CPG brands are rethinking how to source, formulate and position products in response to the latest dietary guidelines, consumer confusion around food processing and cocoa supply chain challenges
Dietary guidelines draw criticism over red meat and processing language
The 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans are already stirring debate. Critics say the final guidance diverges from the scientific advisory committee’s recommendations on red meat and dairy, generating pushback from public health advocates and plant-based groups alike.
At the same time, the guidelines use of ‘highly-processed’ instead of ‘ultra-processed’ drew praise from nutrition experts and concern from industry groups that said the ambiguity could confuse consumers
The lack of a standardized processing definition may pressure brands to refine how they talk about and formulate products in a landscape where shoppers increasingly are wary of ingredient complexity.
Read the full article here: Federal diet guidelines accused of bowing to Big Meat
What the guidelines could mean for product strategy
Beyond the controversy, the updated guidelines are expected to shape food and beverage development. While many recommendations are familiar – including limits on added sugars and an emphasis on whole foods – others encourage manufacturers to reassess protein sources, grain choices and ingredient portfolios.
Continued uncertainty around how “highly-processed” foods are defined adds complexity for brands navigating formulation, labeling and innovation. For CPG companies already responding to consumer demand to limit ultra-processed ingredients, the guidelines underscore the importance of clear nutrition messaging.
Read the full article here: How the Dietary Guidelines may shape product strategy and development
Chocolate’s supply chain pressures come into focus
Cocoa supply continues to be a major challenge for confectionery brands as prices remain volatile and traditional harvests struggle under climate and crop pressures. In response, new players like Kokomodo are stepping into the spotlight with cell-grown cacao — real cocoa produced from plant cells in bioreactors that offers climate-resilient, customizable ingredients year-round without farming. CPG brands are exploring these and other alternatives as chocolate formulations face rising costs and supply uncertainty, even as some manufacturers struggle to maintain legal chocolate labeling due to declining cocoa content.
This shift toward cell-grown cacao reflects a broader rethinking of ingredient resilience and sustainability. As traditional cocoa supply chains grapple with climate risk, aging plants and geopolitical pressures, certified and novel cocoa alternatives are gaining traction as tools for brands to protect margins, reduce supply risk and meet evolving consumer expectations around sustainability and ethical sourcing.
Listen to the episode here: The hidden costs of chocolate – and what real solutions actually look like
