Inspiring Innovation: Celebrating National Inventors Month
National Inventors Month, observed annually in the month of May, celebrates the critical role inventors play in driving progress across all aspects of society, including Technology, Healthcare, Transportation, and the Consumer-Packaged Goods industry. Inventors have a relentless pursuit for finding solutions to real world problems, a strong imagination, resiliency, and are willing to take risks. Innovators have always been catalysts for progress in various industries, and the consumer products industry is no exception.
The dynamic nature of this industry, driven by evolving consumer needs and sustainability concerns, has paved the way for groundbreaking work. Inventors today are reshaping the industry by advancing regenerative agriculture, combatting food waste, furthering the development of plant-based alternatives, and continuing to excite consumers through the development of unconventional and exciting flavor combinations.
Regenerative Agriculture
Regenerative agriculture is a holistic approach that connects the farming and ecological systems. It aims to restore and improve the land by using practices such as cover cropping, crop rotation, reduced tillage, and integrating livestock with crops. While regenerative agriculture is primarily applied at the farm level, some innovative consumer food brands are starting to incorporate ingredients that have been produced via regenerative approaches and are using regenerative farming practices directly in their products.
Alec Jaffe, the Founder and CEO of Alec’s Ice Cream, set out on a mission to develop a planet and gut friendly line of ice creams, combining flavor and sustainability to transform the ice cream industry. They are the first (and only) regenerative and organic ice cream, with 98% of their ingredients certified regenerative while utilizing 100% A2 Dairy for easy digestion. Alec's ensures the highest quality and freshness of their ingredients while also supporting local farmers and reducing their environmental impact. Founded in 2020, their line of ice creams can now be found in retailers nationally including Sprouts and Whole Foods Market.
Fighting Food Waste
There are several inventors who have made significant contributions to fighting food waste through upcycling. By refurbishing materials rather than breaking them down as in recycling, upcycling often results in a higher quality product. Their inventions upcycle food to reduce waste, promote sustainability, and repurpose surplus or imperfect ingredients into new and exciting products.
Tristram Stuart established Toast Ale with the mission of tackling food waste by repurposing surplus bread into craft beer. He was inspired to start Toast Ale after learning about the significant amount of bread wasted in the food industry. Bread is one of the most wasted food items globally, and Stuart recognized the potential to transform this surplus bread into a delicious and sustainable beverage. Toast Ale has upcycled 2.9 million slices of bread since their launch. They collaborate with bakeries and sandwich shops to collect bread that would otherwise be discarded and use it as a key ingredient in their beer production process.
Mark Dieffenbach, founder of Uglie’s Potato Chips, saw a similar opportunity to reduce food waste by using imperfect potatoes (too large or too small) to produce a new brand of potato chips that may not look perfect, but still taste great. Since their launch, they have repurposed more than 5 million pounds of potatoes, creating a brand that resonates with consumers. With brightly colored bags that stand out on shelves and playful characters, Uglies can now be found fighting food waste in retailers across the country, including Sprouts.
Advancement in Plant-Based Alternatives
The rise of plant-based alternatives has revolutionized the consumer food industry, offering sustainable and cruelty-free options for meat and dairy. Ethan Brown of Beyond Meat was one of the first inventors of this movement, utilizing advanced technology to develop plant-based products that mimic the taste, texture, and nutritional profile of animal-based counterparts. As the demand for plant-based options continues to rise, other innovators have entered the space catering to consumers seeking sustainable and cruelty-free food alternatives.
One such inventor is Benjamin Pasternak, who founded SIMULATE in 2019 with a mission to create plant-based alternatives focusing on nutrition and food technology. SIMULATE’S debut product, NUGGS, utilizes technology and a data-driven approach to perfect the recipe and optimize the manufacturing process. NUGGS iterated on their product and formulation based on consumer feedback, as they worked to mimic the taste and mouth feel of real chicken and released version notes with every formulation tweak. By using plant-based ingredients, they significantly reduce the environmental impact associated with traditional meat production, including greenhouse gas emissions and water usage. SIMULTE products are in over 12,000 stores today.
Unconventional Flavor Combinations
Inventors in food today are also pushing the boundaries when it comes to flavor, challenging conventional taste and texture expectations. Christina Tosi is a pastry chef and the founder of Milk Bar, a bakery known for its unique and nostalgic treats that have gained a strong following. One of Milk Bar's most famous offerings is the "Compost Cookie," which combines pretzels, potato chips, coffee, oats, and chocolate chips into a chewy and flavorful cookie. Tosi's creative approach to baking, which includes incorporating unexpected ingredients and textures, has earned her recognition as a modern-day baking pioneer who combines the familiar with the unexpected. Outside of their bakery locations, Milk Bar products can be found in over 10,000 grocery stores.
Innovators in the consumer products food industry have transformed the way we eat, think about our purchases, and interact with the brands we love. The visionary inventors discussed here, along with countless others, are pioneering a new era of sustainable, personalized, and flavorful products. National Inventors Month serves as a reminder of the transformative power of innovation and the impact innovation has on society. We hope this month-long celebration encourages you to embrace your innovative spirit!