March in review: Experts warn of threats to US nutrition security, Filling the global aid gap

In March’s major health and nutrition industry news, we looked at experts’ concerns about the future of nutrition security in the US. At the same time, Asia and the private sector stepped in to fill the aid gap left by Western governments. We also explored the latest innovations unveiled at Natural Products Expo West (NPEW) and spoke with a judge for the upcoming Innovation Awards at Vitafoods Europe about their spotlighted trends and innovations.

In our March review, Nutrition Insight highlights some of the month’s biggest stories, including the re-merging of NHS England with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) in the UK, how popular UK snacks are flunking the upcoming “healthy” criteria, and the benefits of Africa’s diverse medicinal plants and botanicals.

We also looked at the latest innovations in pet nutrition, China’s expertise in mushrooms and botanicals, and the results of the 2025 Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit.

March
Make America Healthy Again? SNAP cuts and rising food prices threaten nutrition security, experts flag
Experts expressed uncertainties about the impact of President Donald Trump’s administration on US nutrition policy and regulation, highlighting tensions between public health priorities and industry interests. We examined recent developments, including Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s focus on children’s health, rising food prices amid the delayed farm bill, stalled healthy labeling rules, and corporate resistance to ultra-processed food regulations. We also looked at the reaction of the US FDA nominee and concerns as to the influence Kennedy and Elon Musk may have on public health and food safety.

Global nutrition crisis: Asia and private sector step in as governments cut aid funding
As the US reduced foreign aid and mirrored action across major European countries, experts warned that millions faced worsening malnutrition. We looked at the impact on at-risk regions and the increasing role of other nations and businesses in global nutrition security. The Trump administration announced plans to cut 90% of foreign aid contracts, amounting to US$60 billion in assistance. Driven by the “America First” policy, the government prioritized defense and domestic spending over international aid. These reductions raised concerns about the long-term effects on global hunger and malnutrition, particularly in vulnerable regions dependent on US support, causing NGOs to urgently demand reforms.We sat down with Kerry to discuss GLP-1 consumer trends, rising ingredients, and purchasing behavior trends.

NPEW 2025: Weight management innovations and macronutrients reshaping the market
At the recent NPEW trade show in California, US, weight management solutions took center stage. Nutrition and food companies showcased alternatives to GLP-1 medications and complementary products designed to support users in their weight loss journey and mitigate side effects. We explored innovations, trends, and the role of key macronutrients like protein and fiber in weight management. Industry leaders, including Gnosis by Lesaffre, Now, Euromed, Aker BioMarine, Glanbia Nutritionals, COMET Bio, and Rivalz Snacks, shared insights on emerging nutrition strategies aimed at addressing weight control and metabolic health. We also looked at FrieslandCampina Ingredients’ latest prebiotic innovation, how Gencor’s Trpti solved oleoylethanolamide stability issues, and Vivici’s precision-fermented dairy protein solution.

Vitafoods Europe 2025: Exploring trends and technologies in nutraceuticals innovation
Vitafoods Europe is preparing to highlight groundbreaking developments with its upcoming Innovation Awards. The event looks to celebrate pioneering ingredients, cutting-edge formulations, and revolutionary solutions that are set to shape the future of functional foods, beverages, and dietary supplements. This year’s competition is expected to showcase innovations from leading companies, start-ups, and researchers across various categories, including functional ingredients and sustainable solutions. We sat down with Professor Colin Dennis, chair of the Vitafoods Europe Innovation Awards 2025, who shared insights on judging criteria, key categories, and the emerging trends that are likely to dominate the event.

UK’s Starmer scraps NHS England to cut red tape and improve efficiency but patients worry about care quality
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the re-merging of NHS England with the DHSC in a bid to reduce bureaucracy, cut costs, and enhance patient care. The NHS, England’s publicly funded healthcare system, plays a crucial role in shaping dietary guidelines, weight management, diabetes prevention, and hospital nutrition policies. Calling the move the “world’s largest quango scrapped,” the government aimed to prioritize patients through reforms. We caught up with Annette Mansell-Green, the director of Trade Union and Public Affairs at the British Dietetic Association, who told us that it is aware of the government’s decision, but reveals it caused turmoil for its members working in NHS England.At NPEW 2025, ADM talked with us about targeted cognition, weight management, and women’s health solutions.

