Better-for-you beverages at Positive Nutrition 2023: From collagen-infused water to prebiotic soda

Panel discussion: Better-For-You Beverages

Better-for-you beverages are set to play an increasingly important role in tomorrow’s drinks market. From fortification to flavor, low-no alcohol and low-sugar, what are consumers looking for? We’ll examine how innovation is shaping the drinks of tomorrow and ask how the sector can communicate the science behind better-for-you beverages.

And it’s not all about beverages, over three days Positive Nutrition will take a deep dive into five core themes:

Session 1: Rethinking Reformulation​

Nutritionists have been encouraging us to eat more fruit, veg and whole grains for decades - but this approach has failed to tackle issues like obesity. Reformulation and innovation are therefore key to securing a healthier and more sustainable future for food. In this session, FoodNavigator journalists will be joined by an expert line-up of speakers to discuss how public health challenges can be met by leveraging technical advances and ingredient innovation. What will healthier products look like in 2023 and beyond?

Session 2: Plant-Based Potential​

Most of us need to increase the plant-based content of our diet to meet government-backed recommendations like the Eatwell Plate. But with the term ‘plant-based’ being stretched to include anything from ultra-processed burger patties, to bakery products and vegan nuggets, is there a risk that the plant-based category is falling fowl of health-washing? How can innovation in the plant-based space ensure products are delivering nutritionally dense, clean label products that also meet the organoleptic expectations of consumers?

Session 3: Food as Medicine​

Between dietary interventions that promise to help reverse the onset of NCDs like obesity and a rejection of ‘diets’ in favor of wellness maintenance and body positive weight management, a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between diet and health is coming to shape consumer attitudes to food – and the innovation strategies of the brands that serve them. But, looking beyond the hype, what ingredients and strategies are truly delivering in this area? And how can the benefits be communicated?

Session 4: How Tech is Transforming Wellness and Diet​

Digital technological developments are having a profound impact on what we eat. From digital apps that promise personalized dietary advice and consultation, to AI that can help reformulate products further and faster, we’ll analyze what the digital revolution means for positive nutrition and population health.

Session 5: Lifecycle Nutrition​

The nutrients we need change dramatically as we age. From tot to teen, zoomers to boomers, our bodies need very different diets to support wellness. What innovation opportunities does the deepening understanding of lifecycle nutrition offer and how can the food industry meet the segmented needs of the mass market?