The Science of Feeling Good

How everyday products can transform your health

BY LETICIA GONCALVES

WALK DOWN THE AISLE of any store, and you’ll notice something interesting: wellness is everywhere. From yogurt that promotes better digestion to cleaning products that aim to be more sustainable, today’s items are doing more than just their basic jobs — they’re also working overtime to support your health and desire to live well.

So, what’s behind this new generation of health & wellness products? The answer lies in a surprising place: bioscience.

At IFF, we view bioscience as the art of harnessing nature’s tools, such as enzymes, cultures, and probiotics, to address everyday problems. It’s science that works with biology, not against it, to make the things we use every day smarter, safer, and better for our bodies and the planet.

IFF’s Health & Biosciences business traces its roots to DuPont’s legacy of scientific innovation. Following the 2021 merger of DuPont’s Nutrition & Biosciences division with IFF, a large part of the team continues to operate from the historic DuPont Experimental Station in Wilmington, Del.

As president of IFF Health & Biosciences, I have the privilege of working with some of the most passionate and talented scientists worldwide. Every day, we’re focused on one mission: to “Do More Good.” That means creating solutions that help people live healthier lives while also protecting the world we all share.

Let’s walk through your cupboards and pantry and see how IFF’s bioinnovations are already supporting your family’s wellness.

YOGURT: A SPOONFUL OF SCIENCE

Yogurt has long been a go-to for healthy eating. It’s naturally rich in calcium, protein and B vitamins, and thanks to its live cultures, it’s great for your gut. But what makes those cultures so powerful?

Inside your digestive system lives a community of trillions of bacteria — some helpful, some not. When that balance gets thrown off, it can affect everything from digestion to immunity. That’s where yogurt comes in. The live cultures in yogurt can help restore that balance by adding more of the good bacteria your body needs.

At IFF, we work with nature to create cultures that do more than just make yogurt taste good — they can help your body feel good, too. Whether you’re grabbing a thick Greek-style yogurt or sipping a drinkable version on the go, our blends are designed to support digestion and match local flavor preferences. It’s wellness, one spoonful at a time.

CLEANING THAT’S POWERED BY NATURE

Think about your laundry routine. You toss in a stained shirt, add detergent, and hope for the best. But did you know tiny enzymes in that detergent are doing the heavy lifting?

IFF’s enzymes are like microscopic cleaning crews. They break down stains — even in cold water — so you use less energy and fewer harsh chemicals. And unlike traditional enzymes that fade over time, ours are built to last from the first wash to the last drop.

They also help dishwashers clean better in shorter, cooler cycles — saving water and energy while keeping your dishes sparkling.

SUPPLEMENTS THAT START FROM WITHIN

We all know that feeling off in your stomach can throw off your whole day. That’s because your gut and brain are connected — what scientists call the “gut-brain axis.”

At IFF Health Sciences, we’ve spent decades studying how probiotics can support not just digestion, but also immunity, mood, and even sleep. Our HOWARU® probiotics are backed by clinical research and designed to help people feel more balanced, resilient, and well, starting from the inside out.

It’s not just about taking a supplement — it’s about giving your body the tools to thrive.

FOOD THAT’S SIMPLE AND SMART

Today’s shoppers want food that’s easy to understand, with familiar ingredients and real nutrition. But making bread that’s simple, soft, and tasty isn’t easy.

That’s where our enzymes come in. They help bakers create breads and pastries that stay fresh longer and meet “label-friendly” standards without relying on artificial additives. By replacing traditional dough conditioners and emulsifiers, we help brands simplify their recipes while keeping quality high.

It’s science that makes food better, without making it complicated.

In a world where wellness can feel overwhelming, it’s comforting to know that some of the most potent health tools are already in your fridge, laundry room, supplement drawer, and pantry. At IFF, our teams are working every day to create naturally derived solutions that unlock the potential of the natural world around us — quietly and effectively — with your well-being in mind.

Sometimes, it’s the quiet science that makes the most impactful difference.

Leticia Goncalves is president of IFF Health & Biosciences.