SIAL 2022 Brought Food and Beverage Innovation from Around the World

More than 7,000 companies from 130 countries recently came together to exhibit at SIAL 2022 in Paris, France to showcase the latest in global food and beverage innovation. From collagen water to protein chips to a plastic straw alternative, the exhibitors did not disappoint the more than 300,000 attendees from around the world. 

Key contemporary food trends in the spotlight this year included a natural approach to formulation, a heightened focus on the environment and ethics, and a digital transformation of the food and beverage industry. Here are some of the companies and products that were featured at SIAL 2022.

Collagen Water

Making up 80 percent of the ligaments, cartilage and tissues of our skin, collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. At around age 30, humans stop producing collagen, which can increase the risk of injury, lead to wrinkling of the skin and lead to lower performance in muscle recovery. Humble+is a startup claiming to be the first to offer fish-sourced collagen in a ready-to-drink (RTD) beverage.

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Each can of Humble+ offers five grams of collagen from fish sourced from French company Weishardt. All its collagen is locally sourced from France and comes from a variety of fish, including haddock and white fish. The RTD beverages are sugar- and preservative-free and feature only four ingredients. While the company is currently selling in the French market, it sees greater market potential in the US, the UK and Australia, where health and wellbeing are prioritized. 

Protein Chips

The Organic Crave was one of many companies at SIAL 2022 on a mission to transform snacking with clean and functional ingredients. The Danish startup’s first product on the market, Protein Chips, contains 70 percent less fat than traditional chips and offers seven grams of protein per 30-gram pack. The chips come in four flavors, including Cheese, Paprika & Onion, Salt & Pepper and Sour Cream & Onion. 

But where does the source of protein come from? Red lentils. The Organic Crave achieves a high concentration of lentils thanks to its processing technique in which heat and pressure are applied to achieve the desired crisp shape. 

While the company’s Protein Chips have gained popularity, it has no plan to stop at savory. The Organic Crave plans to offer healthier alternatives to sweet snacks free from artificial sweeteners and lower in sugar. The startup has already developed a prototype line of chocolate bars which is expected to reach the market next year.

Plastic Straw Alternative

As of last year, the sale and distribution of plastic straws was banned in Europe due to negative environmental impacts. While paper alternatives have been popping up in the market, fourth-generation rye farmer Cassandra Bournault envisioned a more natural straw replacement in rye, so she founded Végépaille. It was one of a select handful of brands at SIAL 2022 that was not a specific food or beverage product.

The 100 percent biodegradable straws are made by harvesting rye and upcycling the stalk of the crop for the retail and foodservice industry. The straws are cut into two lengths, washed, dried and packaged. They are pesticide-free and despite being made from rye, are also gluten-free. Once the straws reach the end of their life, they can be discarded in the compost and take around two to three months to decompose.