Technology and Innovation Journalism

Hi! I'm Natasha Spencer-Jolliffe, a UK-based technology journalist.

I have a wealth of experience in writing about technology for various publications and websites. I have a passion for writing about all aspects of technology, from hardware reviews to news articles, opinion pieces and thought leadership pieces.

If you’re looking for an experienced technology journalist to write compelling pieces that resonate with your audience, please get in touch. I work with editors, press offices and businesses alike to create impactful pieces that capture readers' attention.

From press releases to web content and everything in between, I am sure I will be able to provide you with the perfect words for your project. I can also lend my expertise in interviews, helping ensure you get the most out of them.

Below you will find articles I have written for various print and digital publications, including magazines, newspapers, websites and blogs.

Please do not hesitate to contact me to discuss how I can help you write the perfect piece for your project. You can email me at natasha@natashaspencer.co.uk or find out more information about me on my website natashaspencerjolliffe.co.uk

Will sustainable insect protein ever achieve mainstream popularity?

Protein continues to grow in popularity as a vital ingredient in the global food industry. With the world accelerating toward new and sustainable food, shoppers are seeking alternative protein sources. As novel eating experiences resonate with global consumers, insects are featuring as a new source of protein and garnering a reputation as an effective ingredient in high-protein foods. However, overcoming consumer resistance and developing at a commercial scale are two leading issues facing inse

Are we entering the era of biologics for COPD?

In 2023, the pharmaceutical industry will mark 20 years since Xolair, an anti-IgE antibody, became the first biologic approved to treat asthma. Since then, the US FDA, EMA, and other agencies have approved several biologic antibodies targeting the inflammatory cytokines IL-4, IL-13, IL-5, and others for asthma. Approaches like bronchodilator inhalers focus on treating both asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The same, however, is not true for therapeutic biologics. While th

New dietary fibre insights drive nutritional and health launches

The dietary fibre market has grown in recent years, with food manufacturers looking for healthy ingredients to improve the nutritional value of their products. Increasing consumer consciousness towards the health benefits of baked goods and snacks is driving the demand for dietary fibre. “The gap between consumption and recommended fibres intake is undoubtedly a public health issue,”​ said Anne Lionnet, business developer in charge of LifyWheat’s European development at Limagrain Ingredients.

Will protein be the next mega-trend in 2023?

Today’s protein consumers are demanding protein alternatives and attractive sensorial experiences. But with existing obstacles revolving around how to achieve favourable volume, texture and machinability to meet consumer expectations, protein has yet to reach mega-trend status. However, with the adoption of new processes and product developments, the question now is whether it will signify a change for protein in 2023. Proteins remain a critical ingredient in the global food industry. With the

Preparing for acrylamide regulation updates in 2023

With changes to acrylamide regulation taking shape in 2023 - as reported in BakeryandSnacks -​ ​manufacturers now edge closer to renewed legislation. As a result, we can expect to see new or reformulated product developments that reflect the legislative updates. Acrylamide is found in various foods, including baked goods and snacks. The chemical substance comes from the naturally present substances of free asparagine (amino acids) and sugars. Acrylamide forms from cooking processes, such as bak

The story of wheat features resilience as its main character

Wheat-wise, baked goods and snack brands expect to see rising demand for more whole grain products over commercialised white flour, with manufacturers anticipating increased calls for heritage grain products worldwide. Health and nutrition are the leading factors driving consumers toward whole grain varieties over their white flour counterparts. Manufacturers are witnessing a growing number of consumers asking about the wheat’s provenance, how it impacts farmers and its required farming practic

Fertility tech in 2023: At-home, personalisation and accessibility

Since the first baby conceived through in vitro fertilisation (IVF) was born in 1978, more than 8 million people globally have been born using the technology. While IVF success rates have improved since it was first introduced, currently, only about a third of patients have a successful live birth. “For patients, assisted reproduction is prohibitively expensive, often requires multiple attempts, is physically and emotionally onerous, and is still rarely covered by insurance,” relays Paxton Maed

The EU prepares to overhaul packaging and waste rules

On 30 November 2022, the European Commission released its final proposal for an updated packaging and packaging waste regulation (PPWD),​ ​amending the European Union’s (EU) 2019/2020 regulation and 2019 directive. If adopted, the proposed revision will expedite the EU’s goal to make all packaging reusable or recyclable by 2030 and strive to help it reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Differing regulatory approaches across Member States create challenges for countries within Europe to har