Crunch time on salt and sugar: Popular UK snacks flunk “healthy” government criteria ahead of junk food ad ban
A UK report revealed excessive salt and sugar levels in popular snacks, raising concerns ahead of national advertising restrictions set to take effect in October. The report found that most snack products failed to meet the government’s “healthier” criteria, highlighting a missed opportunity for brands that had not complied with reduction targets. Despite being perceived as a healthier option, many ready-to-eat popcorn products contain high levels of salt and sugar. With the upcoming restrictions posing challenges for non-compliant companies, report publisher Action on Salt and Sugar urged the government to enforce stricter, mandatory salt and sugar reduction targets. At the same time, we looked at WHO’s recommendation for substituting salt with potassium salt, and we examined a study linking high salt and sugar diets to increased risk of stomach cancer.

Exploring African botanicals and medicinal plants for new nutrition solutions
The nutrition industry continues to explore new plants and compounds for health benefits, with suppliers of African botanicals highlighting the continent’s diverse native species — many still underrepresented in global markets. Baobab Exports, Blue Sky Botanics, and Baobab des Saveurs talked with us about their regional ingredient offerings. Blue Sky Botanics developed a baobab purée from Zimbabwean-sourced fruit for applications in smoothies, juices, and yogurts. Baobab des Saveurs emphasized the untapped potential of West African ingredients like baobab, hibiscus, and kinkeliba, as the company works to promote natural plant-based solutions internationally. Baobab Exports stated that researchers interested in novel plants should explore Africa’s biodiversity, medicinal plants, and botanicals. Meanwhile, experts from the Food Is Medicine Institute spoke with us about the need for better policies and advanced nutrition interventions.

Humanizing pet nutrition: How demands for natural and functional solutions drive innovation
As demand for targeted pet nutrition continues to grow, ingredient producers and suppliers are focusing on sustainable, plant-based, and functional solutions. The trend of “humanizing” pet nutrition is also opening opportunities for science-backed supplements. ADM, Beneo, and Vitalus sat down with us to discuss innovations in the evolving pet nutrition sector. The companies highlighted advancements in functional ingredients designed to support pet health and well-being. We also looked at Wellness Pet Company’s targeted pet nutrition solutions as well as advancements in “human grade” whole foods and functional treats at Global Pet Expo 2025.Gnosis by Lesaffre spoke with us at NPEW 2025 on functional ingredients’ future, fermentation, sustainability, and innovations.

The world’s factory: Breaking down China’s tradition and expertise in mushrooms and botanicals
China has long been a global manufacturing leader, producing botanicals, herbs, and vitamins alongside pharmaceuticals and electronics. While discussions on Chinese products often center on quality and cost, industry experts highlight the country’s excellence in mushroom and herbal ingredient production, backed by centuries of agricultural and processing expertise. In the first part of a two-part series, we explored China’s sourcing and processing expertise with Nammex, an organic mushroom extract provider, and Nuherbs, a specialist in Chinese herbs and remedies. Both US-based companies source exclusively from China, leveraging the country’s deep-rooted traditions and advanced processing capabilities. In the second part, we talked about sourcing premium Chinese ingredients with strict specifications, on-site verification, and how tariffs impact trade and product quality.

2025 Nutrition for Growth Summit to address global malnutrition crisis and funding shortfall
As global malnutrition rates continue to rise while funding shortages worsen, France hosted the 2025 N4G Summit on March 27–28. Held every four years, the summit faced financial uncertainty after major donors, including the US and UK, withdrew their pledges. The previous summit raised ~US$27 billion, but ongoing conflicts and the global food crisis heightened the urgency of addressing malnutrition. UK nutrition aid has plummeted from £999 million (~US$1.29 billion) in 2009 to just £24 million (~US$31 million) in 2023. Despite past commitments, the UK government confirmed it would not pledge financial support at this year’s N4G summit.