Bobagate: Actor Simu Liu Sparks Controversy Over RTD Boba Tea

On a recently aired episode of Dragons’ Den, actor Simu Liu accused a better-for-you boba brand of cultural appropriation, incites online controversy in a movement dubbed “bobagate.”

Out of Juice? Juice Brands Fight for Fresh Appeal

The juice market is struggling as consumers increasingly seek healthier options. Experts at one recent industry event emphasized the need for brands to seize upon trends like sugar reduction.

3 Key Takeaways from Fresh Thyme Market’s 2025 Food Trends

Fresh Thyme Market recently revealed its 2025 food trends aimed at identifying the consumer preferences shaping Midwestern palates in the coming year. Mangoes, spicy foods, and non-alcoholic beverages are all slated to grain ground.

U.S. Water Quality a Growing Concern for Foodservice

Although tap water in the U.S. is generally safe to drink, Americans don’t trust it: one report found only 41% of customers perceive their water safe. Consumers remain weary of water sources, leaving restaurant operators in a tough spot.

Bursting the Bubbly: 8 Fiber-Rich Foods Cheaper Than Prebiotic Soda

Prebiotic sodas, like those from POPPI and OLIPOP, are marketed as healthy beverages with added fiber to support gut health. However, one registered dietitian noted that the trendy drinks can also cause digestive issues for some individuals.

Customization and Culture: How Starbucks Turns Pricey Coffee into Loyalty

Starbucks maintains customer loyalty despite higher prices by offering personalized options like mobile ordering and customization. While consumers are sensitive to price, experts feel Starbucks’ focus on convenience and atmosphere helps sustain its growth.

Battle of the Brands: Gen Z Top Drinks, Snacks, Fast-Food Faves

Piper Sandler’s “Taking Stock With Teens” survey reveals that Gen Z favors Chick-fil-A, Monster, and Goldfish, respectively. More than anything, brands that prioritize convenience and energy remain the top choices.

Column: Pepsi Makes Bold Bet on Siete

PepsiCo’s acquisition of Siete Foods is a bold move, especially given that valuations in the Hispanic food space have traditionally been lower than expected. Siete’s better-for-you product line fits well into Pepsi’s snack portfolio, though.

A Sip of Sheconomy: 3 Drink Trends to Watch in an Increasingly Women-Owned World

A recent trend report by Yelp revealed that women-owned businesses saw a 17% increase in new openings across several industries in 2024, with book bars, colorful matcha concoctions, and “sleepy girl mocktails” on the rise.

Breaking Boundaries: Latina Chefs Infusing Innovation into Latin Dishes

As Hispanic Heritage Month kicks into high gear in the U.S., The Food Institute highlights four Latina chefs who honor their heritage while pushing the boundaries of modern cuisine.

On the Grind: Cold Brew Coffee Resonating with Hustle Culture

Cold brew coffee has become a $6.5 billion market, as the “at-home barista” trend gains steam. Young adults increasingly crave caffeine in the form of RTD coffee drinks.

Analysis: Why Pumpkin Spice Szn has Started Earlier Than Ever

Pumpkin spice season is upon us earlier than ever in 2024. Data from SpotOn suggest the F&B industry’s also moving toward the most expansive pumpkin season yet.

Pour It Over: New Bev50 Report Cites Rise of Impulse Purchases

Alpha-Diver’s latest Bev50 Report examines what’s currently driving consumer beverage purchases, leveraging their extensive U.S. database.

The Beanless Coffee Revolution Has Begun

Taking the caffeine out of coffee has been a familiar and useful development in the chemistry of coffee. But what about coffee without beans?

No Market? No Problem, for Innovative Beverage Brands

In the new-look world of beverages (alcoholic; non-alcoholic; functional; restorative; hybrid; etc.), the right product can ignite a sector.

Chilling Out: Hot Sales for Cold Drinks

With summer solidly here, a recent trend in coffee may leave many caffeine junkies wondering what happened to a classic cup of joe.

Analysis: Why the FDA Banned Brominated Vegetable Oil in Beverages

The FDA issued a significant ruling for beverage manufacturers, saying brominated vegetable oil is no longer considered safe.

Aguas Frescas: A Cool Take on Hot Weather Drinks

A recent survey indicated 47% of consumers reported they regularly buy aguas frescas with meals. As a result, manufacturers are increasingly focusing on the fruit-based drinks.

Pepsi Smart Can: Game-changer, or Marketing Gimmick?

