When it comes to crafting that “just right” flavor, a processor needs to know why each ingredient is in the mix and what it brings to complete the product’s flavor profile.

DES MOINES, Iowa — 2022 American Cured Meat Championships coordinator Matt Wenger of Iowa State University shares some thoughts about this year’s competition and what makes a winning ACMC entry.

A little flexibility isn’t a bad thing. With all of the food options available today, it turns out consumers don’t want to have to choose between only eating meat or a plant-based diet. Blended meat options — real meat combined with vegetables or plant-based proteins — offer a compromise.

Nitrite-embedded packaging utilizes nitrite embedded in the film. When nitrite comes in contact with meat, a series of biochemical reactions take place, and finally, a bright red pigment called nitric oxide myoglobin is formed.

With shoppers seeking newer barbecue flavor and cuts, retailers should provide the necessary products, recipes, in-store expertise, price points, and information to maximize activity. 

 Changing American eating habits in response to COVID-19 create stronger sales opportunities for breakfast meat merchandisers.

Even with reduced holiday gatherings, consumers still are splurging on center-of-the-plate proteins.