News & Analysis on Food & Beverage Development & Technology
News Bites
This week’s top stories show how nutrition policy debates, shifting views on processing and cocoa supply disruptions are reshaping formulation and sourcing decisions for CPG brands
The 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans avoid the term “ultra-processed foods,” prompting both praise and criticism
As Virginia becomes the third state to regulate heavy metals in baby food, the question for manufacturers is no longer whether to comply, but how high to set the bar
The latest Dietary Guidelines may not reinvent the wheel, but they offer manufacturers a roadmap to balance nutrition, consumer preference and formulation strategy across sweeteners, grains and processed foods, according to one expert
Capital hasn’t disappeared from cellular agriculture - but investors now want proof the market is ready
Industry groups seek further guidance following a 90-day grace period on SNAP snacks ban
Government support rises even as startups reset
Doctors and nutrition advocates say new Dietary Guidelines for Americans sideline science in favor of meat and dairy industry
New regulation mandates symbols on foods high in sodium, sugar or saturated fat, in effort to combat chronic disease
The market reaction to Donald Trump’s dietary overhaul isn’t about kale versus cookies – it’s about whether Washington has finally decided the packaged food sector needs firmer rules, not friendlier guidance
The newest Dietary Guidelines emphasize whole foods, protein and animal fats – a shift praised by some experts as overdue, but others warn the report is retro and insufficient
9th Circuit says USDA wrongly let ultra-processed foods and QR-code-only disclosures dodge federal GMO labeling law
The agency signals stepped-up enforcement of its Consumer Review Rule, citing potential fines that can “quickly add up”
National Advertising Division cases shine light on marketing missteps, making the case for food and beverage brands to rethink health-focused advertising
This year’s wave of tools – from trend‑spotting engines to autonomous R&D agents – turned AI into everyday infrastructure for food and beverage
As Washington and the states raced to redefine food safety and trade, companies braced for higher tariffs, stricter ingredient rules and shifting consumer expectations
Recent policy moves reflect USDA’s broader direction toward nutrition-focused food assistance, domestic sourcing transparency and support of American agriculture
Congress passes the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act with bipartisan support, rolling back Obama-era nutrition standards despite objections from health groups
FDA aims to strengthen enforcement around infant formula recalls as it moves to strengthen oversight following a botulism outbreak linked to ByHeart
2026 Trendspotting
2026 promises to be a pivotal moment for packaging for food and beverage CPG as innovation shifts from flashy materials to more precision, credibility and data-based decision-making
Barry Callebaut partners with NotCo AI and Planet A Foods to tackle soaring cocoa prices and regulatory hurdles, leveraging digital formulation tools to future‑proof chocolate
The Cannabinoid Safety and Regulation Act (CSRA) would regulate – rather than ban – hemp derived beverages
Trump’s food price probe, research on what really drives acceptance of gene-edited foods and KeHE’s latest read on authenticity, function and global flavor exploration reshape the industry as the year winds down
CoDeveloper platform mines 85 years of research to help food scientists formulate and reverse-engineer products
A sweeping Texas bill that reshapes ingredient labels has triggered one of the biggest courtroom clashes yet between lawmakers and the food industry
Facing voter frustration and political risk, the White House directs DOJ and FTC to investigate potential price-fixing across the food chain as Republicans brace for midterm pressure
The MARA Act aims to create a more straightforward path for expanding US offshore aquaculture in a way that’s economically viable, environmentally responsible, and responsive to retailers, foodservice operators and seafood brands looking for consistent...
City officials say some of America’s biggest brands helped shape eating habits that are now coming back to haunt public health budgets
The wide ranging strategy touches on both packaging and novel foods
A French court has rejected a case against Perrier’s owner Nestlé, who will now reclaim legal fees
Opinion
The Lancet’s new UPF Series doesn’t politely enter the UPF debate – it kicks the door open and bakery and snacks are suddenly standing in the blast zone
Consumer Brands Association urges further tariff rollbacks on products like palm oil and tin mill steel
The botulism-linked recall of ByHeart powdered infant formula is sparking urgent debate over whether US food safety systems can respond quickly enough
Executive order places non-English speaking commercial drivers out of service
MAGA mutiny in the US Senate aims to block tariffs on Brazil in effort to lower food costs
With federal resources stretched thin, private and retail sector efforts grow critical to sustaining access and demand across SNAP shoppers
With Congress gridlocked over SNAP funding, the food industry – from Instacart to grocery chains – is stepping in to keep families fed and stabilize supply chains
As the shutdown nears its fourth week, the SNAP and WIC funding crisis is rippling through retail supply chains, jeopardizing access to food and CPG category stability
News Bites
FDA accelerates precision fermentation, General Mills refocuses on overlooked consumers and innovators redefine the role of sugar
Reduced funding for nutrition and obesity prevention programs and unintentional consequences of policymakers defining UPFs based just on the NOVA system could erase hard-won health gains and hinder food security
As sugar reduction merges with functionality, global ingredient leaders are betting on advanced stevia solutions to hit the sweet spot
The payment system restructure could cost the industry $1.6 billion
Report calls for ban on ingredient found in thousands of common food and beverage products
New book explores what the science really says about metabolism myths, UPFs and misinformation
The French startup’s FermWhey Native and FermWhey MicroStab expands formulation options for RTD beverages, shots and plant-based hybrids to better meet demands for consumers using GLP-1s and seeking support for active lifestyles and healthy aging
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a landmark bill yesterday requiring the state to define UPF and eliminate the ‘most harmful’ ones from school meals over the next 10 years – a decisive action in sharp contrast to national efforts and political MAHA rhetoric
Coffee stakeholders say the No Coffee Tax Act could ease rising costs, stabilize supply chains and protect consumers from price spikes
FDA acknowledges brazzein-54, advancing Oobli’s nature-identical sweet protein toolkit to reduce sugar
From consumer habits to technological innovation, industry and advocacy leaders shared actionable solutions to turn awareness into measurable reductions in food waste
Healthy snacking trends
The retailer’s chief merchandising and marketing officer Sonya Gafsi Oblisk explains how evolving quality standards, trendspotting and value-conscious innovation are shaping healthier snacking and shopping