Despite making grand claims about immune support, antioxidant properties and the like, researchers have found that the benefit to be gained from vitamin waters and energy drinks is negligible. [ + ]

Submissions are closing soon for the 2015 APPMA Scholarship. If you're planning to apply, submissions close on 30 January 2015. [ + ]

The independent review of labelling has issued a recommendation that proposes the declaration in the nutrition information panel (NIP) of amounts of nutrients per serving be no longer mandatory unless a daily intake claim is made. [ + ]

Researchers have identified the level of five of the most common food allergens that would cause a reaction in the most sensitive 10% of people. They say the data can be used to apply a consistent level of warning to food labels. [ + ]

Think a Thermomix is impressive? How about kitchen appliances that shop for meals, monitor dietary needs and even 3D-print food on demand? If such changes are in store for consumers' kitchens, what will the food processing industry look like in 2050? [ + ]

Your addiction to that 3 pm chocolate bar may not be just a way to alleviate boredom - it could also give your brain a much-needed boost. Evidence is increasingly suggesting that chocolate flavanols improve cognitive function. [ + ]

In Australia, beer sales are dropping while cider sales are skyrocketing. This trend has been reflected in the UK - but things are changing. Beer sales in the UK are predicted to rise for the first time in five years, while sales of cider have begun to drop, according to Mintel. [ + ]

Bisphenol S (BPS), which is often used to replace bisphenol A (BPA) in consumer plastics, may in fact be more harmful than BPA itself, new research suggests. [ + ]

Consumer tendency to eat on the go, plus a growing demand for individual treats, has seen a global increase in handheld ice-cream sales. Single-serve product launches have increased significantly, with a 22% rise recorded over the five years to October 2014. [ + ]

The cake and pastry manufacturing industry in Australia has been facing some serious challenges over the past five years including rising input prices and intensifying external competitive pressures. [ + ]

According to a recent Rabobank report, China's demand for foreign animal protein products shows great growth potential. However, the path to success for western animal protein companies in China remains complex and challenging. [ + ]

Who's eating all the pies? Not as many American consumers as you'd expect, apparently. Purchases of ready-to-eat grain-based desserts (RTE GBDs) such as cakes, cookies, pies, doughnuts and pastries fell by 24% in the US between 2005 and 2012. [ + ]

How much water is in your food? Not the actual liquid content, but how much water does it take to produce the sandwich you had for lunch? A UN Water study suggests that each person 'consumes' between 2000 and 5000 litres of water through their food each day. [ + ]

Increasing consumer demand for transparency has led to a growing number of food traceability certification schemes and analytical tools, according to Organic Monitor. [ + ]

Universal Robots (UR) has announced plans to open its Asia-Pacific headquarters in Singapore. This will be the sixth global office for the company. [ + ]