The Race for Superior Quality and Flavor is Heating Up!
Health Foods Must be Both Nutritious and Delicious!
Written by: Nutritionist Maureen Chen
As global health awareness continues to rise, consumers’ expectations for food now extend beyond taste to encompass safety, functionality, and overall experience. Brands across various sectors, from convenience stores and bubble tea shops to fresh milk brands, are increasingly highlighting international awards and certifications to capture consumer attention and build trust in the market.
Monde Selection and iTQi are two prestigious and highly credible awards in the food industry, often attracting participation from renowned consumer brands. As a leading health food manufacturer, Wel-Bloom Biotech has been a pioneer in promoting the “food-like supplementation” of health supplements in the domestic market. Despite not selling its own branded products, Wel-Bloom introduced its innovative food-like upplements to global quality evaluations in 2018 and has consistently achieved outstanding results since. This groundbreaking approach has demonstrated that health and taste can coexist, reshaping consumer expectations for health products.
As the concept of “food-like supplementation” gains momentum, a 2023 health food consumer survey revealed that “consumption method” is now the third most important factor for consumers, following ingredient dosage and brand awareness. Reflecting this trend, Monde Selection and iTQi continue to expand their evaluation categories. The 2024 awards now include products such as sleep aids, fish oil, green juices, and NMN, showcasing the growing emphasis on integrating health benefits with enjoyable taste experiences.
What are Monde Selection and iTQI? Understanding the Dual Stars of Excellence in Global Food
Monde Selection: The Oscar of the Food Industry[1]
Founded in 1961 in Brussels, Belgium, Monde Selection Quality Institute is a globally recognized organization dedicated to evaluating the quality of consumer food and beverage products. Renowned as a hallmark of excellence, its awards are judged by a panel of over 100 experts from Europe and the Americas. Products undergo independent assessments based on diverse criteria, including nutritional claims, labeling transparency and accuracy, consistency between test results and advertising, active ingredient content, and proper usage instructions. Awards are conferred in several tiers—Grand Gold, Gold, Silver, and Bronze—with thousands of products and companies participating each year.
The Michelin Equivalent for the Food Industry[2]
The International Taste Institute (iTQI) specializes in the sensory evaluation of products, similar to a professional competition. Its jury comprises Michelin-starred chefs, sommeliers, and food experts who conduct blind tests to thoroughly assess the taste, texture, mouthfeel, and aftertaste of each product. Based on their performance, products are awarded one to three stars, with three stars being the highest distinction.
Recognition from these awards helps consumers identify high-quality products and reputable manufacturers. Wel-Bloom Biotech has consistently received accolades from both Monde Selection and iTQI, demonstrating that its products meet international standards for both health efficacy and taste. When choosing health food products, consumers are encouraged to look for those with international quality certifications or to verify the manufacturers, ensuring they benefit from safer, more effective, and tastier health solutions.
