Our industry’s responsibility is to keep translating credible science into meaningful innovation, whether it’s rethinking how we talk about ultra-processed foods, tackling reformulation challenges, or using tech and ESG principles to future-proof food systems. I’m excited to be part of that conversation.

As a registered dietitian who works closely with ingredient innovation, I see the debate on ultra-processed foods (UPF) as both valid and nuanced. While many studies do link high UPF intake with poorer health outcomes, it’s critical to separate the degree of processing from what’s actually in the food: excessive added sugars, refined starches, poor-quality fats, and lack of nutrient density often drive these risks. We need to remind consumers that context matters: overall diet quality, portion size, and lifestyle choices play huge roles. Demonizing all processing can distract from more actionable solutions like improving formulations, fortifying foods where needed, and educating people about balance and moderation.

Absolutely. Instead of focusing solely on whether a food is “ultra-processed,” we should prioritize nutrient profiling, ingredient transparency, and evidence-based dietary patterns. For example, many fortified or functional foods are technically “processed” but deliver real health benefits when thoughtfully designed and backed by science. We can better guide consumers by promoting clear labeling, credible health claims, and encouraging whole-food diets complemented by smart innovations and not by painting all processing with the same brush.

Reformulating for sugar and salt reduction is rarely straightforward. Taste is just one challenge as texture, stability, and consumer expectations all come into play. Often, when you reduce sugar, you need to compensate for sweetness, bulk, or preservation. Sugar, for example, isn’t just about sweetness: it also adds bulk, affects mouthfeel, enhances color through caramelization, and even plays a role in food preservation. Remove or reduce it, and the entire product matrix shifts.

Salt reduction has similar complexities. Salt isn’t only a flavor enhancer as it influences texture in baked goods, binds moisture in meat products, and helps control microbial growth. When you cut back, you often need a multi-pronged approach to maintain safety, taste, and quality.

Consumers may want “less sugar” or “less salt,” but they still expect the same sensory experience. This creates tension between clean label demands and the need for functional replacements, which can sometimes lead to longer ingredient lists or novel ingredients that require consumer education.

Finding functional, safe, cost-effective, and label-friendly ingredient solutions is vital and that’s where innovation comes in. From natural sweeteners and salt substitutes to flavor modulators, fiber additions, and fermentation techniques, companies have more tools than ever.

Finding functional, safe, and label-friendly ingredient solutions is vital. At Kyowa, we focus on ingredients that complement reformulation goals by delivering additional functional benefits helping brands add value when other elements come out.

Consumer acceptance of alternative food technologies varies widely by region and culture. In Europe, there’s strong interest but also caution and high demand for transparency, local sourcing, and proof of sustainability. Consumers expect clear labeling, evidence of safety, and alignment with climate goals. In the U.S., openness to plant-based and cultivated proteins has grown rapidly, driven by flexitarian and wellness trends, celebrity endorsements, and innovative branding. In parts of Asia, there’s growing interest in functional foods, alternative proteins, and fermentation-based innovations, but taste, price, and cultural relevance are critical. Globally, trusted science and responsible communication remain the foundation for long-term acceptance.

For companies that want to stay relevant, ESG really isn’t optional anymore, but it’s woven into how we innovate.

A lot of companies are taking big steps here: they’re looking at how to cut waste, lower their carbon footprint, and make sure supply chains are ethical and transparent. We know it is not all about the environment, the social side matters too. Fair labor, community well-being, and how products truly benefit people’s lives are influencing how brands make decisions every day.
 
Governance ties it all together. You need clear internal standards, honest reporting, and accountability to back up what you say. It’s not enough to put a green badge on a label, consumers expect proof. That’s why so many brands now want ingredients that don’t just have strong science behind them, but that also check those ESG boxes. You can build real consumer trust when your products and your values align.

AI is changing so much about how we think about food, from how it’s produced to how it can truly fit our individual needs. On the supply chain side, AI helps manufacturers plan smarter. It can predict when and how much raw material is needed, monitor quality in real time, spot problems early, and help teams adjust before small issues become big ones. That means less waste, smoother operations, and a system that can handle surprises better.

Where it really gets exciting is on the consumer side. AI and big data are opening the door to nutrition that feels genuinely personal. Imagine combining what we know from wearable tech, DNA insights, or even gut health testing with smart recommendations for supplements or functional ingredients. Suddenly, people can see exactly how certain nutrients or bioactives fit their unique goals, whether it’s better focus, more energy, or healthy aging.

Of course, AI can be a little exciting and scary at the same time. Sometimes you find out more about yourself than you ever expected, and other times you wonder, is this real, is this true, can I trust these results? We all need to stay a little skeptical and learn how to use these tools wisely, to help us move faster, make better decisions, and catch issues early, not just blindly follow whatever the algorithm says.

People want solutions that deliver real results and truly fit who they are, and AI is making that level of trust and personalization possible.