Innovation isn’t a lightning bolt—it’s a slow-burning fire fueled by curiosity and late nights in the lab. But how do great ideas get their spark? And what’s driving the next generation of mind-blowingly good nutritional bars and powders?
In this roundtable, we talk to some of Nellson R&D’s sharpest minds to learn about their process. Our panel includes Chantal Lussier and Lis Renini who specialize in bars, and Edgar Almanza and Haley Lam for their perspective on powders.
In this roundtable, we talk to some of Nellson R&D’s sharpest minds to learn about their process. Our panel includes Chantal Lussier and Lis Renini who specialize in bars, and Edgar Almanza and Haley Lam for their perspective on powders.
Moderator: Thank you all for joining us. We know R&D is where the magic happens, so we’re excited for a peek behind the curtain!Let’s start with the inspiration behind the products you develop. How do keep tabs on consumer preferences and get a jump on emerging trends?
Chantal: Well, it’s something we’re always thinking about—and we’re always on the hunt for clues to help us anticipate what’s next. Connecting the dots early lets us create bars and powders with a real competitive advantage.
I find trade shows are a terrific way to gather intel on possible ingredient systems, claims and shifts in technology. When we see the same themes pop up across categories or regions, it’s usually a sign that something bigger is coming.
It also helps that innovation is a company-wide focus at Nellson. Everyone is on the lookout for new ways to make our customers’ products unique and successful.
Haley: As Chantal says, collaboration between departments can be incredibly fruitful. We’re also able to leverage insights from our huge supplier network to help identify ingredients or concepts before they catch on elsewhere.
Chantal: I’ll add that social media has become a great resource because it provides real-time insight into what consumers are seeking. I’ll often see a trending flavor and investigate how we could use it. Other times, I’ll see something and research a natural alternative. For example, a natural melatonin, a natural mood-booster or even a natural powder to make functional mocktails.
Moderator: Interesting! So, how do you translate the trends you come across into product concepts?
Lis: The first step is just understanding the trend and what it means to the end consumer. From there, we brainstorm for formats, flavors and functional benefits. Once we have white paper concepts, we start protocept development which eventually leads to prototypes.
Moderator: That brings up another question. How do you strike a balance between meeting nutritional goals and perfecting sensory attributes?
Haley: We make nutritional targets and label claims our first focus. Once we perfect a base, then we get into the flavor work.
Chantal: With powder formats, taste and texture are dependent on things like particle size, material type and quality. It’s important to have a good handle on how to pair the right ingredients to optimize flavor without compromising nutritional profile.
Lis: Bars are very similar. Understanding the technology and process is critical. Ingredient functionalities and overall experience play a big role. Doing it right takes genuine skill and know-how—which is why we’re very proud of what we do at Nellson!
Moderator: With so many practical considerations, how do you encourage experimentation within your team?
Chantal: It comes down to pushing each other to work with new materials—especially ones that have dual purpose and research to back up their claims.
Haley: We definitely have a team culture that encourages risks and experimentation. I like to say we won’t know until we try it out in the lab, and through the journey, you’ll learn something new.
Moderator: I love that. Would you say your approach to innovation and formulation is evolving?
Chantal: Without a doubt. As technology advances, so do the possibilities. AI is a prime example of something we are using to complement our accumulated expertise and turn insights into groundbreaking products.
Lis: Absolutely. It’s an exciting time to be in R&D!
Moderator: It certainly sounds like it. Thank you again for taking the time today. We can’t wait to see what you come up with next.
If you’d like to talk to Nellson R&D about something new for your brand, send us a note. These guys could talk innovation all day long!
