Danone Research & Innovation

🔬 Discover this month’s top insights in food, health, and nutrition science: Microbiome‑guided longevity, the award-winning food innovations of today, the vision shaping the foods of tomorrow, and more.  Dive into the new edition of Stay Tuned for Science. 

We know the gut microbiome plays a huge role in health – but do we really know what’s going on in the small intestine? “For years, gut microbiome research has relied almost entirely on stool samples. Valuable, yes—but they leave out a critical player: the small intestine, where digestion, metabolism, and immune activity truly converge,” notes Thomas Soranzo, CEO of Pelican Health. The reason is simple: it’s incredibly difficult to access this part of the body.  That’s exactly the challenge researchers at Danone Research & Innovation and Pelican Health set out to solve using… a pill! The 'HintSight' capsule: designed to safely take three samples from the small intestine. In this study, 15 healthy volunteers swallowed the HintSight capsule. Then, using an integrated multi-omics approach, the researchers uncovered something striking: “A vibrant and dynamic microbiome that looks completely different from anything stool samples have ever revealed to us!” says Stéphanie Cools-Portier, Onebiome Laboratory Manager at Danone Research & Innovation.  “Despite being an early study, HintSight opens a potential new chapter in gut health research - one that could reshape how we study gut health in healthy individuals and pave the way toward innovative diagnostics, personalized nutrition, and microbiome-targeted therapies,” says Alexandre Tronel, Head of Clinical Applications at Pelican Health. Want to learn more about the paper? https://lnkd.in/eXDsAZTz #GutHealth #Microbiome #DanoneResearch #NutritionScience #Innovation #Research

Protein!.. It's not just about “how much” we consume — it’s also about getting the right balance between quantity and quality.   As our Senior Scientist, Andrew Holwerda, puts it: ''There is so much more to protein nutrition than simply the amount. And it's by understanding better protein quality, digestibility, and amino acid needs that we can design protein-based solutions that deliver real physiological benefits to as many people as possible!'    At Danone Research & Innovation, we’re constantly exploring how protein supports the body in smarter, more efficient ways — from muscle function and immune health to building and repairing tissues. Make sure to download our infographic below to learn more about the science of: - What protein actually does in the body - Why amino acid composition matters just as much as total grams - How needs change with age, exercise, and illness - The role of digestibility in the real amount of protein your body can use - Key differences between whey, plant, and casein protein sources   Whether you're an athlete, health enthusiast, a nutrition professional, or simply curious about how protein works in general, our visual guide shows why protein science is more powerful and nuanced than you may think!   Care to share? Which insight surprised you the most? Discover how we're advancing muscle and protein science: https://lnkd.in/e4Ye6K_Y   #Danone #Research #Innovation #Protein #ProteinScience

Future Food-Tech San Francisco reminded us just how fast the world of food is changing. On stage, Susan Zaripheh, PhD, Chief Research & Innovation Officer at Danone U.S. and Canada, shared a perspective that resonates across our global R&I teams: “the consumer experience is not just about one product or one moment in time - it's about understanding their full health and wellness.” Today, people everywhere are redefining what they expect from food—seeking options that are nutritious, enjoyable and fit evolving lifestyles. For innovators, this is not only a formulation challenge, but an opportunity to reimagine how foods can deliver meaningful value. At Danone, we unite deep human insight with nutritional science, sensory design and advanced technologies to create foods that support people in their day-to-day lives by:   - Delivering high-quality, nutrient-dense options in accessible formats that fit modern eating patterns 
- Ensuring every bite and sip truly counts 
- Supporting a wide range of health-forward preferences and routines Many forces are reshaping food culture today. But Susan reminded us that the future of food will be defined by how well we listen, learn, and innovate for people everywhere. Curious where nutrition science is headed next? Explore more at www.danoneresearch.com #FutureFoodTech #DanoneR&I #NutritionScience #FoodInnovation #FutureFitFood #ResearchAndInnovation

What has our Team Leader Microbiomics, Sudarshan Shetty, been up to lately? Quite a lot, actually! Sudarshan has been out there sharing cutting‑edge microbiome insights that are helping shape the future of health and nutrition. From advancing our understanding of the gut ecosystem to connecting the dots between microbiome science, biotics innovation, and nutrition, he continues to play a key role in pushing scientific boundaries at Danone Research & Innovation. 👉 Check out his post to dive into the science and see how these breakthroughs are fueling our #OneBiome vision.

