Summary Formulating better-for-you bars in today’s crowded market requires balancing taste, functionality, and health benefits, especially as more consumers turn to GLP-1 medications and demand nutrient-dense, low-glycemic options. This white paper highlights how Icon Foods’ sweeteners, fibers, and inclusions—such as allulose, PreBiotica™ agave inulin, FibRefine™ soluble tapioca fiber, erythritol, and Read more…
Summary The functional beverage market is fizzing with opportunity, and gut-friendly sodas are leading the charge. In this white paper, Icon Foods Chief Innovations Officer Thom King outlines a practical blueprint for formulating carbonated soft drinks that deliver taste, texture, and measurable health benefits—all with fewer than 5 grams of Read more…
Summary When it comes to sugar alternatives, sweetness is only the beginning. Food scientists and formulators working in the low-carb, keto, and clean-label space know that texture, heat stability, digestive response, and regulatory compliance matter just as much. Two of the most commonly used—but often misunderstood—ingredients are isomaltooligosaccharides (IMOs) and isomalt. While both Read more…
Formulating a Gut-Healthy Carbonated Soft Drink: A Functional Approach for Food Technologists and Beverage Formulatorsby Thom King, Icon Foods, Chief Innovations Officer/Food Scientist Move over protein shakes and IPA-fueled kombucha experiments—there’s a new sheriff in town, and he’s packing bubbles, fiber, and just enough monk fruit to make your taste Read more…
By Thom King – Chief Innovations Officer Icon Foods Where does one even start? Tariffs? Cargill’s anti-dumping suit? Demand for containers? The only thing we are missing is a pandemic. We will dive into the burning dumpster in a bit but first let’s have a look at things that look Read more…
The tariffs implemented in 2017, and the potential tariffs projected for 2025 reflect different economic climates, policy objectives, and international trade dynamics. Here is a comparison of these tariffs, along with their potential ramifications in the food ingredient space: 2017 Tariffs Overview: The administration introduced tariffs primarily on steel and Read more…
The organic ingredients market has experienced significant growth over the past two decades, reflecting a broader shift in consumer preferences towards health and sustainability. The global organic food and beverage market was valued at approximately $150 billion in 2021[i] and is projected to reach over $300 billion by 2028, growing Read more…
The proposed 2025 tariffs will have a wide range of effects on the price of food ingredients. Here’s how these tariffs might impact food ingredient pricing: Increased Import Costs: Potential tariffs in 2025 may arise from ongoing geopolitical tensions, shifts in trade policy, or efforts to address trade imbalances and Read more…
There are around 2,000 to 8,000 taste buds. Think of them as tiny flavor detectives stationed all over your tongue, eagerly waiting for delicious flavors to arrive. Each bud is home to specialized receptors, ready to spring into action as soon as they detect something flavorful. Taste receptors are not Read more…
