Health & Wellness Archive

Protein: An Essential but Overhyped Macronutrient

While protein remains a top nutrition trend, health experts argue it’s often overhyped. Many Americans already get enough, and whole food sources may be healthier than processed protein products.

CPG Giants Pledge to Remove Food Dyes

Over the past few weeks, CPG giants have pledged their support in removing select artificial food dyes in an apparent bid to align their practices with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and …

Meat Mania: Meat Makes Comeback With Focus on Protein

Meat is reclaiming its spot on consumers’ plates as the benefits of protein-heavy diets are noted on social media. With fresh meat sales projected to surpass $137 billion this year, the industry is sizzling.

Steaks Are High: GLP-1 Drugs Reshape Beef Demand

GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic are reshaping consumer appetites, with nearly half of users eating less beef. As this trend accelerates, meat producers face a challenge, while plant-based brands are presented with an opportunity.

BMO 2025: Plant-Based Folds into Macro Environment

At the recent 2025 BMO Farm to Market Conference, consumer interest in personal wellness created plant-based tailwinds. Kroger, SunOpta, and Remedy Organics were among businesses weighing in on the future of the sector.

Healthy Snacking with Diabetes

The growing demand for diabetes-friendly snacks presents a lucrative opportunity for the food industry to merge taste with nutritional balance. With consumers increasingly seeking blood sugar-friendly options, a new movement related to snacking has taken root.

The Diet of the Future: Seaweed, Kimchi, Ancient Grains

By 2050, the average consumer’s diet will look much different than today, shaped by AI, sustainability, and ethically sourced ingredients. Experts predict that ancient grains, fermented foods, and berries will land on consumers’ plates far more frequently in the future.

The ‘Return to Real’ Trend: Why ‘Simple’ is the New Superfood

The “Return to Real” trend signals a growing consumer shift toward authenticity–favoring simple, transparent ingredients and tangible, in-person experiences over hyper-enhanced, tech-driven products. For food industry leaders, this presents a chance to embrace nostalgia, highlight natural ingredients, and rethink marketing strategies to align with consumers’ craving for genuine connection.

Meet New Masculinity: Gen Z Men Fuel Beef Renaissance

Gen Z men are increasingly embracing meat consumption as part of a shift toward hyper-masculinity, fueled by online influencers and rebranded narratives that position beef as essential for peak physical performance. The trend presents a key opportunity for the food industry.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Salad Chains Diversify As ‘Peak Salad’ Looms

As better-for-you salad chains stagnate, they take on novel growth strategies to complement ambitious expansion strategies. Sweetgreen and Just Salad are two major chains endeavoring to take on new consumer need states.

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2025: a Big Year for Immunity-Boosting Foods

Immunity-boosting products are gaining traction as consumers seek long-term wellness solutions, driving F&B brands to innovate with nutrient-dense offerings. The market is expected to grow at a 9% CAGR through 2028 and offers ample business opportunities.

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.

3 Key Takeaways From Natural Products Expo West

This week, Natural Products Expo West 2025 showcased trends in the natural and organic sectors from nearly 3,200 exhibitors. The show especially highlighted the impact of GLP-1 drugs on snacking habits.

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.

Cracking the Vertical Farming Code Uncovers New-Age Implications

Vertical farming is at a crossroads: old-age darlings like AeroFarms and Bowery Farming show how difficult it is to succeed in the emerging sector; however, technological advancements are working to drive value for the sector while ushering a new era of smart farming solutions. By 2035, the industry will be shaped by a host of geopolitical, economic, technological, and environmental factors.

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.

Dairy Milk Makes Comeback, Outpaces Plant-Based Alternatives

Whole milk is making a comeback, with U.S. consumption up 3.2% last year, while plant-based milk alternatives saw a 5.9% decline. This shift is driven by consumer demand for protein and healthy fats, as well as economic factors.