What’s Up with Airline Food? Shake Shack, Delta Partner on Burgers in the Sky

Delta’s latest partnership with Shake Shack has been met with excitement; however, is it enough to shake the airline’s negative in-flight meal image?

Fish Oil May Reduce Risk of Some Cancers – Without the Fishy Aftertaste

New research suggests higher levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids may reduce the risk of developing several cancers. While omega fatty acids provide health benefits, experts recommend focusing on whole food sources over supplements.

M&A on the Menu: Jersey Mike’s Lays Out $8B Recipe for Growth

Private equity firm Blackstone on Tuesday announced its $8 billion acquisition of Jersey Mike’s. One industry insider feels the blockbuster deal signals an optimistic outlook for M&A in the sector.

7-Eleven Pilots Food-Centric Design Amidst Headwinds

7-Eleven parent Seven & i Holdings Co. recently outlined plans to update its domestic footprint with improved food experiences. This could be a winning strategy for a business that has faced headwinds of late.

New Age of Nutrition: Nutritarian Diet May Slow Aging

A recent study found that women following the plant-based “Nutritarian diet” experienced slower biological aging and lower inflammation levels. The diet is designed to be rich in nutrients but low in salt and fat.

Salad Chains Shake Things Up, Adding Comfort Food to the Menu

Fast-casual salad chains like Sweetgreen are diversifying their menus with indulgent options like fries to attract more customers. Experts say the move signals one thing: salad chains have reached a crossroads.

Makers Eye Precision Fermentation, Alt Protein for Solutions

With the world’s population expected to reach nearly 10 billion by 2050, manufacturers are looking for unique solutions to satisfy the growing consumer base’s nutrient-dense needs. Can precision fermentation be the key?

The Domino’s Effect: Why One Pizza Chain is Outperforming

Domino’s Pizza has outperformed competitors through strategies focused on tech innovation and value-driven promotions. Domino’s success highlights its ability to stay on top of evolving consumer demands.

Runway to Restaurant: F&B Applications from a Fashion Phenom

Believe it or not, recent fashion industry success strategies, such as experiential retail, offer valuable insights for the F&B industry. Miu Miu’s personalized online presence and bold marketing, for example, offer F&B brands approaches they can use to stand out.

Hops Crossing: Functional Beer, Candy Brews to Trend in 2025

Beer trends in 2025 include accelerated interest in saccharine brews as well as better-for-you beverages, according to a recent report. The Food Institute takes a look at some of the forces motivating these shifts.

Nestlé Releases its 2025 Trends to Watch, Including Coffee Customization

Nestlé U.S. predicts that the top 2025 F&B trends will include “accessible experimentation,” wellness-focused functional foods, and extreme convenience. These trends reflect growing consumer desires for quick, healthy, and affordable food.

Quantum Leap: Is Quantum Farming the Future of Produce?

Dr. Tsipi Shoham, a cancer researcher turned CEO, believes “quantum farming” – an innovative, AI-driven agriculture method – could improve public health. She also feels she has found the answer to indoor farming’s short-comings.

Purée Play: Restaurants Boost Profits with Purées

Restaurants are leveraging fruit purées these days as an effective method to adapt to rising food costs. Fruit purées bring versatility to dishes while helping operators reduce food waste.

Behold, the Pharmacy of the Future

Brick-and-mortar pharmacies face increasing competition from online retail options, leaving their outlook murky. Industry experts feel pharmacies need to focus on being tech-driven – and fast.

Why Beyond Meat’s Revenue Bump May Not Mean a Full Comeback

With waning consumer demand and a cautious outlook for the year’s revenue, Beyond Meat faces challenges in regaining consumer trust and competing within the plant-based sector.

Innovation, Collaboration and Culture Coalesce at DMA’s Annual Conference

NEW ORLEANS – Embracing innovation, cultivating culture, and focusing on collaboration along the supply chain were key themes on display at the DMA Annual Conference. Hosted by Distribution Market Advantage (DMA), this year’s iteration of …

Dynamic Menu, Savvy Marketing Key to Taco Bell Success, Experts Say

Taco Bell has achieved 11 consecutive quarters of growth. The keys, experts note, include targeted digital marketing, limited-time offers, and innovative menu updates that resonate with young consumers and drive repeat visits.

America’s Coffee Wars Escalate as Small Towns Serve as Battleground

The U.S. has seen a surge in coffee shops in small towns. The growth is fueled largely by iced, sugary drinks popular among Gen Z and millennials, which are driving the industry toward more drive-thrus and social media-friendly options.

