4 smarter product development tactics for a changing regulatory world

8 4 minutes read

This year, the tightening of global food regulations is compelling food and beverage (F&B) and consumer packaged goods (CPG) manufacturers to pivot their new product development practices and processes.

But reformulating products shouldn’t mean sacrificing the taste, quality, or brand identity that loyal consumers have grown to love.

While innovation is a critical component in making sure the products you create align with the latest requirements, it’s most practical and cost-effective to address regulations early in product development instead of being forced to adjust after the product is designed or manufactured. But, in this unpredictable environment, manufacturers don’t always have that luxury. Worldwide, regulations are changing faster than manufacturers can adapt. Globally, heightened consumer demand for transparency and sustainability is further tightening regulations:

New U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) initiatives are targeting limits on sugar, sodium, and artificial additives
In Europe, new nutrient thresholds are being established to standardize the use of “low-fat” and “healthy”
In India and Latin America, front-of-pack labels must balance regulatory compliance with brand appeal

As regulations evolve, new standards are introduced while others disappear — you can implement specific strategies that leverage the right combination of people, processes, and technology to stay ahead of the curve and adapt efficiently to reformulate and develop new products.

1. Drive progress by using functional ingredients

Regulatory changes are prompting F&B manufacturers to replace banned ingredients with viable alternatives while still creating products that meet customer expectations. In many cases, reformulation that involves functional ingredients can be a strategic way to meet regulatory and consumer-driven goals.

For example, using beet juice as a natural alternative to Red No. 3 and Red No. 40 not only complies with regulations but may also offer functional advantages by supporting cardiovascular health.

“Conduct risk assessments to explore alternatives,” advises Kari Barnes, regulatory standards manager at TraceGains. “And be sure to collaborate with your regulatory and R&D teams, as well as with your suppliers, to ensure that you won’t run into supply chain disruptions. Finally, make sure you use formula management tools that employ AI to speed up testing and predict outcomes.”

Supplier collaboration platforms are also crucial to gain instant access to compliant ingredient and supplier data.

2. Use transparency to build consumer trust

Significant changes are being introduced to F&B labeling requirements to enhance transparency and consumer safety. Consider the recent focus on allergens, which is encouraging manufacturers to reassess their labeling practices.

According to the FDA’s website, undeclared allergen recalls happened roughly once every three days in January 2025, with 13 allergen-related product recalls that month alone.

“As a timely example, the FDA recently delisted tree nuts as allergens, excluding items like coconut and cola nut, and taking the industry by surprise,” says Barnes. “That forced manufacturers to decide whether to declare those two listed items or redesign all their packages. While you don’t want any product recalls, you also don’t want products sitting idle in your warehouses due to obsolete labeling.”

F&B and CPG companies face dilemmas like this regularly. But with careful planning, you can find the right balance between compliance and transparency. This may involve strategies like:

Implementing automated workflows for labeling and packaging artwork to ensure that labels are accurate and compliant
Using QR codes to better inform consumers

3. Accelerate compliance to gain a strong advantage

Companies that choose to move quickly on compliance initiatives can stand out as leaders in innovation, quality, and safety. By bringing new products to market while your competitors are still catching up, you can reinforce your credibility and show consumers how committed you are to transparency and their well-being.

“When it’s handled correctly, compliance doesn’t have to be a burden,” explains Barnes. “Instead, it can be a strategic advantage and give you a competitive edge. Should you charge ahead regardless of what others are doing, you’ll be ahead of the game when others are behind.”

Using the right digital tools can help you replace outdated manual processes with automated systems to streamline workflows and monitor evolving regulations. They can also help you find suppliers you can trust — and that can connect you with the ingredients you need for your reformulation and product development efforts.

4. Go digital where it counts—to connect with suppliers and stay compliant

While compliance and regulations may continue to evolve, they will always be working toward fulfilling one priority: addressing consumer demands, no matter how much they shift. “If you are in the supply chain of a company that’s subject to these changing regulations, then guess what? Your customer will expect you to comply as well,” Barnes points out.

The right digital platform can help you navigate regulatory standards and make sure you still meet consumer demand. By connecting you with suppliers that offer compliant, high-quality ingredients, you can bring in-demand products to consumers faster.

Turn compliance- and consumer-driven trials into triumphs

As you rethink your approaches to new product development and reformulation, deploying the right combination of people, processes, and technology can help you align with regulations while making sure consumers are satisfied.

By embracing these strategies, you can turn regulatory challenges into opportunities for innovation and growth as you reinforce your brand’s commitment to quality, safety, and transparency.

Remember, says Barnes, “tightened regulations are also an opportunity to answer to super-fast evolving consumer needs.”