NGA Takes Aim at Proposed SNAP Cuts, Industry Concerned

The National Grocers Association recently led efforts to urge Congress to reject a proposal that will slash SNAP funding by 20%.

What Moms Really Want for Mother’s Day in 2025

This year, moms are wishing for a “timeout” on Mother’s Day, with 44% of participants wanting someone else to plan the big meal in an OpenTable survey. The research also revealed that nearly a third of moms are considering dining out solo on Mother’s Day in 2025, reflecting an increased desire for “me time.”

Are American Consumers Ready for Alt-Seafood?

The alt-seafood sector has been rife with innovations – from alt-calamari to black cod. However, a wave of recent bankruptcies within the category suggests that consumer adoption rates haven’t quite kept up.

Despite a Rough Q1, Investors Believe Fast Food Will Rebound

Despite sluggish sales and weak traffic in Q1, fast-food giants like McDonald’s and Wendy’s have seen their stocks rebound, reflecting investors’ confidence in pricing adjustments to revitalize the sector. QSRs are positioning themselves for a more efficient, profitable future.

New and Next by Nestlé: Answering Diners’ Call for Adventurous International Flavors

Bold global flavors are captivating the culinary world, with 87% of Gen Z diners craving international tastes like those offered by Minor’s sauces and concentrates. As consumer demand for diverse cuisines surges, such products can help food businesses thrive in the trend-driven market.

Industry Shaken: Indie Cafés Outbrew the Big Guys

Independent cafés and mid-sized coffee chains are chipping away at the dominance of Starbucks and Dunkin’, leveraging bold menu experimentation to capture customers. Challenger brands are expanding aggressively, too.

What’s the New World Screwworm? ‘Flying Piranha’ Alarms Ag Sector

The New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite, is expanding north from South America, posing a significant threat to livestock and even humans. As a result, experts are calling for urgent containment measures.

Brinker’s Spectacular Turnaround Isn’t Over Yet

Brinker International’s unexpected turnaround has propelled Chili’s to stunning same-store sales growth of nearly 26% in fiscal 2025, defying industry trends and revitalizing a brand that seemed stagnant for decades. Chili’s transformation is rewriting the playbook for restaurant chains.

3 Key Trends Displayed at SIAL Canada

This week’s SIAL Canada event showcased the latest cutting-edge food and beverage products, highlighting trends like nutrient-rich “superseeds,” freeze-dried ice cream, and flavorful mocktails.

Yogurt Is Having a Moment

Recent moves in the yogurt segment from CPG giants signal a strong category foundation heading into an uncertain economic future—a white horse amid other stagnating retail categories. Danone, for example, beat out analyst expectations with its Q1 sales.

Coffee: America’s Most Popular Beverage

Daily coffee consumption has increased nearly 7 percent since 2020, partly thanks to the continued interest in specialty brews. FI spoke with several industry professionals about the latest trends, and the impact that tariffs will have on the industry.

For Kraft Heinz, This Isn’t Supposed to Happen

Kraft Heinz’s recent quarterly earnings report posted year-over-year organic volume declines of 7.1% for the period. One potential culprit: the brand’s iconic Mac & Cheese brand is among their weakest performers, per management.

Grocers’ Gen Z Digital Playbook

Grocers are rethinking the shopping experience to engage with Gen Z, which wields $984 billion in spending power and demands digital-infused interactions.

4 Evolving Nutrition Trends Transforming Health

The latest “What’s Trending in Nutrition Survey” reveals that consumers in 2025 are prioritizing gut health, with fermented foods and superfoods like berries and leafy greens gaining popularity.

CEOs Tighten Belts Amid Tariff Uncertainty

Amid an uncertain economic environment instigated by tariffs, C-suite executives across the U.S. are dialing back business expenditures. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump indicated he may alter course on his economic plan.

New and Next by Nestlé: Serving up the ‘Hottest’ Cold Beverages

The beverage industry is witnessing a seismic shift as younger, socially conscious consumers favor cold drinks, like cold brew coffee and functional juices. Nestlé Professional Solutions has capitalized on this momentum with innovative product launches that expand opportunities for foodservice businesses.

How F&B Companies Can Maximize Return on Tech Investments

Many F&B companies aren’t getting the results they desired from tech investments due to factors ranging from insufficient data to inadequate planning. Industry experts shared actionable strategies with FI to help companies resolve these issues.

SeoulSpice Korean Kitchen: From Family Recipes to Fast-Casual Success

SeoulSpice Korean Kitchen recently expanded into Chicago, opening its first location on March 31. Founded by Eric Shin, principal percussionist of the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C., the chain known for its fresh rice and noodle bowls has grown to a total of eight locations across D.C. and Chicago.

Chipotle Gives Reason to React, Not Overreact

Despite Chipotle’s recent sales slump heading into 2025, investors are not worried about the future of the company. Although Chipotle stock has fallen 27% since December 6, its modest performance is peanuts compared to the fast casual sector, and its historic strength signals it can brace the bump.

