October’s highlights include the SupplySide Global and CPhI trade shows, our visit to the Innovation Institute for Food and Health’s (IIFH) recent Discovery Forum, and our series on Rousselot’s collagen innovations.
In our October review, Nutrition Insight highlights some of the month’s biggest stories, including Innova Market Insights’ Top Ten Food & Beverage (F&B) Trends, our discussion with Danone’s chief research and innovation officer about the future of gut microbiome research, and the University of California (UC) Davis’ partnership with Nestlé Health Science to advance nutrition research.
Additionally, we looked at the opening of dsm-firmenich’s “next-gen” pet premix facility in the US, Kirin’s latest immunity-boosting functional beverage, and AAK’s new vegan omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) ingredient.
Kirin unveils hot drink with immune-boosting LC Plasma to meet functional demand
Kirin unveiled its first hot functional beverage fortified with LC Plasma (Lactococcus lactis Plasma) to meet rising demand for immune-supporting beverages as temperatures drop. Introduced in Japan as “Honey Lemon Scented Hot Ginger,” the product blends LC Plasma, ginger extract, and honey-lemon aroma. According to the company, LC Plasma has been shown to activate plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) that coordinate the immune system’s response. A spokesperson from Kirin told us that 50 % of people feel health-vulnerable during colder months, driving demand for functional hot beverages, and added that the move marks a strategic shift toward convenient, functional formats that blend comfort and immune care in a single cup.
IIFH Discovery Forum: At the intersection of nutrition and health in the GLP-1 era
At a recent forum hosted by UC Davis’ IIFH, we spoke with experts about the rise of GLP-1 receptor agonists as nothing short of “a tectonic shift” in how food systems and human metabolism operate. These medications — which slow gastric emptying, reduce appetite, and elevate insulin response — are reshaping not only obesity treatment but the very nature of nutrition strategy for millions of consumers. We also attended MISTA’s third Growth Hack, which showcased start-ups and new technologies in meal, snack, and beverage concepts for healthy nutrition.
AAK’s new DHA solution claims to outperform algal and fish oil in metabolism boost
AAK has introduced AkoVita OptiSyn, a new omega-3 solution combining DHA and PC in a proprietary ratio designed to enhance metabolic and immune health. The ingredient boosts DHA uptake in adipose tissue cell membranes — where it drives anti-inflammatory activity — achieving a 150% increase in bioavailability. AAK notes that, unlike traditional fish or algae oils, AkoVita OptiSyn offers superior stability, sensory performance, and formulation versatility, enabling new functional and enteral drink innovations for consumers seeking everyday metabolic support.
Gut health in review: Examining Innova Market Insights’ top F&B trend for 2026
According to Innova Market Insights, the trend dubbed “Gut Health Hub” emerged as the stand-out driver in F&B innovations for 2026. With around 59% of global consumers now viewing gut health as vital to overall well-being, the microbiome is being repositioned as the gateway to whole-body health — not just digestion. According to the company, brands are responding by moving beyond generic probiotic claims and launching products across categories — from soups to snacks — highlighting ingredients such as pre- and probiotics and deeper benefits like immunity, energy, and skin health.
“Hidden health capital”: Danone exec on leveraging gut microbiome research advances
Danone told us it is deepening its commitment to microbiome science with the establishment of its OneBiome Lab in Paris‑Saclay. The company said the move reflects a broader ambition to treat the gut microbiome as a pivotal health asset. We sat down with the company’s chief research officer, who said that the next frontier lies in personalization. “When we can truly understand the mechanisms… the possibilities are infinite. Think of growth, cognitive impairment, immunity, diabetes, improved resistance to microbes, and more,” she explained.
Next-gen dsm-firmenich pet premix facility opens in US
dsm-firmenich has launched its NextGen Tonganoxie pet-only premix facility in Kansas, fully automated and traceable to deliver precise micronutrient blends. Catering to mainstream and functional pet foods, it integrates proprietary and third-party ingredients, prioritizing safety, quality, and formulation flexibility across the US, Canada, and Mexico. The facility marks a milestone in the company’s global pet nutrition expansion. At the same time, NaturVet introduced lickable cat supplements, and a study found that dog food that is high in carbohydrates is worse for canines’ metabolic health than raw meat.
Natural metabolic health: Rousselot’s Nextida GC collagen peptides boosts GLP-1 response
Recent clinical trials revealed that Rousselot’s Nextida GC collagen peptide blend enhances GLP‑1 release and improves insulin response after 5–10 g doses prior to meals, helping moderate post‑glucose spikes and boost satiety. We attended the company’s Innovation Days where scientists highlighted how the offering allows the body to “produce its own GLP‑1” instead of relying on pharmaceuticals. The company also emphasized Nextida GC’s high solubility, neutral taste, and stability, along with its format flexibility and applicability for powders, drinks, and snacks. We also spoke with experts about its potential to support metabolic, bone, and muscle health.
UC Davis Institute and Nestlé Health Science to commercialize “transformative” nutrition research
UC Davis’ IIFH joined forces with Nestlé Health Science in a strategic partnership aimed at transforming early‑stage nutrition research into market‑ready solutions. The partnership will focus on advancing innovations in healthy aging, women’s health, metabolic and gastrointestinal issues, and diet‑related disease areas. Under the collaboration, start‑ups emerging from the UC Davis ecosystem will receive scientific, technical, and commercialization support from Nestlé Health Science, helping bridge the gap between academic discovery and consumer‑facing products.
CPHI 2025 live: ADM spotlights biotic innovations for mood, metabolic, and gut health
At this year’s CPHI 2025 trade show in Frankfurt,Germany, ADM showcased its expanding portfolio of pre‑, pro‑, and postbiotics with a sharp focus on mood, sleep, metabolism, and gut health. The company spotlighted its Lactobacillus gasseri CP2305 postbiotic, which is backed by eight human trials and has been shown to reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and support emotional well‑being. We also spoke with the manager of pharma at Dr. Paul Lohmann about the advantages of magnesium bisglycinate, Gelita’s global product promotion manager told us about its latest innovations, Lonza Capsules and Health Ingredients highlighted its delivery format tech, and Pharmactive Biotech, Beneo, and ThreoTech spoke with us about nutraceuticals for brain and immune health.
SupplySide Global 2025 live: Gencor rebrands as Saanroo in “new era” of science-backed nutrition
On the opening day of this year’s SupplySide Global 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada, US, Gencor unveiled its new identity as Saanroo — part of the company’s shift toward evidence‑based nutraceuticals and a full separation from its pharmaceutical operations. The rebrand, punctuated by a logo of flowing molecular dots and a name rooted in the Tamil word for “proof,” showcased the company’s intent to deliver global, science‑driven wellness solutions. With more than 50 clinical studies and over US$15 million invested in research, the CEO of Saanroo told us the company is framing itself not just as a provider of ingredients but as a partner in wellness innovation. We also spoke with Aker BioMarine about the latest clinical results of its Lysoveta ingredient, and we spoke with several experts at Givaudan about its gut and brain health innovations.
