Ten trends to watch in packaged goods in 2006

The year 2005 has been one of transition for many packaged goods marketers, setting the stage for what is expected to be a very active year for new products in 2006. The demise of the low-carbohydrate fad has left a wide open market for other health and wellness-related trends to surface, including these top ten picks from Productscan Online...

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PLA Innovation of the Week: healthy cookies for guilt-free snacking

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PLA Functional Innovation of the Month: cookies that claim to "promote beauty"

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New food review: herbs find new homes in ice cream and chocolate

In this month's rundown of innovative food launches, several manufacturers are exploring the potential of herbs as a flavoring ingredient in sweet product categories. Meanwhile, a new customizable offering that allows consumers to create their own flavor combinations is set to make its mark in the chewing gum category.

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New food review: hands-on fun with cheese and chocolate

In line with the increased demand for products that give consumers the experience of "scratch" cooking and greater interactivity with food and its preparation, new "kit" offerings have been unveiled in the chocolate and cheese markets. These products, a mozzarella-making set and chocolate that can be molded into different shapes, could lead to further interactive ideas in other categories.

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New food review: functional food goes frozen

The launch of a light ice cream with performance supplements to encourage muscle growth, and an organic, fat-free, coconut water-based sorbet show how functional food is straying ever further from its traditional territories. Featured in this month's roundup of novel food launches, the two products hint at a new, healthy direction for the frozen dairy market.

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New food review: foods gain cooling appeal

This month's rundown of food innovations finds that manufacturers are responding to consumers' needs with greener packaging that has ease of use benefits. This includes the launch of a snack product with easy to recycle packaging, and an easy open salad bag. Meanwhile, cooling products appear to be the new thing in confectionery, with ice cream candy and cool sensation cookies coming to market.

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New food review: energy jelly is something to chew on

New formulations are entering the snacking and functional food categories, aiming to entice consumers with unique taste experiences and health benefits. This month's summary of recent innovative food launches reveals jelly formula energy bars, satiety-enhancing snack bars, and fruit flavor tortilla chips as the latest means by which manufacturers are attempting to stand out from the competition.

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New food review: chicken bags new cooking convenience

The potentially messy and time-consuming process of preparing roast chicken dishes at home is the focus of two new packaging innovations featured in this month's rundown of the latest novel launches from the food industry. Elsewhere, packaging is also being utilized to boost the appeal of novelty confectionery products for the festive season.

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New food review: chewing over foods' mood-enhancing possibilities

Functional foods appear to be moving in new directions, with the launch of a range of cookies that claim to have skin-enhancing qualities and a chewing gum that is designed to improve the mood of the user. This shows the possibilities of introducing foods that can offer quick fixes for consumers' varied health needs.

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