What does a great leader need during a crisis? How much do we know about science & technology leaders in Africa? And why should we give more thought to the experience of neurodivergent colleagues and collaborators? These were just a few of the questions raised at TEDxSaclay Women 2026 at our Global Research & Innovation centre in Paris-Saclay last week. The stories were personal, the impact was global and the effect was electric.   As we marked our third year of collaboration with TEDxSaclay, and with March being a month dedicated to celebrating women worldwide — this edition offered a powerful stage for inspiring voices to share bold ideas at the crossroads of science, leadership and societal change.    At Danone Research & Innovation, we are proud to host these conversations in the heart of the Paris‑Saclay ecosystem, one of the world’s top 8 innovation hubs, ensuring diverse perspectives continue to shape the future of science.   Thank you to TEDxSaclayWoMen and a huge congratulations to our speakers and partners for making this edition unforgettable.   🎥 The talks are now available online: https://lnkd.in/eeWwdeKy   #TEDxSaclayWomen #ParisSaclay #Science #Innovation #WomenInScience #WomeninSTEM

We are feeling especially proud today. Our R&I teams across the world continue to shape the future of plant-based nutrition — and their work in UX is gaining meaningful recognition. We recently accepted several recognitions in the 2026 TASTY Awards for some of our plant-based products in the U.S. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/eu4FAhTE   What makes this so special is how we got here:  - A deep commitment to understanding consumers’ lives and expectations  - Scientific rigor paired with human-centered design  - Cross-functional collaboration that brings together sensory science, product development, nutrition, and experience design  - And above all, a shared belief in Danone’s mission to bring health through food to as many people as possible — reflecting the full diversity of needs, preferences and dietary choices around the world.    From improving taste and texture experiences to expanding nutritional options, our teams continually push boundaries. Thanks to NECTAR for setting the bar high with the TASTY Awards and recognizing the passion, curiosity and ingenuity our R&I community of experts bring every day.     Pictured here: Peng LIU accepting the award on behalf of Danone, celebrating iconic and transformative plant-based products.    #OnePlanetOneHealth #Danone #PlantBased #UserExperience #FutureOfFood

Collaboration is at the heart of scientific progress.   As Agnieszka Tokarek-Nowicka, Vice President Specialized Nutrition and General Manager of Danone’s Global Research & Innovation Center in Utrecht, puts it:   “There is strength in numbers. We’re proud to work with inspiring partners, including His Excellency the French Ambassador to the Netherlands, François Alabrune, and Prof. Wilco Hazeleger, Rector Magnificus of Utrecht University, as we advance science, nutrition, and health together. Katrien van Laere and I are very much looking forward to exploring the next steps of collaboration outlined in the letter of intent.” #Danone #Research #Innovation #Collaboration

“Speaking to staff & students about malnutrition — and the power of nutrition to support better health outcomes — felt like the start of an exciting collaboration.”— Rebecca Stratton, Danexpert Fellow & Senior Medical Director Rebecca’s first lectures as Honorary Associate Professor at the University of Nottingham have focused on a shared mission: educating future dietitians & nutritionists on how to identify malnutrition and better support those most at risk. As Amanda Avery Associate Professor in Nutrition and Dietetics at University of Nottingham, shared: “An excellent presentation showing the importance of preventing malnutrition and the impact nutrition has on improving health. We’re excited to work more with Rebecca and value her expertise.” What stood out was the collective commitment & passion from everyone. Preventing malnutrition requires partnership & professional leadership Shared ideas. Sustained effort. Evidence that moves from theory to practice. Join us in celebrating Rebecca’s new role — and add your voice: what should the field prioritize next to reduce the burden of malnutrition? #ClinicalNutrition #Malnutrition #NutritionScience #Dietetics #AcademicCollaboration #UoN

Our bodies host an expansive ecosystem that can influence our health in remarkable ways - an area our experts continue to explore in depth!   What we do know from multiple Danone Research & Innovation studies on gut health is that there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to the microbiome.    With the Gut Microbiota for Health 2026 Summit fast approaching — and the field advancing rapidly — there’s never been a better moment to stay curious as we uncover more about this mighty world within us.   Discover more about our microbiome research and key scientific abstracts.