As Ingredient Bans Rise, Food Brands Turn to Natural Solutions

The food industry is undergoing a seismic shift. Across several U.S. states, new regulations are cracking down on the use of artificial ingredients that were once considered staples in food manufacturing. From synthetic colorants and emulsifiers, to preservatives linked to potential health risks, many additives are now being removed from the shelves—not just by regulatory mandates, but also in response to mounting consumer pressure.

While these changes may pose formulation challenges for food and beverage brands, they also open the door to innovation, and that’s where Chinova Bioworks steps in.

At Chinova, we’ve developed Chiber™, a natural preservative made from upcycled mushroom fiber. It delivers the antimicrobial protection brands need to extend shelf life and ensure food safety—without compromising clean label values. As artificial preservatives are phased out, Chiber™ is emerging as a go-to ingredient that meets both regulatory demands and evolving consumer expectations.

Why This Matters

Consumers are scrutinizing ingredient labels like never before. They’re asking tough but not unreasonable questions: What is this? Why is it in my food? Is it safe? When an ingredient name sounds more like a chemistry experiment than something you'd find in your kitchen, trust starts to erode.

Regulatory bodies are catching up with these concerns. By banning or limiting ingredients flagged for health concerns, they’re forcing a shift toward simpler, more transparent solutions. For food brands, that’s not just a compliance issue—it’s a brand reputation issue. The ones who act now to reformulate with better-for-you ingredients will win long-term consumer loyalty.

Chiber™: Clean, Natural, and Scalable

Chiber™ is made from one of the most sustainable and resilient sources on the planet: mushrooms. These fungi can be grown anywhere, year-round, with minimal inputs—making our supply chain incredibly robust and scalable. We take what’s normally considered waste in mushroom production and upcycle it into a high-performance ingredient that fights spoilage, reduces food waste, and meets clean label demands.

Our solution is already being used in a wide range of products—from beverages and dips to plant-based meats and bakery items. It’s non-GMO, vegan, kosher, halal, and allergen-free. This gives brands the confidence to use Chiber™ across a broad portfolio, without trade-offs.

The Future of Formulation

This isn't just about responding to what's being banned—it's about reimagining what's possible. Chinova is working alongside innovative food and beverage companies to rethink preservation from the ground up. With Chiber™, you’re not just removing something artificial—you’re adding a story of sustainability, food safety, and natural innovation.

As more states move to restrict controversial ingredients, the demand for natural alternatives will only grow. Chinova is proud to be at the forefront of this change, helping brands stay ahead of regulatory trends while delivering products that today’s consumers can feel good about.

Clean label isn’t just a trend—it’s quickly becoming the new standard. Chinova is here to help make it possible.