Beyond The Headlines: Benexia debuts first-ever chia milk, nutrition industry calls for clearer FDA guidelines

In nutrition industry news this week, Benexia debuted its innovative Seeds of Wellness Chia Milk, the first chia-based dairy alternative that includes high omega-3s and fiber. Meanwhile, the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) is urging the US FDA for clearer guidelines on the drug preclusion provision in the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA), as stakeholders face growing regulatory uncertainty that could impact the marketing of dietary supplements.

New product and service launches

Benexia, a chia-based innovation specialist, launched Seeds of Wellness Chia Milk, the first-ever plant-based milk made from whole chia seeds. The creamy, nutrient-dense alternative offers 740 mg of plant-based omega-3s, four times more fiber than almond or oat milk, and three times more protein than rice milk, all with no added sugar. Produced sustainably through regenerative agriculture and a zero-water process, Seeds of Wellness Chia Milk is also free from dairy, gluten, soy, and nuts. The product comes in Original flavor, with Vanilla launching soon. It is available in the US in select Costco locations across California, Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho, Utah, Alaska, and Hawaii, as well as on Amazon.

ChemPoint, a subsidiary of Univar Solutions, launched IngredientPoint, an online platform aimed at the food, nutrition, and personal care sectors. Designed to support specialty ingredient suppliers, IngredientPoint offers a “digital-first” solution for bakers, snack food manufacturers, and independent brand owners to research, source, and discover industry trends. The platform delivers specialized marketing, content curation, and trend analysis to meet the needs of these fast-paced industries. ChemPoint expressed its commitment to customer feedback, ensuring that IngredientPoint provides tailored solutions focusing on agility and data-driven insights.

Kate Farms launched its Kids Nutrition shake across Target stores in the US, marking its first debut at a major national retailer (Image credit: Kate Farms).Plant-based nutrition brand Kate Farms launched its Kids Nutrition shake in the US, at select Target stores, and on the Target webshop, marking the company’s first retail debut at a major national retailer. Designed for children aged one to 13, the shake offers 8 g of organic pea protein, 27 essential vitamins and minerals, and DHA for brain and eye health, all free from common allergens, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives. The product is available in chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla. Kate Farms plans to expand to more retailers nationwide, already offering its products on Amazon, Walmart, and medical channels.

Consumer insights

Global nutrition and food tracking app MyFitnessPal released its Nutrition IQ 3.0 survey, revealing that the majority of US consumers still struggle with basic nutrition knowledge. Notably, 89% of respondents report uncertainty about their daily intake of protein, fiber, carbs, sugar, and salt, while 69% want to increase protein intake but lack clarity on budget-friendly sources. Rising food prices further complicate efforts to eat healthily, with 60% of Americans citing cost as a major barrier to nutritious choices. Despite a focus on budget-conscious cooking at home, 76% admit they do not check nutritional values when dining out. To help bridge these gaps, MyFitnessPal launched a Nutrition IQ Quiz and expanded its Scientific Advisory Council, now including Dr. Mike Varshavski, a board-certified family medicine physician.

Scientific research

A recent study in Clinical Nutrition reveals that replacing high-carbohydrate snacks with tree nuts can improve dietary and metabolic health, potentially reducing the risk of developing metabolic syndrome and other cardiometabolic diseases. Conducted by researchers at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, the study found that participants who ate mixed unsalted tree nuts experienced improved fatty acid profiles and positive changes in genes related to fat breakdown, blood sugar regulation, and obesity risk. This effect occurred without requiring weight loss or calorie reduction. The findings support previous research suggesting that incorporating nuts into daily snacks could help reduce visceral fat, lower waist circumference, and lower the risk of metabolic syndrome, particularly among young adults.

Awards and recognitions

PharmaLinea’s Your Arthro Ease Capsules received the 2025 Annual Bone and Joint Health Award at the Functional Foods for Wellness Summit (FFWS). The FFWS Awards recognize products that contribute significantly to the nutraceutical industry. Your Arthro Ease Capsules were honored for their innovation in bone, joint, and women’s health. This recognition highlights PharmaLinea’s clinically validated joint health solution, catering to the growing demand for effective alternatives to traditional joint health supplements. Your Arthro Ease Capsules, based on the high-quality Qllagen type II undenatured collagen, demonstrate efficacy in pain reduction and joint health restoration, supported by multiple clinical studies.

