Reformulation: Start with What You Know (and Let Us Help You)

Reformulating a food product can be one of the most exciting — and most complex — steps in product development. Whether you’re updating an existing product to meet new consumer demands, comply with upcoming regulations, or improve cost-efficiency, success begins with a solid foundation.

What Are You Selling?

Every food scientist has heard the golden rule: Know your product, know your goals, and know your limits.

Before you dive into reformulation, ask yourself:

• What’s the desired outcome? Are you aiming for a “Healthy” claim, better shelf life, or improved flavor?
• What’s your target cost? Reformulation only works if your margins do.
• What’s your timeline? A regulatory deadline, such as a claim or seasonal launch, can influence the entire strategy.
• Who needs to be involved? R&D, QA, marketing, suppliers, and regulatory teams all play a role — sometimes more than you expect.

Following these basics won’t solve every challenge, but skipping them is one of the most common (and costly) mistakes in food reformulation.

Stay Organized with NutriLab’s Versioning Tool

NutriLab helps you reformulate with clarity and control. Our Formulation Versioning Tool allows you to:

• Save different iterations of a recipe or formulation.
• Maintain a clear history of changes over time.
• Track adjustments to ingredients, quantities, or regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with your team in real time and across languages.

NutriLab provides traceability and structure, enabling you to revisit, refine, and document every decision made during the development process.

Why Reformulate Now?

Starting in February 2025, the FDA's updated 'Healthy' claim took effect, with mandatory compliance required by 2028. If your product meets the new nutritional criteria, such as limits on added sugars, sodium, and saturated fat—you can use this claim to differentiate your product in a competitive market. Reformulating your product may be essential to qualify.

You can download the complete infographic about the new claim here.

New Front-of-Package (FOP) labeling regulations are expected to be implemented soon. These changes will give greater visual emphasis to key nutrients that impact health, such as added sugars, sodium, and saturated fats. As a result, the nutritional content of your product will be more visible to consumers than ever before. Reformulating your product now will put you ahead of the curve.

Let’s Get to Work

Reformulating a food product isn’t just about changing ingredients — it’s about aligning your formulation strategy with business goals, regulatory compliance, and consumer trends. NutriLab gives you the tools to do it with confidence.

Start with what you know — and let us help you with the rest.

Ready to Reformulate with Confidence?

Start your free NutriLab trial today and get a complimentary 30-minute consultation when you subscribe to a plan to review your product and labeling strategy.

 Start your free trial

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Let NutriLab help you turn your reformulation goals into reality — faster, smarter, and fully compliant.