Gut health, clean label foods surge in China market
Chinese consumers are driving demand for natural, gut-friendly and plant-based ingredients, mirroring global trends and boosting innovation in functional products.
China’s fast-growing demand for gut health and natural ingredients is pushing local firms to innovate in fibre, functional foods, and clean label solutions.
One example is Chongqing-based Joywin Natural Products, which is developing inulin fibre from Jerusalem artichoke, which is linked to gut microbiota balance and digestive health.
Tee Yih Jia targets plant-based growth with Asian-Western fusion
Tee Yih Jia is betting on Asian-Western fusion to grow its ALTN plant-based range, diverging from Western-style formats amid slowdown in the plant-based category
The firm is positioning its “East meets West” strategy as key to staying relevant, according to Tee Yih Jia’s Assistant Business Development Manager Tan Wei Xun. This is crucial as the plant-based sector is facing headwinds in general.
ALTN is Tee Yih Jia’s plant-based brand, which offers ready-to-cook frozen, plant-based convenience foods.
‘Consumers want more’: Tetra Pak on keeping up with rapid global change
Against a backdrop of global uncertainty and rapidly evolving consumer demands, Tetra Pak’s global VP Marketing Julia Luscher reveals the company’s key focus areas to stay ahead
Tetra Pak has a widespread footprint in the global packaging and food solution sections, but even with the Swedish multinational’s 70-odd years in the industry, current geopolitical and economic uncertainties across the globe – as well as consumers far more informed than any before – are presenting an unprecedented set of challenges.
“Food, beverage and packaging trends are shifting faster than ever, and there are also global disruptions to supply chains and the rising costs of oil coming into play,” Lusher said when queried about the biggest industry challenges she sees today.
Food and mental health in China: 2026 trends that brands should watch
China’s growing focus on mental wellness is shaping food trends, driving demand for fresh foods, dairy and lower-sugar options that balance health and indulgence
Recent studies suggest that food consumption can influence mental health and stress levels among the Chinese population.
Researchers from Nanjing Medical University found that higher fish consumption was associated with significantly lower stress levels among females. Among males, increased intake of fish and cereal crops (such as wheat, sorghum, rice, and oats) showed a similar effect.
Conversely, more frequent consumption of desserts and alcohol was linked to a higher risk of mental health issues among females. For males, higher intake of meat, pickled and smoked foods, and alcohol was associated with poorer mental wellness.
Taiwan courts overseas halal food markets with culture, health benefits
Taiwan’s halal brands are leveraging health messaging and cultural appeal to attract overseas consumers from Asia Pacific and the Middle East
Low-GI snacks, lower sodium options, and vitamin-infused beverages were among products showcased by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) at FHA 2026, held from April 21–24 at Singapore EXPO.
These offerings reflect a growing emphasis on health-forward messaging as Taiwanese brands seek to expand into export markets and the global halal sector.
