Author: Anna Kinder

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.

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.

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.

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.

Top 5 Dealbreakers for Modern Diners

The 2025 American Diner Trends Report uncovered the top dealbreakers that deter diners, such as negative word-of-mouth, health inspection warnings, and long wait times. With distinct preferences emerging among Gen Z and older cohorts, the report illustrated how restaurants can win over consumers.

Alt-Meat Brands Address Pain Points Through Tech Integration

Innovative brands in the alt-protein space are combining multiple technologies to create better products. By integrating methods like precision fermentation and enzymatic cross-linking, these companies are solving major pain points in taste, texture, and affordability.

Brands Tap National Burrito Day to Enhance Loyalty Programs

With food-related holidays happening almost daily, brands are capitalizing on events like National Burrito Day (April 3) to drive sales, boost loyalty program engagement, and introduce gamified promotions. Restaurants from Chipotle to Taco Bell are taking advantage, rolling out limited-time deals.

Violife’s Plant-Based Marketing and Influencer Playbook

Dairy-free cheese maker Violife debuted a line of lentil-based coffee creamers, Violife Supreme Coffee Creamers. To spread the word, the brand launched Creamy Confessions, a nationwide ad campaign featuring a series of reality TV stars, social media influencers, and online content creators.

Early to Dine, Early to Bed: The Rise of the 3:45 Dinner Trend

The “3:45 Dinner” trend is gaining momentum as parents embrace earlier mealtimes to curb post-school hunger, prevent evening tantrums, and simplify family routines. With growing consumer demand for early dining, restaurants have a prime opportunity on their hands.

Inclusive Imbibing: Latest Innovations in Non-Alcoholic Wine

Non-alcoholic wines, such as alcohol-removed Sauvignon Blanc, are growing in popularity as more consumers aim to moderate or eliminate alcohol consumption. Despite challenges in replicating the complexity of traditional wines, innovations in production methods are driving opportunities in NA wine.

Pulp Friction: Citrus Waste Packaging vs. Plastics

Upcycled citrus waste offers many benefits over traditional petroleum-based plastic for packaging purposes. However, barriers to adoption are high, particularly regarding regulatory and safety challenges.

Butter vs. Oil: Nutrition Experts Weigh in

New research suggests that those who consistently replace animal-based fats with plant-based oils may have a lower rate of total mortality, as well as lower mortality from cancer and cardiovascular disease. After accounting for control variables, researchers found that the group with the highest butter intake had a 15% higher total mortality risk than the group with the lowest intake.

Oklahoma Moves to Ban Aspartame, Other Harmful Additives

Oklahoma’s proposed Senate Bill 4 aims to ban several synthetic additives, including aspartame, due to growing health concerns, and would take effect on November 1 if passed. The legislation reflects increasing scientific evidence of the additives’ potential health risks.

6 Food Retail Trends Grocery Stores Can’t Afford to Ignore

The food retail landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by shifting consumer behaviors, economic pressures, and technological advancements. In “The Future of Food Retail” webinar recently hosted by The Food Institute, R.J. Hottovy, Head of Analytical …

Mixue and Matcha: Asian Beverages Take Over the World

Mixue Ice Cream and Tea has become the world’s largest F&B chain by number of locations, thanks to its affordable pricing and innovative franchising strategy. The chain illustrates the time-tested popularity of teas, which are increasingly prized by young adults.

Coming Clean: Consumers Prioritize Ingredient Transparency

The global clean-label ingredients market is expected to reach $212 billion by 2035, driven by increased consumer awareness of the health risks associated with artificial preservatives. The demand for minimally processed foods is prompting companies to prioritize ingredient transparency.

From Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia to Cha-Ching! The Evolution of Chia Seeds

Chia seeds were the most popular functional ingredient on U.S. restaurant menus during Q4 of 2024, according to MenuData, accounting for 38.9% of menu share. A staple in ancient diets for their utility and nutrition, today, the ingredient is gaining momentum with health-conscious consumers.

