With the increasing demand for protein and better-for-you ingredients, reformulation has become a necessity rather than just an opportunity. ADM, a leading ingredients supplier, is at the forefront of this effort at its facility in Erlanger, Kentucky.
The Erlanger campus is where ADM conducts a bulk of its product development in North America. Here, food scientists are dedicated to helping food brands remove sugar or add trendy nutrients like fiber while ensuring the product maintains its expected taste.
As the demand for reformulation continues to rise, ADM is investing heavily to keep up. The company recently announced a $26 million expansion of the facility to increase capabilities by 40%. This follows a $15 million investment in 2025 for an expansion of its Customer Creation and Innovation center.
Brad Schwan, ADM’s vice president of global category marketing, emphasized the unprecedented demand for reformulation in the food and beverage sector. He noted the significant pace of change in the industry.
Consumer preferences and regulatory changes are driving the need for reformulation. ADM’s data shows that more than half of consumers expect food makers to offer better-for-you options. Additionally, the pressure to remove certain ingredients, such as artificial dyes, has increased.
ADM is focusing on five key pillars for its formulation solutions: reduced sodium, reduced sugar, more protein, optimized fat, and cleaner labels.
Ingredients like sugar and sodium play crucial roles in texture, binding, and preservation, making it challenging to reduce or remove them entirely.
Reducing sugar and sodium
ADM has made significant progress in finding alternatives to replace sugar and salt while maintaining taste and texture. The company’s research shows that a majority of consumers are seeking to reduce their sodium intake, yet many still consume more than recommended.
To address these concerns, ADM utilizes flavor modulation tools and savory flavors to reduce salt content. The company has developed innovative solutions like Tastespark to enhance the umami characteristics of food without compromising on taste.
ADM also leverages potassium chloride and other alternatives to reduce sodium in products. The company’s focus on sugar reduction includes solutions like stevia leaf extract and a process called replace, rebalance, and rebuild.
Adding more nutrients
Consumers are increasingly looking to increase their protein intake, with ADM estimating that two-thirds of consumers are seeking more of this nutrient. ADM is leveraging its expertise to offer different protein options made from plants to meet consumer demand for plant-based products.
In response to this demand, ADM recently released eight new protein products across North America and Europe. These soy- and pea-based options cater to consumers seeking diverse protein sources while providing companies with a stable and cost-effective supply.