Recent research findings by Euromonitor International highlight the prominence of probiotic and botanical ingredients in packaged foods in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, which also underscores innovation opportunities for wider application and variation....
A study has found that increased dietary intake of magnesium and fibre is associated with reduced likelihood of developing metabolic syndrome (MetS) among Kuwaiti women, underscoring the need to encourage diets rich in these nutrients.
Meiji is launching a new product under its WELLCACAO range, which is made with the company’s proprietary cacao-based ingredient that claims to be less bitter and better retain nutrients such as polyphenols.
High caffeine consumption at 6mg/kg body weight significantly enhances skeletal muscle reactivity at rest, but did not improve anaerobic performance, according to a randomised crossover trial.
A̅repa is conducting further research on how a novel molecule discovered from New Zealand blackcurrants, which it has also patented, could benefit mood and cognition in healthy populations.
A study on coffee consumption patterns in Saudi Arabia has found that Saudi coffee is more widely consumed than Turkish coffee among the local population, and that caffeine intake levels remain within the daily recommended limit despite the category’s...
Local laws governing infant nutrition cannot be subservient to WHO guidelines that were not approved by member states, says Australia’s Infant Nutrition Council (INC) as it questions the global bodies role over policy.
World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines have ignited debate in Australia over when to introduce complementary food into an infant’s diet, and the policies governing of infant formula manufacturers.
A group of Japanese researchers have developed a nutrient profiling model (NPM) adapted to the local food culture and health policies, in the hope of establishing an official system to promote healthier product formulation and better food choices.
Mumbai-based ProV Foods has introduced range of premium chocolate-coated almonds, setting the stage for a bigger portfolio expansion focusing on “balanced indulgence”.
Dietary supplement giant BYHEALTH is channelling efforts to developing and launching products to meet the evolving needs of Chinese female consumers, which constitute a major portion of vitamin and dietary supplement (VDS) users in the country.
A study has identified ageing, female demographic, and pre-existing health conditions as some of the key factors that influence the Lebanese population’s uptake of the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet).
Singapore-based Hey! Chips says that its switch in business strategy from overseas expansion to building presence in the local market has enabled it to gain a foothold in the healthy snacking category and a spurt in brand awareness.
Singapore-based HaruPlate aims to fill gaps in the better-for-you snacks category, targeting children’s nutrition needs and parents’ pain points through reformulation of existing products and development of fortified treats.
The intake of freeze-dried kale and pea powders both led to improved metabolic profile among Saudi adults with obesity, but the latter was found to be superior for blood glucose control in a cross-over study.
KosmodeHealth is aiming to help tackle diabetes in Asia by helping manufacturers upcycle food waste into high-fibre staples with zero glycemic response.
A study suggests that individuals who are carriers of a specific genetic variant may reap better exercise performance from caffeine supplementation, underscoring a potential approach for developing personalised sports nutrition products.
Food and beverage giant PepsiCo says it is continuously improving the nutrient density of products and expanding its better-for-you portfolio based on a strategy that it says is aligned with both global and local dietary guidelines.
Kiwifruit firm Zespri plans to shape future initiatives aimed at increasing awareness and consumption of fruit and vegetable (FV) based on findings from its recent study, which showed positive effects of FV intake on children’s well-being.
Singapore start-up Flojo has debuted its sparkling drinks formulated with botanical ingredients aimed at supporting cognitive function, strengthening immune system, and improving mood and mental clarity.
Brewers’ spent grain, particularly those fermented with tempeh mould, is a promising ingredient that not only can be used for snacks, but also reduces food waste.
Australian-based start-up Heartful Flavours is on a mission to educate consumers that their taste buds can get used to less salt, as it ramps up promotion of its salt-free Asian staples.
A Chinese RCT showed that the Sichuan cuisine version of the Chinese heart-healthy diet (CHH diet-SC) can significantly reduce blood pressure (BP) and increase the rate of BP control in hypertensive adults, with products lower in sodium and oil key to...
Kirin has released a spoon that uses electricity to intensify the umami taste of food to address the issue of excessive salt intake among the Japanese population.
The Brooklyn Creamery has launched a range of protein ice cream bars in its domestic market and the UAE, where it is leveraging its partnership with a quick-commerce platform to meet growing consumer demand for protein-rich desserts.
The bioactive compounds, high nutritional content and antioxidant capabilities of dates make the fruit an effective base ingredient for functional snack bars, says Saudi researchers.
Microbrewery Moon Juice Kombucha says it is combining science and mystical tradition by brewing according to the lunar cycle, and creating drinks that aid digestion, boost hydration, and encourage detoxification.
Indonesia-based Mamame says that its tempeh chips are made without soybean and seed oils to overcome allergy concerns and taste issues of the traditional snack, in the hope of catering to consumers worldwide.
Japanese consumers with higher dietary intake of vegetables tend to have a higher salt intake, prompting a need for policy interventions that encourage vegetable preparation with less sodium, say researchers.
High caffeine intake has been associated with an elevated risk of anxiety in healthy individuals and could interfere with treatments for patients with medical or psychological conditions, according to a new meta-analysis.
Traffic light food labelling encouraged healthier food choices among Japanese college students, and now has the potential to be used nationwide, say researchers.
Selenium supplementation for 12 weeks had beneficial effects on several oxidative stress biomarkers and migraine symptoms, suggesting its potential as a complementary therapy, according to a new trial.
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.
A multitude of media strategies are needed to maximise the impact of healthy eating messages in Japan, with particular concern raised about the quality of some of the information published online, say researchers.
A nutritional audit of more than 700 plant-based foods in Australian supermarkets has found high levels of salt and saturated fat, with researchers also calling for a more up-to-date food database to be used in the country.
Plant-based meat alternatives don’t appear to lower cardiovascular risks for Asians, prompting the need to relook at the nutrition profile during product formulation, say researchers.
A high weekly intake of dairy products, such as cheese and yoghurt, among children and adolescents was associated with 42% lower odds of wheezing, compared to those who never or only occasionally consume these foods, say researchers in the Middle East.
A longevity coffee product is set to be relaunched with a tweaked formulation in an effort to crack the lucrative China market after its first iteration achieved sales success in more than 40 countries.
A study has found multi-nutrient inadequacies within the Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) populations, including nutrients associated with diet-related disease, highlighting the need for public policies and food-based recommendations to promote intake.
New analysis of India’s regulatory framework for advertising foods that are high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) need to be overhauled to better protect children, academics have argued.
Educating consumers and healthcare professionals that being lactase non-persistent is not the same as lactose intolerance could play in key role in tackling two of Asia’s biggest public health challenges – namely diabetes and the wellbeing of an ageing...
German firm Haus Rabenhorst is looking to capitalise on the functional beverages trend with its range of nutrient-enriched juices, amid growing interest among consumers in Asia and Middle East.
New Zealand infant nutrition firm Haven is expanding into the plant-based space with the launch of an oat-milk based drink for toddlers aged one and above.
