News & Events

Industry experts state that taking sugar out of a food or drink is not as simple as dropping in a sweetener that matches its taste. Sugar also does physical work in most products, providing body, bulk, texture, and mouthfeel. A high-intensity sweetener used at a fraction of its weight can leave much of that work […]

WholeFoods Magazine invited ingredient suppliers to share updates on their science-backed offerings. Here’s how Layn Natural Ingredients is poised to fuel growth in the dietary supplements and functional foods space in 2027.  

James Roza, chief scientific officer at Layn Natural Ingredients, cautions that biomarkers typically used to determine the risk of developing heart disease often do not provide a comprehensive view of someone’s cardiovascular status. He says typical biomarkers include total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides.

Layn’s SophorOx® was named the 2026 WholeFoods Magazine Ingredient Choice Award winner in the Weight Management category. Backed by clinical research, SophorOx® supports healthy body composition and weight management, demonstrating improvements in BMI, body weight, and waist circumference.

Flavonoids such as hesperidin and quercetin, naturally found in citrus fruits, have attracted considerable scientific interest for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potential cardioprotective properties.

For manufacturers and formulators, the sweeteners category is a fast-moving opportunity. Much of this momentum is fueled by rising demand for more options, as consumers increasingly favor low- and no-calorie alternatives to sugar, driven by a broader shift toward natural ingredients and heightened health consciousness.

SupplySide Global 2026 returns to Las Vegas October 26–30, bringing together leaders from across the health and nutrition industry. Layn Natural Ingredients (Booth 5065) will spotlight its monk fruit portfolio alongside science-backed SophorOx®, an Ingredient Choice Awards winner for weight management, and Galacan®, a revolutionary water-soluble beta-glucan.

Suppliers tell Nutrition Insight that GLP-1 use is accelerating demand for natural sweeteners and a “positive nutrition” approach over restriction. GLP-1 users increasingly want sweetness paired with protein, fiber, and metabolic benefits in smaller, nutrient-dense portions. Brands are moving away from artificial high-potency sweeteners toward natural, clean label options, with flavor systems masking functional off-notes.

With the rise of health-conscious consumers, brands are aiming to support nutrition goals without just removing sugar from formulations, says James Roza, chief scientific officer at Layn Natural Ingredients. Roza says companies are seeking sweet alternatives that enable positioning products around metabolic health, balanced energy, or overall wellness.

Doris Ip, senior marketing manager at Layn Natural Ingredients, says Layn is spending where sugar reduction matters most to conGrandberry names Yume M as Tate & Lyle’s most meaningful recent sweetener advancement.sumers and is hardest to execute. She says that is in beverages, hydration, and better-for-you foods. Ip notes that each demands a clean label,