Food Label Changes: Why Now Is the Time to Rethink Your Ingredients

Food policy updates are rapidly emerging, and that could mean label changes aren’t far behind. The FDA has proposed a new front-of-package nutrition labeling system to make it easier for consumers to quickly assess how healthy their packaged foods are. If finalized, this rule would force many brands to redesign labeling or package graphics and evaluate how their products are perceived.

Individual state codes and a nationwide war on artificial dyes and ultra-processed foods also signal a shift in how products will be evaluated by both regulators and consumers.

Many food manufacturers aren’t waiting. 

Our team has heard from multiple brands that are being proactive, moving to reformulate and update their labels now. Their mindset?

“We’re already going to redesign our packaging. Why not take a closer look at cleaning up other ingredients and improving quality at the same time?”

Why Label Changes Matter for R&D and Formulators

Updating a label is not just a design challenge. It’s a costly, resource-intensive process that often requires legal, marketing and regulatory review. So if you’re already anticipating label changes due to front-of-pack mandates or other policy updates, now is the perfect time to ask a bigger question:

Are all your ingredients working as they should, or are some working against your clean-label goals?

Consumers are more label-literate than ever. They’re not just reading the nutrition facts. They’re scanning for unfamiliar or chemical-sounding ingredients and making decisions based on their perceived health benefits and transparency.

Common additives can play a functional role, but they come with negative consumer perceptions. Many are viewed as overly processed, synthetic or unnecessary, including:

• Xanthan gum and guar gum
• Methylcellulose
• Polydextrose and maltodextrin
• Carrageenan
• Modified cornstarch
• Other highly processed thickeners or stabilizers

Before your next packaging update goes to print, take a hard look at your ingredient list. Does it include any of the above? Is every item supporting your brand story? Are there cleaner alternatives that can also improve performance, minimize SKUs or simplify your supply chain?

Grande Custom Ingredients Group works with product developers to help eliminate these unfavorable ingredients with our proprietary ingredients. Here’s how.  

A Natural Alternative That Performs Under Pressure

Grande Bravo^® is a highly functional whey protein concentrate (WPC) made from real dairy using a proprietary process and zero chemical modifications. 

Some may hear the term WPC, however, and instinctively dismiss it as just another commodity ingredient. On the contrary, Grande Bravo delivers exceptional viscosity, creaminess and texture enhancement, often exceeding the functionality of common gums and starches.

View Comparison Video: Grande Bravo vs. Commodity WPC

Below is a helpful chart showing where Grande Bravo can improve a formulation’s functionality and labeling:

Bravo Ingredient statement: “Whey Protein Concentrate. Contains Milk.”

Whether you’re formulating a savory sauce, creamy soup, dip or dressing, Grande Bravo performs reliably under heat, shear and freeze-thaw conditions. And it supports clean-label claims consumers value, like “natural” and “real dairy.” We’d love to prove it to you.

Request a Sample of Grande Bravo

Let’s Make Label Changes Count

Are regulatory changes forcing you to revisit your product’s packaging? Forward-thinking teams like yours are using this moment to improve what’s inside, too. Waiting could mean rushing to comply later, potentially under pressure from both regulators and retailers. Now is the time to take control of your label and your brand story.

Our team of application experts is here to help. Whether you’re trying to reduce unappealing ingredients or solve a specific formulation challenge, we’ll work with you to find the right solution from our extensive line of natural, functional ingredients.

A label change doesn’t have to be an inconvenience. With the right ingredient and formulation strategy, it can be a competitive advantage. Let’s talk about how Grande Bravo can help.