Summary As tariffs, supply-chain volatility, and growing consumer skepticism disrupt erythritol’s longtime dominance in reduced-sugar formulation, isomalt emerges as a stable, cost-effective, and sensory-superior alternative. Derived from beet sugar and delivering a smoother sweetness curve with far less cooling, isomalt offers reliable bulk, excellent heat and acid stability, and a […]
The Sweet Science of Keeping it Cool (and DELICIOUS) Summary Baking with allulose delivers incredible flavor, color, and clean sweetness—but its high Maillard reactivity means it browns fast, behaves unpredictably under heat, and requires a different approach than sucrose. In this technical breakdown, we explore why allulose caramelizes so quickly, […]
How Prebiotic Fibers, Symbiotics, and Postbiotics Crank Up GLP-1 Summary GLP-1 may be the headline hormone of the metabolic era, but food and beverage formulators don’t need pharma to play in this space. The gut already manufactures GLP-1 naturally through short-chain fatty acids produced during fiber fermentation. This article breaks […]
Summary High-protein and functional beverages are booming, but their biggest challenge isn’t formulation—it’s flavor. Packing 50 grams of protein into a 12-ounce RTD is a sensory minefield, especially with the bitterness, astringency, and lingering off-notes that come from dairy and plant proteins. MonkSweet™ LS4 solves this problem through a powerful […]
Summary The “Solubility & Processing Field Guide to Icon Foods Fibers” by Thom King, MS, CFS, is a comprehensive resource for food scientists seeking clarity on how different fibers behave in real-world formulation conditions. It maps the solubility, heat and pH stability, and gelling tendencies of Icon Foods’ FibRefine™ and PreBiotica™ […]
A Functional Approach for Food Technologists and Beverage Formulators Summary In the fast-evolving world of functional beverages, gut-healthy sodas are redefining what it means to “drink your wellness.” This white paper from Icon Foods’ Chief Innovation Officer Thom King dives into the science and formulation strategies behind creating carbonated soft […]
Summary Allulose is stepping into the spotlight as erythritol faces trade turbulence. With anti-dumping petitions, countervailing duties, and tariff uncertainty tightening around polyols, formulators are turning to KetoseSweet™ allulose—a rare sugar that melts cleanly into formulations, sidesteps tariff risk, and brings consistent performance. Beyond its economic edge, allulose delivers sensory and […]
Cracking the Code on Mouthfeel, Sweetness, and Terpene Oddities Summary As alcohol consumption declines and health-conscious consumers embrace cannabis beverages, formulators face a new challenge: creating low-sugar THC drinks that taste great without the “weed tea” effect. This white paper explores how clean-label sweeteners like allulose, monk fruit, and advanced […]
Summary Monk fruit continues its steady climb as the clean-label sweetener of choice for brands pursuing natural, no-sugar claims. Supply remains tightly linked to China’s short harvest window and global logistics, keeping prices firm through late 2025. Looking ahead to 2026, moderate market growth is expected as improved extraction efficiency […]
Summary Clean-label sugar reduction in coffee and soda syrups doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor, mouthfeel, or shelf life. In this guide, Icon Foods’ Chief Innovation Officer Thom King shares a practical roadmap for developing indulgent, low-sugar syrups that perform like traditional formulations—without the added sugar baggage. By combining allulose […]