Emerging Trends Around Additives in the Food Industry

The food additives market comprises approximately $136.7 billion in the United States. With such a substantial market share of the national budget, it is imperative to understand trends in the additives industry. Food ingredient supplier Bell Chem has several food additive trends to share with you.

What is an additive?

But first, let’s define “additives." Almost anything not considered a whole food is an additive, from sweeteners to preservatives to organic acids. This broad range of products serves to emphasize color, taste, and texture as it preserves foods and even provides health benefits. A survey conducted by technology firm Ayana Bio concluded that 82% of adults claim to eat ultra-processed foods as part of their daily diets. All of this processing relies on additives.

Are our diets doomed?

It seems counterintuitive to point to additives as the heroes in feeding the world, but they surely are. The ability to chemically prepare food for storage and shipment has made it possible to send food from areas of plenty to those struggling with food insecurity. As these needs are met, additives enhance the nutritional value of foods. 

AI in the food supply chain

If it seems AI is everywhere, you are not mistaken. In the supply chain, many major companies rely on AI to generate transparent content as they streamline shipments and create foods with sustainable and ethical profiles. Consumers are more satisfied knowing the key ingredients and additives in each food product and to better understand why these additives are vital.

eCommerce

The pandemic pushed the necessity for online shopping, and foods were no exception. From fresh produce to pre-packaged meals, consumers have learned to appreciate the convenience of having foods shipped directly to their front doors. One of the deciding factors in shipping food is its quality upon arrival. Additives ensure the transition from factory to door is virtually seamless.

Social media and food

Want your online post to pop? Make it colorful! Social media posts focusing on food have noted a recent trend for bright food and beverage colors. Accompanying this trend, the importance of natural foods extends with many of the color-enriched foods appearing on social media being tinted with naturally occurring additives such as bacteria, algae, yeast, and fungi.

Bell Chem is a food ingredient supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse, including food additives. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.