Mars-Kellanova: The $36bn merger transforming the snacking sector
Mars’ $36bn takeover of Kellanova is reshaping the global snacking landscape, combining two powerhouse portfolios and igniting innovation
Archives for January 21, 2026
Letter from the editor
2026 diet trends: What is in, what is out and what does it mean for CPG brands?
Consumers are redefining ‘healthy’ and rethinking nutrition to focus on their physical and mental well-being, which is creating opportunities and challenges for brands
Diet Trends
Alcohol-free beverages become part of the wellness diet
From Dry January to everyday routines, alcohol-free beverages are integrating into wellness diets with functional, mood-enhancing ingredients
What food brands must know about GLP‑1 consumers
GLP-1 consumers are re-writing the rules of food retail. Here’s what this means for product innovation and how brands can win
Diet Trends
Rethinking sweetness in an age of sugar skepticism
As shoppers scrutinize labels and headlines, brands are rethinking sweetness strategies to deliver lower sugar, clearer messaging and commercially viable reformulations
Diet Trends
Millennials and Gen Z scrap formal diets for functional and high-protein foods
Spins analysts say younger consumers are turning to wearable technology and AI tools to customize nutrition and choose foods that deliver health benefits and flavor
Diet Trends
Fiber’s comeback: Why snacks are embracing the next functional macro
Fiber is making a comeback in snacks as gut health trends, GLP-1 use and clean-label demands reshape functional food innovation
Diet Trends
Circana maps 3 ‘healthy eating’ white spaces for food manufacturers in 2026
Study highlights how fiber, convenience-driven healthy meals and mood-boosting products are redefining better-for-you trends
Diet Trends
What ‘healthy’ means to Americans is changing, and so should marketing
Consumers want healthier food but struggle to trust nutrition information, creating both challenges and opportunities for brands, according to new data from the International Food Information Council
PepsiCo, Del Monte and Mars tap global street food for inspiration
From street food-inspired rice cups to Mexican corn chips, big food makers are betting that spicy flavors and convenient formats will resonate with shoppers
2026 yogurt innovation: Tropical, protein-packed and trendy
From tropical flavors to protein-rich options, yogurt continues to balance bold taste with health-conscious trends
2026 beef trends: How new Dietary Guidelines are shaping protein demand
Dietary guidance, convenience-driven meals and emerging trends like beef tallow may open new avenues for innovation in beef
The real tariff impact on food is still ahead – here is what to expect
Industry data shows manufacturers have delayed price hikes through promotions and portfolio pricing, but analysts warn those tools will weaken as tariff costs finally flow through in 2026
How BuzzBallz became Gen Z’s global RTD obsession
BuzzBallz has become Gen Z’s go‑to party prop, fusing bold flavours, playful design and recession‑proof pricing to rewrite the rules of ready‑to‑drink cocktails
Barry Callebaut appoints ex‑Unilever boss as new CEO
Barry Callebaut shakes up its leadership as Hein Schumacher steps in during a pivotal moment for the world’s largest chocolate maker