New executive hires

Prinova, a subsidiary of Nagase Group, appointed Richard McEvoy as its new president and CEO, effective April 2025. McEvoy, who joined Prinova on March 10, 2025, will succeed Don Thorp, who is retiring after 42 years of leadership. McEvoy brings extensive experience from previous roles at Unilever, JohnsonDiversey, and Voyant Beauty, where he led transformational business growth. His leadership will focus on driving global expansion, innovation, and operational excellence. Prinova, a global specialist in ingredients and premix solutions for the food, beverage, and nutrition industries, aims to strengthen its position under McEvoy’s guidance.

Public health and regulations

The CRN is urging the FDA to provide clarity on the drug preclusion provision in the FDCA. In a supplemental request, CRN asks the FDA to address regulatory uncertainty about how dietary ingredients can be marketed under Section 201(ff)(3)(B) of the FDCA. This request builds on CRN’s May 2023 citizen petition, which calls for a correction to the FDA’s current interpretation of this provision and clearer guidance on marketing practices. The industry is seeking more defined rules to prevent restricting consumer access to supplements and to encourage innovation. CRN stresses that temporary solutions are not enough, and long-term regulatory clarity is needed, particularly for ingredients like NMN and NAC. The FDA’s response is expected by July 2025.

PharmaLinea’s Your Arthro Ease Capsules received the 2025 Annual Bone and Joint Health Award at the Functional Foods for Wellness Summit (Image credit: PharmaLinea).The BRECOMA project (“Building Resilience to Enhance Food, Incomes and Nutrition Security in the Comoros and Madagascar”), aimed at combating malnutrition and strengthening food security in Madagascar, officially concluded after three years of implementation from March 2022 to March 2025. Led by AfricaRice and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, the initiative introduced climate-resilient farming practices, diversified agricultural production, and improved market access to enhance nutrition for vulnerable groups. Madagascar ranks fifth globally in chronic malnutrition, with 42% of children under five affected, a crisis exacerbated by climate change and socio-economic instability. The project, which focused on Analamanga, Itasy, and Vakinankaratra, emphasized sustainable rice cultivation and the key role of women in agricultural innovation and food security.

The Philippines National Nutrition Council, UNICEF, and WHO called for stronger policies to combat childhood obesity and promote healthier food environments in the Philippines. With local obesity rates rising — affecting nearly one in ten children — experts warn that children are growing up in a food landscape dominated by ultra-processed products and misleading marketing. A UNICEF study found that over a third of packaged food for infants and young children contains added sugars, with 87% of snacks like biscuits affected. Despite this, no regulations limit sugar content in these products. Another analysis of over 1,000 social media ads revealed that 99% promoted unhealthy food, violating WHO’s guidelines on marketing to children. The organizations underscore the need for stricter food labeling, restrictions on marketing unhealthy products to children and banning junk food in schools.

In Washington, US, a collaboration between the American Heart Association (AHA) and charitable food organizations led to the implementation of nutrition policies that increase access to fresh produce and healthier options. A recent evaluation of over 60 organizations found that agencies with such policies strengthened donor relationships, increased fruit and vegetable availability, and better-addressed customer preferences. Examples include New Day Ministry in Bremerton, which boosted fruit and vegetable distribution by 40%, and the Agape Service Project in Whatcom County, which helped migrant families grow culturally relevant produce. Restoration Community Impact in Eastern Washington expanded healthy food access for BIPOC communities through home deliveries and infrastructure improvements. The AHA emphasizes the need for continued support to help food banks sustain these efforts.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Surat Food Security Saturation Campaign Programme in Limbayat, Surat, distributing benefits under the National Food Security Act to over 230,000 beneficiaries. He highlighted Surat’s commitment to nutrition security, emphasizing its role as a model for other districts. Modi underscored the government’s dedication to ensuring food access for the poor, citing initiatives like PM Poshan, Saksham Anganwadi, and PM Matru Vandana Yojana to combat malnutrition and anemia. The One Nation, One Ration Card scheme has notably benefited migrant workers in Surat, allowing them to access food aid across India.

The Joint UN Initiative for the Prevention of Wasting launched with funding from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. The initiative is a collaboration between WHO, UNICEF, World Food Programme, and the International Food Policy Research Institute to combat child wasting — a severe form of malnutrition marked by low weight-for-height. The organizations hosted a webinar featuring WHO’s Dr. Luz de Regil, which highlights progress, challenges, and strategies to scale up prevention efforts. Government representatives from Bangladesh, Mali, and Ethiopia shared insights on the initiative’s impact in their countries.