In an era where health-conscious consumers continue to shape food and beverage trends, nutrition communication in the food ingredient industry has become a cornerstone for companies in the food sector. It is no longer just about providing ingredients with added benefits; it’s about translating science backing the ingredients’ benefits into meaningful, actionable insights for food manufacturers. BENEO’s Nutrition Communication team exemplifies this by bridging the gap between advanced nutritional research and the practical needs of food manufacturers/the industry.

Empowering Innovation Through Nutrition Communication

At BENEO, nutrition communication in the food ingredient industry goes beyond conveying the properties of our ingredients. It focuses on empowering food and beverage manufacturers to make informed decisions that align with health trends and consumer needs. Our customers—ranging from global brands to local innovators in the food and feed industry —face the challenge of creating products that balance health benefits, taste, texture and sustainability credentials.

By providing insights into the nutritional and health advantages of our ingredients, such as prebiotic chicory root fibres (Orafti® Inulin and Oligofructose), beta-glucan rich barley flour (Orafti® β-fit), slow energy-release carbohydrates like Palatinose™, and plant-based proteins from faba and rice, we help them design solutions that resonate with evolving consumer demands. These ingredients enable the development of products that support gut and heart health, balanced blood sugar levels, sustained energy, and plant-based lifestyles—just a few of the trends shaping the future of food.

Through close collaboration with customers, we provide not only the ingredients but also the knowledge to make the most of their use in food and beverage products. For example, we help customers propel their brand in the field of digestive well-being by leveraging the gut-health benefits of prebiotic chicory root fibres, which support the growth of beneficial bifidobacteria, naturally. Similarly, in the sports nutrition sector, we support the development of solutions that enhance performance while promoting consumers’ metabolic health.

Harnessing Emerging Trends

BENEO’s nutrition communication is well-positioned to address emerging trends, that are seen as key drivers for the food, beverage, and dietary supplement markets over the next five to ten years. Major trends that are shaping this space include:

1. Satiety Boost by GLP-1: Weight management is entering a new chapter with the use of natural ingredients that enhance the release of GLP-1, a gut-hormone promoting fat and glucose metabolism and supporting healthy weight. BENEO’s ingredients, such as Palatinose™, play a key role in this process by enhancing GLP-1 release, particularly post GLP-1 medication, offering a natural and sustainable approach to weight management. During the medication period, fibres and proteins are essential, as the medication mimics the effects of GLP-1. However, when the treatment ends, Palatinose™ can help maintain the healthy weight achieved.
2. Gut-Brain Axis: Increasing scientific studies highlight the connection between gut health and mental well-being. BENEO’s prebiotic chicory root fibres not only enhance the microbiota, boosting beneficial bifidobacteria, but they may also positively impact mood and overall health. As consumer awareness grows about the gut-brain connection, food and drink manufacturers are seeking solutions that link digestive health with mental resilience.
3. Personalized Nutrition: Consumers are demanding solutions tailored to their unique health needs and lifestyles. Integrating ingredients offering food, drink and supplement industry the flexibility to design products that align with individual dietary requirements, will grow in demand. Recent human-intervention studies by BENEO demonstrate the real-life benefits of its ingredients, showing their positive impact in everyday scenarios and hence in personalized nutrition.

Collaborative Success Stories with Experts and Health Professionals

Part of BENEO’s DNA is the passion for advancing the science behind its ingredients and their health benefits. The strong basis of scientific research over the past 30 years provides and supports us with credible health and nutritional benefits. In addition to conducting its own research, the BENEO-Institute collaborates with a global network of academic experts from leading universities and research centers.

The Nutrition Communication (NC) team plays a crucial role in translating this cutting-edge science into practical and accessible insights for both customers and consumers. Through our collaboration with food and beverage manufacturers, we aim to deliver measurable benefits to consumers’ health by leveraging BENEO’s expertise in nutrition communication and building strong partnerships.

The vital role health professionals play in guiding informed dietary choices that support overall health and well-being is also recognized by the NC team at BENEO. To strengthen this connection, they actively engage with these key influencers through a range of educational initiatives, including online courses, webinars, university lectures, and presentations at conferences. These platforms not only educate but also foster dialogue and empowerment.

Highlighting Global Engagements and Key Contributions

Recent examples include:

• In a recent interview with Nutraceuticals World, Denisse Colindres, Head of BENEO’s Nutrition Communication for the Americas region, explored trends in weight management and the integration of natural ingredients, such as Palatinose™, to support satiety by boosting GLP-1 release and promoting glucose and fat metabolism.
• In October, Silke Ullmann, Manager Nutrition Communication at BENEO Europe, shared scientific evidence on prebiotic chicory root fibres, focusing on their impact on mood regulation through the gut-brain axis at Food Matters Live in Ascot (UK). Her presentation included a roundtable discussion that connected industry professionals and academics, encouraging collaboration and the exchange of ideas.
• In November, Peen Ern from the Nutrition Communication team based in Asia, was invited to speak at the International Life Sciences Institute Southeast Asia Gut Microbiome Symposium held in Malaysia. She shared on the gut-health connection and the important role that prebiotic chicory root fibre plays in influencing the gut microbiota and human health, including mood and immunity. With the growing consumer interest in prebiotics, insights from the symposium provides an excellent opportunity and relevance for the food industry to develop products that cater to this demand.
• Renata Càssar, Manager NC for Latin America, hosted customers at in-person events organized by the BENEO Institute, showcasing the connection between prebiotics and health, and their positive impact on digestive, immune and mental health.
• BENEO’s Nutrition Communication team recently launched a video highlighting the three scientifically proven prebiotics (as defined by the ISAPP consensus): inulin, oligofructose (FOS), and galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS). The video underscores how BENEO helps navigate the crowded market of prebiotic claims, providing clarity backed by science.

Future Perspectives and Digital Transformation: A Game Changer in Nutrition Communication

The digital era has revolutionized how we communicate, and nutrition communication in the food ingredient industry is no exception. Today, digital tools and platforms allow us to deliver complex nutritional concepts in engaging, easily digestible formats. Interactive webinars, e-books, podcasts, and social media campaigns are now essential for connecting with both customers and health professionals.

The role of nutrition communication in the food ingredient industry will only grow in importance as digital transformation continues to evolve. Artificial intelligence (AI) presents exciting possibilities, and the Nutrition Communication team at BENEO has already begun leveraging it to enhance internal processes and external resources. These advancements will allow companies like BENEO to further refine how we deliver insights that are not only scientifically accurate but also aligned with evolving market trends.

Moreover, sustainability will become an even more critical factor. At BENEO we treat nutrition, health and sustainability as three sides to the same coin, because providing nutritious, appealing and science-backed ingredients is only possible thanks to Earth’s resources. This is what drives us to be a catalyst for change, propelling the transition to a profoundly sustainable food and feed system from farm to fork.

Why Nutrition Communication Matters Now More Than Ever

As health and sustainability increasingly influence consumer choices, BENEO’s NC team is uniquely positioned to lead the way. By combining robust scientific expertise with cutting-edge communication strategies, we equip our customers and health professionals with the tools they need for success. Whether it’s through promoting gut health with chicory root fibres, supporting long-lasting energy with Palatinose™, or meeting heart health needs with barley beta-glucan, our approach spotlights how BENEO’s solutions directly contribute to consumer well-being. Together, with our customers and partners, we are creating a healthier and more sustainable future of food.

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