At this week’s Transform Food and Agriculture USA event, industry leaders tackled inflation, AI, and the protein boom with cautious optimism. From pineapple byproducts to predictive tech, the future of food appears to be leaner and considerably more sustainable.
The Whole Foods Trend Council has been busy this year understanding the forces driving consumer behavior. They found that minimally processed foods that simplify the grocery experience while packing a punch will reach new heights in 2026.
The latest FI Fast Break news podcast examines how brands are increasingly collaborating on snack and beverage mashups in playful crossovers.
Squid – a domestic, nutrient-rich, and eco-friendly protein – is largely overlooked in America’s protein lineup. The Hermit brand of calamari jerky challenges food leaders to rethink underutilized ocean fare before reaching for lab-grown innovations. (Sponsored Content)
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.
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.
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.
College students are doubling down on their nutrient needs, asking for functional dining hall meals to sustain them through their studies.
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.
As a retired NFL star with a family full of athletes, Ed McCaffrey understands the ins and outs of sports nutrition firsthand. He’s been on a quest to develop the perfect plant-based, gluten-free snack for athletes for several years and launched McCaffrey Protein Bites this month.
The 2025 Winter Fancy Food Show highlighted the rapid evolution of specialty food. From protein-packed innovations and gut-friendly fermented snacks to cacao alternatives, the show underscored how brands are redefining indulgence and health.
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.
Consumers are doubling down on their protein intake with a protein-infused coffee trend dubbed “proffee.” CPGs and retailers alike are hopping on to get a bit of the buzz.
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.
Beth Jarocki, chief customer officer at KIND Snacks, said modern shoppers are as focused as ever on consuming more protein, less sugar, and bolder, spicier flavors.
Is America overdosing on protein? Some experts feel that Americans have developed a dangerous obsession with protein-packed items like steak, ready-to-drink workout shakes, and snack bars.
From brain health to indulgent proteins, several evolving food industry trends were on display recently at the IFT FIRST 2024 expo. FI’s resident market researcher was on the scene, documenting the most intriguing innovations.
Nutrition plays a crucial role when taking GLP-1 medication for weight loss, which has transformed medical approaches to managing obesity.
New research, conducted by food innovation firm Mattson, revealed that GLP-1 users have reported specific food preferences, including more protein and smaller portions.
Try as plant-based brands might, traditional meats remain the largest generator of revenue in fresh departments, according to recent findings.
“Jerky brands come and go because the barriers of entry to the industry are small,” Cawley said. “A good recipe, some packaging, and a solid manufacturing partner, and you can start selling legally and usually get traction locally.” Once early consumer adopters are exhausted, however, it often becomes difficult for fledgling jerky brands to earn retail shelf space, keep it, and create a compelling value proposition that resonates with shoppers nationwide.
Juice It Up!, a restaurant chain focused on healthier-for-you offerings like super fruit bowls, has recently enjoyed a 38% sales surge.
Across the U.S, social chatter is shaping wellness conversations and boosting demand for related ingredients. Here are three wellness trends to watch, according to a new report from Brightfield Group. Immunity Now Within Brightfield’s Wellness …
The macadamia nut market is growing at a CAGR of 11.2%, and experts believe macadamias may soon move to the center of the premium nut mix category.
The Dukan diet has earned high praise from celebrities, some of whom claim to have lost 10 pounds in a week on the plan. But some experts fear it isn’t entirely safe.
People eat cheese for all sorts of reasons; this year, however, taste and health were the primary ones as 33% of consumers around the world considered it a necessary staple in their diets.
Are you eating enough protein? Some experts argue the daily recommended 0.8 grams per kg of body weight isn’t nearly enough. “There seems to be no question that protein is needed in times of growth …
Amid the health and wellness movement, protein bars are flying off grocery shelves. Yet, it’s debatable how healthy many of these protein snacks actually are in 2023. The protein bar market has become massive. According …
“Snacking is still a lifestyle in the U.S., fueled by the younger generation,” Wyatt began. “We’re in an unprecedented situation as price hikes in this category are outpacing other food/bev categories.”
Investments in plant-based meats have cooled off in the last year with many venture capitalists turning their attention to lab-grown meat.
