Matcha is one of the fastest-growing ingredients in the functional beverage market. Known for its vibrant green color, earthy flavor, and natural caffeine boost, matcha appeals to health-conscious consumers seeking alternatives to coffee and energy drinks. But for food and beverage brands, developing a matcha...
Food safety and regulatory compliance are critical for manufacturers, especially when it comes to compounds that can affect consumer health. One of these compounds is histamine—a biogenic amine that naturally forms when certain foods spoil or undergo microbial activity. Too much histamine can cause food...
When developing ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee products, one of the most common challenges is controlling sourness. Coffee naturally contains chlorogenic acids and other compounds that can taste sharp or overly acidic after pasteurization or shelf-stabilization. Food scientists and beverage formulators often adjust acidity to create a...
1. Tunnel / Flash Pasteurization Process: Coffee is heated rapidly to ~160–180°F (71–82°C) for a short time as it passes through a tunnel or flash pasteurizer. Effect on coffee compounds: The heat can accentuate existing acids, especially chlorogenic acids, making the coffee taste sour or...
Plant-based dairy is no longer just a trend—it’s a full-blown revolution in the food and beverage industry. From oat milk lattes to cashew-based cheeses and coconut yogurts, dairy alternatives are reshaping grocery shelves and consumer preferences alike. But if you’re developing or selling a plant-based dairy...
As consumer awareness of health and wellness continues to grow, so does the demand for functional foods—products that offer benefits beyond basic nutrition. Whether it's a snack bar with added probiotics or a sparkling beverage with adaptogens, today's food and beverage brands are innovating like...
If you manufacture or sell dietary supplements, you already know how competitive and tightly regulated the industry is. But one critical area many brands overlook is stability testing. Stability testing doesn’t just prove how long your product lasts—it protects your brand, ensures label accuracy, and keeps...
Running a meal prep business comes with unique challenges: managing shelf life, maintaining food safety, and building consumer trust through accurate nutrition. If you're selling prepared meals, especially online or in stores, you're legally and ethically responsible for providing FDA-compliant nutrition facts and ensuring the...
Maintaining a clean and safe food environment isn't just best practice—it’s essential. Whether you're running a high-volume restaurant, catering kitchen, ghost kitchen, or food production facility, routine environmental swabbing is your frontline defense against foodborne illness outbreaks and regulatory violations. What is Environmental Swabbing? Environmental swabbing is...
How to Get Shelf Life Testing for Your Food or Beverage Product Fast When deadlines loom and retail demands grow, waiting weeks for shelf life results isn’t an option. At United Food Labs, we offer fast turnaround shelf life testing designed to keep your product launch...