A Twinkle in Time: F&B Brands Serve Nostalgia by the Spoonful

F&B brands are tapping into nostalgia by reintroducing iconic products from the past, like Twinkles cereal from the 1960s. By offering these LTOs, brands appeal to consumers’ emotional connection to products, resonating across generations.

Peyton Manning and Nestlé Toll House Kick Off Cookie Nachos Collab

NFL hall-of-famer Peyton Manning has partnered with Nestlé Toll House to launch a Cookie Nachos Kit giveaway, combining chocolate chip cookie dough, various morsels, chip-shaped cookie cutters, and nacho-inspired toppings into a food trend worth watching.

DMA Honors Distributor Members at Awards Ceremony

DMA celebrated its customers and distributors last week, Big Easy style in New Orleans. The two-day industry event closed with an awards ceremony honoring multiple winners from DMA’s national network. What started with nine founding …

3 Key Takeaways from Gulfood Manufacturing 2024

The Food Institute attended this week’s Gulfood Manufacturing 2024 event in Dubai and noted that the gathering highlighted advancements in sustainable practices, alt-protein, and tech-enabled ingredients. It also illustrated the industry’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

What Killed Kmart? Key Retail Missteps Led to Demise

Kmart’s downfall, accelerated by poor management and failure to adapt to modern retail trends, ended with the recent closure of its last full-size U.S. store. Experts say there are lessons to be learned from Kmart’s demise.

Restaurant Operators Optimistic About Year Ahead

Independent restaurant operators are optimistic as they look ahead to 2025, with 63% reporting profit growth and a focus on cost management over consumer price hikes, according to a new survey. The industry anticipates further expansion, too.

Watermelon Seed Milk: A Dairy Alternative Requiring 99% Less Water Than Almonds

Força Foods’ new plant-based milk alternative is mostly made from watermelon seeds, providing many nutrients while also conserving water. Could it be the next big thing in alt-dairy?

Data Shows Gen Z Fueling America’s Filipino Food Craze

Filipino cuisine is experiencing a surge in popularity in the U.S., particularly among Gen Z, with interest rising 50% in the past year. A key factor: the growing appeal of bold, affordable dishes.

The Incredible Uncrustable: How a Frozen PB&J Won Over the NFL

Once a quick meal for picky eaters, Uncrustables have become a top grab-and-go pick for NFL players, who reportedly consume anywhere from 3,600 to 4,300 every week. And according to one registered dietitian specializing in sports performance, that may not be as alarming as it seems.

3 Expert Predictions Regarding GLP-1 Drugs

GLP-1 weight-loss drugs are increasing consumers’ preference toward healthier, nutrient-dense food. Some trends experts feel reduced demand for high-calorie foods could hurt QSRs, at least in the near-term.

Holiday Shopping Spread: Christmas Comes Early

A new report finds that holiday cheer has surpassed the final weeks of the year. Instead, shoppers and retailers are getting an early jumpstart on the season.

Secret Sauce: New York Brand Offers Unique Twist on Latin Flavors

Loisa, a Latin sauces and seasonings brand, is finding success with a focus on clean, vegan ingredients. The brand’s leaders have strived to stay true to their Latin heritage.

Electro-Agriculture: A Novel Method Allowing Plants to Grow in the Dark

Bioengineers have developed a farming method that essentially replaces photosynthesis with a solar-powered chemical reaction, which could enhance sustainability and restore ecosystems.

Next-Gen Retail Media is Here for Grocery Delivery Platforms

Instacart, DoorDash, and Just Eat Takeaway have all entered the retail media space and are continuing to deliver on unique advertising capabilities for CPGs and retailers.

Timing and Loyalty Mitigate Impact of McDonald’s Outbreak

McDonald’s recent food safety issue linked to tainted onions has had a muted impact on its stock and consumer response, as confidence remains strong due to the chain’s history and quick corrective actions.

Has Mike Tyson Bitten Off More Than He Can Chew with Mr. Charlie’s?

Mike Tyson is investing in a QSR chain dubbed the “vegan McDonald’s.” However, the rapidly expanding brand has locations in California, where the recent minimum wage increase played a major role in the demise of Kevin Hart’s similar concept last month.

Better Educated, Better Ingredient Access: The Evolution of the Home Cook

The rise in home cooking among consumers is driven by better access to diverse ingredients and a more adventurous generation of eaters, according to renowned food columnist Eric Kim. He feels Americans’ appetite for authentic, global flavors will continue to grow.

New ‘Kidult’ on the Block: Grownup Happy Meals, Halloween Deals

The trend of “kidult” marketing features brands like McDonald’s and Taco Bell creating nostalgic experiences tailored for adults. Brands are tapping into nostalgia to appeal to millennials and Gen Z.