Re-planting ideas about veganism and vegetarianism. Once, the worst words for a dinner host or waiter were those uttered, “I’m a vegetarian,” only to be outdone by the impending sense of culinary doom surrounding the words, “I’m a vegan.” But times have changed, and vegetarianism has been widely accepted for...
For the last year, the health and beauty care (HBC) market may not have been sitting so pretty. Tight budgets left consumers struggling to justify spending on HBC when food and supplements were their main priorities. Because of this, it is more important than ever to offer high-quality, natural...
Weight-loss products and perceptions at the height of the obesity epidemic. The World Health Organization estimates one billion adults are overweight and 300 million are obese—devastating numbers—leading the organization to coin the term “globesity” (1). These are frightening figures considering the numerous health risks associated with being overweight. And, unfortunately,...
Effortless natural haircare solutions for common hair predicaments. Everyone has bad hair days. It is a fact of life, and most of us can manage to push forward (or pull a baseball cap on) and make it through the day. However, it can be frustrating to find products to tame...
Heart-healthy reformulations make it easier to indulge heart-ily. Improvement is the name of the game lately. Americans need to improve heart health, and what better way than through the stomach? Companies are revamping their product formulations, taking products that are poor in nutrition and injecting them with a wealth of...
Natural heart health products are upstaging the three-ring circus of pharmaceuticalsHeart health has developed into somewhat of a circus—with Big Pharma companies as the ringleaders. Some of the pharmaceuticals and methods used to sell them are high-flying acts that are not suitable for the faint of heart, literally. However, long-standing...
Contract manufacturers enhance their business models in a competitive market Contract manufacturers uphold a major portion of the natural products industry, allowing companies to be innovative and flourish in a variety of market climates. Steve Holtby, president and CEO of Soft Gel Technologies, Inc., Los Angeles, CA, says, "Companies usually...
In 2010, natural flavors and colors will bring the exotic to everyday. After a tough economic year in 2009, consumers are searching for ways to add small indulgences to their diets in the New Year. Many have resolved to cook in their own homes, rather than dining out, creating a...
Natural sweeteners satisfy a sweet tooth and your bottom line. The sweeteners category is ever evolving as consumers’ desires transition from low-/no-calorie sweeteners to low-carb to all-natural and back again. But more and more, consumers are recognizing the risks associated with artificial sweeteners and diets high in refined sugar and...
As November arrives, so do chilly temperatures, family gatherings…and cold and flu season. As an unwelcome part of the holiday time of year, even those who live in warmer climates are prone to illness from these stressful months and changing weather. It is important to ensure that our immune...