College Students Look for Better, Tastier Food

College students are doubling down on their nutrient needs, asking for functional dining hall meals to sustain them through their studies.

Strikes Cost Food Industry $145.9 Million in 2024

Strikes cost F&B companies and employees $145.9 million in lost wages and revenue in 2024, according to a review by Noggin. Last year’s strikes were complicated by other issues like supply chain pressures as well, signaling the need for better communication among employees and management to avoid labor strife.

Investors Give Albertsons Another Chance – For Now

Following its earnings call last Tuesday, Albertsons stock finished the week up about 2.5% – but the stock took a winding road to get there. Shares originally fell nearly 8% on Tuesday, the day after the company’s fiscal fourth quarter release, before bouncing back over the next two trading sessions.

HHS Plans to Remove Synthetic Food Dyes, Industry Responds

Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the FDA took to the stage to outline a plan to phase out eight petroleum-based synthetic dyes as well as take steps to improve the American food supply. The announcement was met with a less-than-enthusiastic industry response.

People’s Union USA Kicks Off 7-Day Economic Blackout of General Mills

Recently, People’s Union USA began calling on consumers to boycott products from various businesses in protest of alleged social, economic, and environmental offenses. Monday, participating consumers kicked off a seven-day economic blackout of General Mills.

Study Shows Vegan Grocery Costs Vary Widely by State

A recent study by CashNetUSA analyzed the average cost of a basket of vegan groceries purchased at Walmart stores across the U.S. Its findings revealed significant discrepancies in both the affordability and accessibility of plant-based groceries among states.

Retailers, Manufacturers Struggle to Brace for Tariffs

Despite the 90-day pause on many of the reciprocal tariffs impacting the F&B industry, retailers and manufacturers are feeling anything but calm. National Retail Federation data suggests the sector has adopted a conservative approach to the next quarter, with many retailers relying on built-up inventory.

The True Anti-Inflammation Diet, According to Research

Chronic inflammation has been associated with health issues ranging from anxiety and depression to heart disease and neurodegenerative disorders. Research reveals that the Mediterranean diet, which includes a large quantity of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats like fish and olive oil, shows substantial promise in lowering inflammation markers.

States Aim to Ban Soda, Candy Purchases From SNAP

Select U.S. states are considering bans on using SNAP benefits to pay for sugary snacks and sodas, causing controversial backlash between industry groups. If approved, the current administration would be the first to ban these specific foods from the program.

Zebra Striping: Gen Z’s Strategy for Moderating Alcohol Intake

Gen Z is redefining alcohol consumption with “zebra striping,” a trend where individuals alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages during social outings, effectively halving their intake while embracing a sober-curious mindset. This shift presents unique opportunities for F&B brands to innovate.

The New Rules of Food Innovation in the Age of GLP-1

The popularity of GLP-1 medications is compelling brands to innovate with smarter portion sizes and functional ingredients. This shift represents a revolutionary convergence of biotech, nutrition science, and consumer demand, reshaping how food supports appetite management and metabolic health.

5 Foods That Can Help Increase Testosterone Levels

Recent research revealed that natural, everyday foods like pomegranates, avocados, and dark chocolate can significantly enhance testosterone levels. By addressing hormone-supportive diets and lifestyle factors, F&B industry leaders have the potential to aid male wellness.

General Mills Sounds Short-, Long-Term Alarms

General Mills faces mounting challenges such as market volatility and cautious consumer behavior, as tariff pressures also begin to weigh on its performance. It begs the question: Can legacy brands reclaim their once-unshakable dominance?

CPG Brands Eye Success by Connecting Data Sets

Consumer price sensitivities, plus tariff uncertainty, have added up to tumult for CPG brands in 2025. “Whether it’s tariffs or the tightening of consumer wallets, CPG brands are trying to figure out how to get …

Sticker Shock: 44% of Companies Plan to Pass Tariff Costs to Customers

A new survey by Zilliant reveals that nearly half of businesses plan to pass tariff-related costs onto consumers. As companies navigate tariff-related challenges, transparency with consumers will be critical to maintaining trust and avoiding backlash.

Open Sesame: Tahini Latte Searches Surge 900% on Yelp

After the Maman Salted Tahini Honeycomb Latte and Edith’s Tahini Frozen Cold Brew went viral on social media, Yelp searches for tahini coffee drinks soared. While the plant-based sesame seed paste has been a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries, lately tahini has been carving out a space for itself within the coffee category.

Power Players of the Aisle: CPG’s Fastest-Growing Brands Revealed

The Circana CPG Growth Leaders report revealed how top-performing brands like Constellation Brands and Celsius energy drinks leverage innovation, personalization, and exclusive partnerships to drive consumer loyalty. The research underscores the importance of authentic connections for sustained growth.