No, monk fruit (Luo Han Guo extract) is not considered added sugar or a sugar alcohol by the FDA. 1. Is Monk Fruit an Added Sugar? No. Monk fruit extract is a high-intensity sweetener with little to no calories and carbohydrates. The FDA does not classify...
Many food entrepreneurs start with a homemade recipe that’s been perfected in their kitchen. However, taking that recipe to market requires much more than just increasing ingredient amounts. To succeed in the food industry, you need a commercial food & beverage formulation that ensures consistency,...
What is Kratom? Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, and its leaves contain alkaloids (like mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine) that have stimulant and opioid-like effects. It is commonly used in teas, powders, and capsules for its reported effects on energy, pain relief,...
👨🍳 Employee Hygiene & Food Handling (✅ Daily) ✔️ Employees wash hands before handling ingredients and after breaks, restroom use, or touching non-food surfaces.✔️ Clean uniforms, hairnets, gloves, and closed-toe shoes worn at all times.✔️ Gloves changed frequently, especially when switching tasks (e.g., handling raw ingredients...
1. Moisture Content High Water Activity (Aw): Granola bars should have a low water activity (≤0.60) to prevent mold growth. Ingredients like dried fruit, honey, or syrups can increase water activity if not properly controlled. Improper Drying: If ingredients like oats, nuts, or fruits are...
In the food and beverage industry, moisture management plays a critical role in product stability, quality, and shelf life. Two essential tools for understanding and controlling moisture interactions in food and packaging are the Isotherm Vapor Sorption Analyzer (VSA) units and Water Vapor Transmission Rate...
The Comprehensive Guide to the FDA's Tree Nut List Tree nuts are a common allergen and are regulated as such by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To ensure compliance with food labeling regulations and protect consumers with allergies, it is essential for food manufacturers,...
Shelf Life Validation Study for Raw Pasta Dough Situation A premium pasta manufacturer sought to validate the shelf life of their raw pasta dough to ensure product quality and safety for retail distribution. They aimed to test both the standard formula and a version containing microbial inhibitors...
Restaurant Menu Nutrition Analysis Situation A popular mid-sized restaurant chain specializing in comfort food aimed to revamp its menu to appeal to health-conscious diners without alienating its loyal customer base. The restaurant planned to introduce nutrition information on its menu to comply with federal regulations and attract...
Prebiotic Drink Quality Analysis Situation A health-focused beverage company launched a prebiotic drink in three flavors, designed to support gut health. After production, the company noticed inconsistencies in product quality, raising concerns about potential issues in the manufacturing process. Problem The company faced the following challenges: Inconsistent quality across...