Renewed calls for urgent cost-of-living crisis support a priority in 2023

The cost-of-living crisis continues to dominate the concerns of those working in, and representing, the bakery and snack sectors. According to Alasdair Smith, CEO of the Scottish Bakers, “Soaring energy costs and rising ingredient bills coupled with the ongoing recruitment and retention troubles we face make the price of doing business harder than it has ever been.”​ The Association previously brought attention to the reality that bakers in Scotland, and it suspects in England too, are facing

AI-led brain scanning tech: Progressing mental health care

In 2022, 44% of countries responding to a World Health Organisation (WHO) survey reported they had experienced one or more disruptions to mental health care, including prevention and promotion programmes, diagnosis, treatment and life-saving emergency care. Deepening value and commitment to mental health understanding, reshaping environments and strengthening mental health care are critical paths to transformation, the WHO states in its 2022 World Mental Health Report. With democratising acces

Ice cream innovation draws on health and wellness trend

Manufacturers are formulating ice cream ranges with probiotics, protein, and plant-based ingredients to appeal to growing health and wellness demand. Ice cream products are diversifying in the remaining months of 2022. Digestive health claims are proving a prominent feature on ice cream packaging labels, data analytics firm IRI says in its latest dairy insights. Manufacturers will likely increase their prebiotic, probiotic, and other digestive claims to meet consumer demand, particularly as co

Making coffee farming more sustainable

Interest in a circular economy model is increasing among coffee players as calls for positive environmental action proliferate the supply chain. “Our agricultural system needs an urgent overhaul,” Miguel Gamboa, coffee sector lead at international non-profit organisation, Rainforest Alliance told Ingredients Network. In June 2022, the UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) announced the publication of its recent consultation outcome. The consultation surrounded the imp

Nestlé launches infant formula with novel ingredient, myelin

Nestlé has identified a nutrient blend of components found in breast milk, myelin, and will launch Nutrilearn Connect, an infant formula containing the novel ingredient, in Hong Kong before expanding to other markets. The product comes after years of research examining the impact of nutrition on the brain and cognitive development in early life. The nutrient blend comprises specific phospholipids, vitamins, fatty acids and minerals relevant for myelin to form. Myelin is a lipid-rich sheath whi

How the food industry can take action to protect bees

How the food industry can take action to protect bees From practicing polyculture to using organic biocontrol measures, the food industry must act to safeguard the population, health, and resilience of bees, says the Best Bees Company. Bees have a long-standing relationship with food; they are essential for pollinating many major food crops. “Before there even was a food industry at all, bees were crucial to ensuring crops flourished,” says Emily O’Neil, staff scientist at The Best Bees Compa

Hyperlocalisation promotes food system resilience and diversification

Climate change action and new technologies are driving a rise in hyperlocalisation throughout the global food chain, improving the industry’s adaptability and ability to meet consumer demands for greater choice. Hyperlocalisation involves creating shorter supply chains and establishing or redesigning operations to allow food production to occur in the same local environment as the end consumer. With a focus on supply chains that are both short and sustainable, localisation has evolved into hype

Tackling the rise of antimicrobial resistance

As the 2030 goal of halving antimicrobial use edges closer and a 2022 regulation is brought in to reduce antibiotic use on farm animals, the food industry is loudening its calls for action amid the increasing resistance to antimicrobials. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) provides scientific support and advice on risks to human and animal health regarding the possible emergence, spread, and transfer of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the food chain and animals. “EFSA acknowledges tha

How plant-based milk brands can address taste and texture challenges

How plant-based milk brands can address taste and texture challenges Today’s consumers want plant-based milk products that mimic the desirable sensorial attributes of their non-dairy alternative counterparts. In response, brands and manufacturers are focusing on taste, texture, education and sustainability. The sensory attribute is the number one area of improvement for plant-based milk alternatives, as highlighted by over a third (34%) of European consumers in recent research, ‘Understanding

Farm biologicals can make our farming system more sustainable: Rabobank

Farm biologicals can make our farming system more sustainable: Rabobank Replacing synthetic pesticides with farm biologicals - crop production products from living organisms – may help create a more sustainable farming system, says a recent Rabobank report. Farm biologicals, otherwise known as biologicals, are crop production products from living organisms that can be used independently or together with synthetic items, according to the agrochemical international trade association, CropLife In

New partnership strives to improve cocoa farming in Ivory Coast

New partnership strives to improve cocoa farming in Ivory Coast Conseil du Cafe-Cacao and IDH’s Sustainable Trade Initiative launch a new programme, Cocoaperation, to support cocoa farming and improve the livelihoods of cocoa producers. Conseil du Cafe-Cacao, the agency responsible for regulating, stabilising and developing the Coffee-Cocoa sector in the Ivory Coast, and IDH Sustainable Trade Initiative, an arm of the finance fund for smallholder farmers, IDH Farmfit Fund, aim to increase the
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