Consumers are weary of words like "chlorinated," "bleached" and "aluminum" on ingredient labels. While every baker is saying "But we've used these for ages!" this reason doesn't sit well with consumer groups and buyers like Whole Foods.

Chefs and food scientists alike are still focusing on developing the next new groundbreaking snack, but now with a back-to-basics approach focusing on whole and natural food ingredients to meet consumer demands.

The desire for safe, healthy food isn't necessarily new, but it has been picking up steam ... big time. While the FDA may not have a definition for what exactly counts as a "clean label," consumers are asking to buy them. As bakers, we need to simplify our formulas with natural solutions.

Manufacturers look to clean-label, natural sweeteners to meet consumer demands while still maintaining functionality.