Consumers Demand Sweeping Changes in Product Formulas (Image Credits: Pixabay)
Archer Daniels Midland Company continues to equip food and beverage brands with tools to create healthier products using natural ingredients and advanced science.[1][2]
Consumers Demand Sweeping Changes in Product Formulas
More than 80% of U.S. consumers favored reformulation efforts, according to ADM’s research, with 52% viewing it as essential for brands.[1] This strong preference reflected a broader shift, as 63% preferred companies to update existing products for better-for-you profiles. Globally, 70% of shoppers sought recognizable ingredients, while 58% wanted shorter lists. Such trends underscored the urgency for manufacturers to adapt quickly.
Health concerns fueled this momentum. Surveys revealed 83% of consumers avoided or cut sugar intake, 66% aimed to boost protein consumption, 57% targeted sodium reduction, and 45% of Americans expressed interest in lower saturated fats.[2] Brands faced pressure from these expectations alongside tightening regulations on artificial additives.
Erlanger Upgrade Targets Natural Flavor and Color Needs
ADM committed $26 million to its Erlanger, Kentucky facility, a key U.S. site for flavors, to address surging reformulation demands.[1] The project added 3,600 square feet of space, boosting raw material handling by 40% through digitalization and automation. It built on a $15 million expansion from 2025 that grew the Customer Creation and Innovation Center by 7,200 square feet.
These enhancements improved supply consistency for naturally derived colors and flavors. Ian Pinner, president of ADM’s Nutrition business, stated, “Investing in our capabilities, solutions and technologies helps simplify reformulation for our customers.”[2] The upgrades supported faster development of taste, texture, and visual appeal in updated recipes.
Five Core Pillars Guide ADM’s Approach
ADM structured its support around five reformulation pillars derived from market analysis and consumer data. Each addressed specific challenges while preserving sensory qualities.
- Cleaner labels by swapping artificial dyes and sweeteners for natural alternatives like Colors from Nature™.
- Less sugar through SweetEdge® Toolbox and TasteSpark™ modulation to cut calories without losing sweetness.
- Added protein from plant sources such as soy, pea, beans, pulses, ancient grains, and seeds.
- Less sodium via savory flavors and TasteSpark™ Salt Modulation for umami enhancement.
- Optimized fat with low-saturated oils and mouthfeel restorers.[3]
This framework enabled brands to combine multiple goals efficiently, backed by ADM’s extensive ingredient library.
Science-Backed Ingredients Fuel Wellness Trends
ADM drew from its human nutrition portfolio for reformulation, featuring natural-source solutions like prebiotic fibers, plant-based oils, and sterols. Products such as Fibersol® supported microbiome health and sugar reduction with neutral taste. CardioAid® plant sterols targeted heart health by lowering cholesterol when used consistently.[4]
NovaSoy® isoflavones aided menopause symptoms and bone health from non-GMO soy. Onavita™ omega-3s from flaxseed offered clean-label alternatives to fish oils. These options aligned with demands for digestive wellness, antioxidants, and vitality, helping brands deliver verifiable benefits.
Key Takeaways
- ADM’s Erlanger investment meets 80%+ consumer push for reformulated products.
- Five pillars – clean label to fat optimization – simplify multi-goal updates.
- Natural ingredients like Fibersol® and CardioAid® enable health claims without taste trade-offs.
ADM’s initiatives position the industry to thrive amid health-focused shifts. Brands that reformulate thoughtfully stand to capture loyal shoppers. What do you think about these trends? Tell us in the comments.
