News & Analysis on Food & Beverage Development & Technology
Grounded in emerging science, Danone’s research and innovation team is developing nutrient-dense products tailored to every stage of the GLP-1 user journey – and meeting the needs of the broader health conscious consumer
As consumers redefine premium chocolate through taste, ethics and wellness, everyday indulgence is replacing special-occasion luxury – opening the door for brands and retailers to grow margins, build loyalty and differentiate in a tightening,...
Sweet snack trends are tilting toward simpler, fruit-forward formulations – and Solely’s approach is drawing fresh attention from retailers
The farmer-focused vinegar-based sparkling tonic launches in 2026 at Sprouts Farmers Market
Up the food chain
How Oatly’s North American president Helge Weitz uses his CPG and real-world restaurant experience to map the firm’s US reset
CEO Michael Allen says innovation a top priority to meet families’ needs
The global food and beverage ingredients market is booming. But what are the trends powering industry growth?
As the beauty-from-within movement gains momentum, food and beverage brands are turning to collagen, antioxidants and other functional ingredients to deliver skincare benefits from the inside out
Backed by the minds behind Ilegal Mezcal, Cómo No’s zero-sugar sparkling waters are formulated for cocktails or a sober night out
New research linking omnipresent emulsifiers to gut damage and obesity is raising tough questions for manufacturers
Ultra-processed diets aren’t equally dominant worldwide - but in some countries, they’re rising fast
We asked ingredient companies how the industry is pushing the envelope of next-gen nutrition products and dairy alternatives
Pickles are big business and experiencing rapid growth through savvy startups and private-label expansion
FedUp Foods and FrshBev exemplify contract manufacturing’s role in functional beverage development
The landmark study series is the biggest blow yet to UPFs
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
The botulism-linked recall of ByHeart powdered infant formula is sparking urgent debate over whether US food safety systems can respond quickly enough
Startup Spotlight
From Greek yogurt crust to store shelves, Yough! is navigating the hurdles of scaling a healthier frozen pizza
From antioxidant sparkling waters to unsweetened tea blends, drink makers meet surging demand for focused energy without the crash
The beverage aisle often is a testing ground for claims, ingredients, flavors and branding that, if successful, can serve as a roadmap for other categories to tap into emerging trends
Healthy beverages
Lipton is expanding into concentrates and herbal teas to meet growing demand for flavorful, functional and convenient tea formats, while keeping pace with trends like GLP-1 wellness and stress management
Healthy beverages
Brands like Oodles of Doodles and Stonyfield Organic show how the kids’ beverage category is evolving toward simpler ingredients, functional benefits and age-appropriate formats
Healthy beverages
Gen Z and Millennials are embracing the low-cost counterpart to ground and whole bean
Targeting the growing demand for functional products designed by and for women, the startup blends clinical science, tradition and taste to normalize self-care during menstruation
By combining short ingredient lists with long shelf life, Born Simple’s Better Bowls show how packaging, processing and protein can align to meet modern expectations for clean convenience
The maker of Celestial Seasonings and Garden Veggie Snacks narrowed losses as restructuring gains traction
Innovation, affordability and shifting perceptions fuel 16.8% year-over-year growth, as Monster Beverage broadens its appeal beyond core users and positions energy drinks as an affordable alternative to coffee
Trendspotting 2026
Forget flavor fatigue – next year will be all about how snacks feel. From crisp layers to creamy centers, texture is fast becoming the biggest lever of indulgence and loyalty
Nestlé wants to sell off part ownership of Perrier, San Pellegrino, Vittel and others. Does ‘Watergate’ put these plans on shaky ground?
The tradeshow featured hundreds of innovative new products at the Cool New Snacks preview room
Clean energy has already swept across the energy drink category. Now, Odyssey Functional Energy heralds the next era of added functionality: becoming a favorite in offices of SpaceX, Uber, Google, Meta, Amazon and more
Sleep is a key health goal among consumers globally. The food industry now has an opportunity to meet consumer demands
The snack giant will expand value offerings, boost innovation in better-for-you products and indulgent items, and refine promotions to reignite growth
After finding early success in the natural channel, Olyra revamped its packaging, flavors and formulation to resonate with mainstream consumers while preserving the ancient Greek roots at the heart of its story
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
Reduced-allergen wheat could transform baking, letting brands deliver better-for-you products without sacrificing quality or consumer experience
Spins data reveals how younger consumers are reimagining nutrition around functional benefits, global flavors and ingredient transparency
News Bites
FDA accelerates precision fermentation, General Mills refocuses on overlooked consumers and innovators redefine the role of sugar
Consumer concern about UPFs has surged, but understanding still lags far behind, according to new research from the Non-GMO Project
The Italian olive oil brand updates its packaging with bold design and clear flavor cues as it embraces a strategy to attract multicultural and multigenerational shoppers
As sugar reduction merges with functionality, global ingredient leaders are betting on advanced stevia solutions to hit the sweet spot
Even as appetite-suppressing drugs dampen full-sugar soda sales, the beverage giant reports higher revenue and market share gains powered in part by its ‘reinvigorated sparkling portfolio’ thanks to no- and low-calorie options and its protein offerings,...
The CPG giant is adapting products, pack sizes and marketing to place aging consumers, GLP-1 users and Hispanic shoppers at the center of its fiscal 2026 plans
Sprouts Farmers Market’s approach to NPD keeps it on a constant search for the hottest beverage innovations
Soup-to-Nuts Podcast
After a year marketed by rising prices, food safety confusion and supply chain fears, ADM predicts consumers in 2026 will gravitate toward nostalgic, sensory-rich foods and beverages that help restore their resilience
Prepared-food sales are climbing, and younger shoppers are leading the push for fresher, clean-label offerings
From traceable sourcing to employee engagement, Acme’s Citizens of Seafood initiative and Climate Awards demonstrate how seafood companies can align business success with environmental responsibility
As GLP-1 drugs disrupt the weight loss market, food and beverage players are racing to unlock the appetite-regulating power of functional ingredients
News Bites
Lay’s gets a new look, nutrition science is getting a reality check and precision fermented ingredients are getting FDA’s nod
Sweeteners in focus
Consumers’ evolving preferences, clean-label demands and political debates are reshaping sugar and alternative sweeteners - and challenging brands to innovate without compromise