How long does a food and beverage formulation take?
A typical food and beverage formulation project runs across our four-phase JAI formulation method: Product Requirements Definition, Supply Chain Setup, Lab Formulations, and Final Formulas + Production Documentation. Total timeline depends on scope, SKU count, and complexity. We share the full project timeline in the discovery call. Faster via the Accelerated path (in-lab session compresses the bench schedule).
How much does food and beverage formulation cost?
Food and beverage formulation pricing is custom-quoted per project. It depends on the number of SKUs, complexity, and any add-on services like additional formulation rounds, pilot production samples, or third-party lab testing coordination. We share a full quote after the discovery call.
What is included in your formulation handoff package?
Every food and beverage formulation we run ends with a complete production-ready handoff package. It includes the Final Formula (recipe with percentages and weights), Nutritional Facts Panel + Ingredient Statement, Ingredient COGS Analysis, Supplier Part Numbers + Contacts, Spec Sheets + MOQs + Allergen and Safety Data, Generic Batch Sheet, Process Authority Letter (when required), and the Final Product Requirements Document. Everything a qualified contract manufacturer needs to take the formula to commercial production.
Do you formulate ready-to-mix powders and concentrates?
Yes. We formulate across ready-to-drink beverages, concentrates, and ready-to-mix powders. Common categories include functional sodas, hydration, protein beverages, social tonics, greens powders, energy mixes, and women's wellness powders. The same JAI formulation method applies across every format.
Do you formulate alcoholic beverages?
Yes, including ABV testing coordination through our accredited lab network.
Can you formulate functional beverages?
Yes. Functional beverages are one of our core categories. We formulate across functional sodas, clean energy and focus drinks, hydration and recovery beverages, protein beverages, social tonics, and more. Our lab works with prebiotics, fiber, nootropics, electrolytes, plant and whey proteins, collagen, mushroom extracts, adaptogens, and other functional ingredients.
Where is your formulation lab located?
Our formulation lab is in New York City, minutes from JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark. Clients can visit us for in-lab formulation sessions via the Accelerated path and stack their visit with buyer meetings, distributor calls, or investor pitches.
Can I visit your New York City formulation lab?
Yes. Via the Accelerated path, you spend an in-lab session with us at our New York City facility, tasting, adjusting, and iterating the formula together in real time. What normally takes weeks of remote ship-and-feedback cycles happens in a single working day.
How many samples do I get per round?
Up to 2 physical samples per variant per round. Each is a distinct formulation variation. More samples per round are available as an add-on.
Can you help develop my flavor and sweetener system?
Yes. We offer a Flavor and Sweetener Exploration phase that adds two dedicated rounds before core formulation begins. This is especially useful for founders who haven't yet locked in their flavor profile or sweetener system.
Can a co-manufacturer use your formulations?
Yes. Every formula we deliver comes with a Generic Batch Sheet, a vendor-neutral starting point that gives any qualified co-manufacturer (also called a contract manufacturer or co-packer) a head start, then gets tailored to your selected co-packer's equipment and line. We also include supplier contacts, spec sheets, MOQs, allergen and safety data, and a Process Authority Letter when required.
Can JAI also handle production after formulation?
We do small-batch pilot production samples for beverages (great for buyer meetings and investor pitches). Full commercial production runs through our separate Production Operations engagement: co-packer search, supply chain management, on-site production oversight, and post-production review.
What's the difference between formulation and production operations?
Formulation is the bench-to-handoff work: defining the product (PRD), sourcing ingredients, running benchtop samples, and locking the final formula with a complete production-ready handoff package. Production Operations is the next step: managing the contract manufacturer relationship and running commercial production. JAI offers both as separate engagements.
Do you work with first-time CPG founders?
Yes. Many of our clients are first-time CPG founders. Our process is built to make formulation legible for founders who haven't run a project like this before, with a Signed-off PRD up front, structured feedback after every sample round, and a complete production-ready handoff package at the end.
Who handles FDA regulatory compliance for the formula?
We make commercially reasonable efforts to confirm formulations comply with FDA guidelines and align with the claims and certifications in your spec. Final regulatory responsibility rests with you as the product owner. That's industry standard.
How do I choose a food and beverage formulation company?
The right food and beverage formulation company depends on your stage, scope, and what you need beyond the bench. Key questions to ask: Does the company own the relationship from concept through handoff (not just sample rounds)? Do they deliver a complete production-ready handoff package a contract manufacturer can actually use? Do they have a clear process you can follow, or is it ad-hoc? Have they shipped real products with named clients? Are they accessible for in-lab work? At JAI, we're founder-led, run a structured four-phase JAI formulation method, deliver a complete handoff package, and our New York City lab is open to clients who want to be at the bench.