PepsiCo has developed a so-called “smart can” that can deliver tailored, digital content. Experts are torn on whether or not the brand will get legitimate ROI on its investment.

Fountain of Youth? Collagen-Infused Beverages Show Big Potential

Collagen-infused drinks are catching on. Dr. Danielle Kelvas, for one, thinks using collagen – a protein that, among other things, gives skin its elasticity – as an ingredient can create ideal functional beverages.

Innovation and Inflation: Dual Forces Shaping the Plant-Based Milk Market

Milk alternatives continue to hold the largest share of the plant-based category as innovations intrigue a broader group of consumers. But inflation remains a challenge and some varieties are facing more scrutiny from consumers.

Has Raw Milk Gotten a Raw Deal?

While cow’s milk has waned in popularity, the reputation of raw milk has curdled from being the only show in town to a product whose mere mention is fodder for the most heated of internet debates.

Brewing Change: Iced Tea Stealing Spotlight from Soda

Iced tea has enjoyed sweet success of late, and a new survey suggests the drink poses a serious threat to carbonated soft drinks.

Gut Feelings: Experts Largely Bullish on Prebiotic Sodas

Many industry experts believe prebiotic sodas represent a gut-health trend with real staying power as major soda brands appear poised to respond.

1 Year Later: Bud Light Still Suffering Backlash Effects

Since April 2023, Bud Light sales have dipped significantly. Wholesalers argue, however, that beer sales are down for most brands, and they expect Bud Light sales to recover. Not all experts are convinced.

Tapping Out: 2024 is Mocktail Time for Gen Z

“Gen Z is tapped in, and they see the negative impact alcohol can have on their lives,” said Michelle Houston, founder of the To Be Honest Beverage Company.

Drinks Catering to Gen Z Steal the Show in Chicago

The event’s exhibitors focused on foods, drinks, and equipment designed to help foodservice operators create unique taste experiences. Beyond offering crave-worthy fusion dishes and fun iced beverages, exhibitors offered a wide array of vending machines on the show floor.

Gen Z’s ‘Little Treat Culture’ Especially Apparent in Coffee Category

Young adults are turning to drinks like cold brews and ube lattes as they seek self-care while partaking in “little treat culture.”

KEY: The Startup with Zero Sugar and $4 Million in Funding

Could a zero-sugar energy drink be the future of the heavily saturated beverage market? Possibly. KEY, an energy drink start-up, recently emerged with $4 million in funding, according to an article by AFN. The start-up, …

Don’t Call It ‘New Sprite’ – Coca-Cola Debuts Sprite Chill

In the wild world of beverages, any edge on the competition may be enough to resurrect an LTO from the past or push it into full-time production.

Kombucha: An Ancient Elixir Finds Modern Appeal

The origins of kombucha are shrouded in legend, and the drink’s murky beginnings remained in relative obscurity—at least to western palates—until its rediscovery in the 20th century in something of a cultural phenomenon.

Tequila is Sweet, Smoky, and Everywhere

For many, what began as a collegiate shot has now transformed into an at-home staple, a favorite party mixer, and a ready-to-drink refrigerated option. Tequila continues to capture consumers wherever and however they drink as …

Alcohol-Related Liver Disease Increasing Sharply Among Women

“Was it the six-pack of wine called ‘Mommy’s Little Helper?’ Or ‘Mommy’s Time Out’ wine? Was it the funny phrase, ‘The most expensive part of having kids is all the wine you have to drink?’ The clothes and other goodies branded with, ‘Who is moderation?’ or ‘This is how you adult?’ Our society thinks it’s funny when women drink heavily,” Pengov said.

Report: Coffee Consumption Surging Globally

Total global coffee consumption is surging, as servings increased 5% year-over-year in 2023, signaling a promising opportunity for brands.

For Gen Z, Variety Packs Rule Retail

Some of the takeaways from the Circana report indicate that inflation has generally gone pretty easy on the beverage category, prompting marketing teams to “promote their relative price stability and find ways to demonstrate value, recognizing that ‘value’ doesn’t always mean lower price,” and that premium categories continue to outperform more value-based brand propositions. 

Gen Z Teens Reducing Spend, Supporting Smaller Brands

Among CPG energy drink brands, Celsius over-indexes with teens, with 17% citing it as their favorite energy drink brand (vs. ~12% market share) while Monster and Red Bull under-index. Among snack brands, Campbell’s Goldfish are still most preferred. Teens report highest intentions to eat more or the same amount of Mondelez’s Clif Bar and Hershey’s products.