Innophos develops new ingredient solution for bacon processing Specialty ingredients solution supplier Innophos has introduced Optibalance 200, a specialty blend ingredient created to help bacon processors achieve peak flavor, improve appearance, and produce greater yields of bacon. Impacted by meat shortages and personal lifestyle trends such as low-carb and keto diets; high-protein, high-fat bacon has been in high demand over the past year, with bacon prices reaching an all-time high, according to Innophos. Innova Market Insights 2021 Bacon Trends reported keto claims are +165% (Global, CAGR 2016-2020 YTD) as more consumers adopt the dieting trend. According to IRI, retail sales of bacon spiked 29% from mid-March to mid-July in 2020 (vs. the same time period in 2019).