Sky-High Egg Prices Send Restaurants Scrambling

Egg prices have reached record highs due to the bird flu outbreak, which has sent restaurants scrambling. Establishments like Waffle House have introduced surcharges, while others have gotten creative and found alternative strategies to manage costs.

Is Agritourism the Answer to Agricultural Instability?

Agritourism, a growing, $4.5 billion industry, helps farmers and ranchers cope with economic instability by attracting visitors for entertainment and education, thus generating additional income. Despite its benefits, agritourism is often a supplementary activity due to external factors like weather.

Solein: The Complete Protein Made from Thin Air

Last year, the Finnish food-tech company Solar Foods debuted Solein, a novel type of protein requiring only renewable energy, airborne materials, and a small amount of minerals to produce. Since it can be made in any weather and without resources like land or water, Solein is highly sustainable – and equally nutritious.

AI and Independent Restaurants: Experts Share Tips, Predictions

Yum Brands’ new AI platform, Byte by Yum, illustrates the potential of proprietary tech for QSR giants, but independent restaurants can also leverage similar, customizable platforms. Experts advise starting small with AI for specific tasks and monitoring its outputs closely to ensure that it enhances efficiency.

Healthy by Association: How Alt-Meat Brands Are Earning Trust

Alt-meat brands like Beyond and Impossible are launching new and reformulated products to earn the trust of health-conscious consumers and national health organizations. These innovations have enabled the meat alternatives to quality for the nutrition initiatives of both the American Heart and American Diabetes Associations.

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Hunger Games: How Gamified Loyalty Programs Help Restaurants Win

Gamification is emerging as a winning strategy for restaurants looking to enhance their customer loyalty programs. 76% of owners said they plan to gamify their programs in the next 2 years, with brands like Starbucks, Jimmy John’s, and Dunkin’ leading the charge.

Shelling Out Growth: Pea Protein Gains Momentum

Pea protein is gaining traction as a sustainable, allergen-free alternative. Due to its improved taste and texture, the ingredient has been showing up in everything from dairy-free yogurt to functional drinks.

2025 Trends and Opportunities for Plant-Based Brands

Despite recent challenges, the plant-based sector is primed for growth in some respects, with opportunities to innovate through functional ingredients, whole-food formulations, and clean-label transparency.

Holy Guacamole: U.S. Avocado Imports Soar Ahead of Super Bowl

Demand for avocados is surging. Fueled by eased import restrictions, growing interest in ethnic flavors, and heightened awareness of health benefits, U.S. avocado consumption has skyrocketed, driving significant economic contributions across both the U.S. and Mexico.

New Year, New Administration: Risks & Opportunities for Makers

Manufacturers face a shifting landscape under the Trump administration, with potential deregulation in energy, labeling, and banking offering opportunities to lower costs and enhance access to capital, while also introducing risks like increased scrutiny from consumers and advocacy groups.

The Inside Scoop on the Ice Cream Market’s Growth

The global ice cream market is set to grow by $31.7 billion by 2029, driven by innovations in texture stabilization, functional ingredients, and adventurous flavor profiles. The latest innovations include low-sugar alternatives, in addition to boozy creations.

Duckweed: A Plant Protein That Doubles in Mass Every 48 Hours

Amid extreme weather, water scarcity, and economic instability, duckweed is emerging as a low-cost, eco-friendly protein source that grows year-round. The fast-growing aquatic plant also contains all nine essential amino acids, setting it apart from other plant-based protein sources like soy.

GLP-1 Drugs’ Ripple Effects, Circana’s Tips for Adapting to Them

The rapid adoption of weight-loss drugs is reshaping purchasing habits. Circana experts highlight opportunities for brands to align with GLP-1 users’ goals by offering tailored, portion-controlled products and leveraging personalized marketing strategies to capture this evolving market.