This gives product creators more flexibility when formulating supplements with ingredients that are normally hard for the body to absorb.
US$2M NIH grant to study whether low-protein diets boost metabolism
The US National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) R01 research grant program has awarded US$2 million to a new project investigating how the brain detects changes in protein intake. Building on previous research in mice, the four-year project will shed light on how reduced protein intake drives changes in metabolism and food intake — and whether high-protein diets are beneficial for sedentary lifestyles.
Reducing sugar during antibiotics may protect gut microbiome in cancer patients
New research suggests that reducing sugar consumption may help protect the gut microbiome during antibiotic treatment. The observational study involved blood cancer patients going through an intensive treatment called allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant — when a patient receives healthy blood-forming stem cells to replace their own damaged or diseased bone marrow. The team notes that this population is significantly at risk for severe gut microbiome disruption and associated side effects.
ACLM pitches lifestyle medicine to address chronic disease and planetary health
The American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) has published a position paper suggesting that “lifestyle medicine” offers an evidence-based practical framework to jointly address public health threats of chronic diseases and growing global environmental challenges such as biodiversity loss and climate change.
Consumer study links Thorne’s Creatine + Alpha-GPC to focus and energy gains
An open-label consumer study conducted by Thorne indicates that adults supplementing with the company’s Creatine + Alpha-GPC (alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine) product for 30 days reported improved outcomes in better focus, mental clarity, motivation, energy, and endurance. The study, which the company has not yet published, involved 105 healthy, physically and mentally active adults.
US survey flags sleep and stress as underserved functional food needs over hydration
Brands may have greater market opportunity in underserved needs such as sleep and stress rather than the highly saturated category of hydration, according to findings from a new survey by AI-native research company Knit. The company suggests that brands relying solely on the popularity of a wellness need may be overlooking areas where consumers remain dissatisfied or open to trying new products.
WeNatal launches postpartum Milk + Mood supplement for breastfeeding and mental health
WeNatal has introduced its Milk + Mood supplement, designed to support a mother’s milk supply, mood, and the nutrients her baby receives through breast milk. The brand highlights that US women typically receive nine months of appointments, checklists, and prenatal vitamins. However, support tends to stop once they give birth. It highlights that the fourth trimester takes more of a nutritional and mental toll on a woman’s body than almost any other phase.
Smidge launches GLP-1 Companion Bundle to support digestion and nutrient intake
Small-batch nutritional supplements brand Smidge has launched its GLP-1 Companion Bundle, a set of supplements curated to offer digestive and nutritional support for individuals whose appetite or eating patterns may be changing, including patients taking GLP-1 weight loss medications. Since the advent of prescriptions like Ozempic, nutrition-forward GLP-1 companion food, beverage, and supplement products continue to diversify on the market.
Clinical research backs Pathways Biosciences’ botanical formulation for blood vessel function
New scientific evidence supports Pathways Bioscience’s proprietary botanical formulation, PB125, for its role in helping blood vessels to dilate, contract, and maintain healthy blood flow in adults. The research backs the ingredient’s ability to help preserve bodily vascular endothelial function as well as antioxidant defenses during long periods of physical inactivity, such as extended bed rest during hospitalization.
Those Vegan Cowboys leads €1.3M project on animal-free casein for sports protein
Four Dutch food organizations have jointly secured more than €1.29 million (US$1.5 million) in capital from the subsidy program Operational Programme South Netherlands (OPZuid). The food innovation collaborators — Those Vegan Cowboys, Interfood, HAS green academy, and XXL — will direct this capital toward developing protein-rich sports nutrition using animal-free casein from precision fermentation.
Danone shifts 115-year-old Steenvoorde site from infant to medical nutrition
Danone has transformed its Steenvoorde facility in France into a strategic hub for medical nutrition and dairy ingredients, reducing the site’s infant nutrition production. The company anticipates that refocusing demographics will reshape demand across the nutrition sector, as birth rates decrease and demand for medical nutrition grows.
EU consumers grow confident in healthy eating but distrust food information, study finds
European consumers are becoming more confident in their healthy and sustainable food choices, despite many remaining skeptical about the information surrounding products, according to new research from the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) Food Consumer Observatory. Findings reveal that Europeans feel “significantly” more confident navigating health than sustainability, emphasizing how the outlook changes depending on the context.
Front-of-package health claims don’t guarantee healthier foods, finds Cornell study
US food and beverage products branded with health-related claims are not consistently healthier, according to a recent analysis of nearly 150,000 food and beverage products launched on the market over the past decade. The study revealed that at times, reducing one unhealthy ingredient sometimes meant adding more of a different one.
Ganoderma and rhodiola formula restores immune function in microgravity rat study
Chinese researchers have found that an herbal formula of three botanicals restored immune function in rats living under simulated microgravity and then challenged with bacteria. The research highlights a potential nutritional pathway to fortify astronaut’s immunity on long spacefaring missions — with the potential to similarly support people on Earth.
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