At the 2025 Digital Food and Beverage show, industry leaders tackled topics like agility, as well as Gen Z’s love for raw, creator-led content. The takeaway? Adapt fast – or risk becoming a relic in the digital age.
Viral social media trends can often translate to real-time impacts for brands – and TikTok’s algorithmic pull is particularly strong.
The latest Taking Stock with Teens survey by Piper Sandler reveals a generation of U.S. teenagers with rising annual spending (up 6% from last year). Chick-fil-A and energy drinks currently dominate teen preferences, highlighting opportunities for targeted marketing strategies.
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.
Churrasco, a South American grilling tradition, involves cooking cuts of meat over an open flame, often seasoned with coarse salt. Its popularity on TikTok is driven by its visually appealing grilling process and cultural authenticity.
The latest FI Fast Break news podcast notes food manufacturers’ big plans to tap into the gut health trend, Valentine’s Day trends, and more.
In 2025, consumers will redefine “value,” prioritizing brands that align with their personal values, according to Acosta Group. Retailers must embrace this shift by enhancing experiences through personalized retail media, leveraging social commerce, and addressing health-conscious demands with transparency.
PepsiCo recently told The Food Institute that it’s doubling down on Gen Z’s blurred meal and snack habits by embracing bold flavors and immersive brand experiences. The corporation is paying particularly close attention to trends inspired by TikTok.
TikTok is driving viral food trends while spiking sales for some businesses. For food brands and restaurants, the platform’s unparalleled reach can spark both massive success and unexpected controversy.
Chaos cooking, a culinary movement popularized by TikTok, involves combining unexpected ingredients to create bold, experimental dishes like birria ramen. Its playful fusion especially resonates with Gen Z.
Brown butter is emerging as a major 2025 flavor trend, according to an Edlong report. Known for its rich, nutty flavor, its versatility and affordability make it a favorite among chefs and young demographics.
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.
Once reserved for astronauts and the military, freeze-dried candy is now a growing trend in the confectionery market. By leveraging advanced freeze-drying technology, one company creates highly textured candies that have earned it a devoted following.
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.
Food and beverage brands are tapping into the gamer market with marketing tactics like in-game product placements and creative snack options. Protein-packed and handheld snacks are also on the rise as gamers seek healthier choices.
According to a recent survey of college students, affordable protein sources and international flavors are among the top food preferences of college students in 2024.
Quarterly Opinion by Premium Growth Solutions You’ve seen the bright white packaging in the deli department or perimeter displays at Whole Foods. Kevin’s Natural Foods is now at peak ACV for refrigerated meals; you’re just …
The frozen grape food hack has been popular for three years now – and there’s still time for food businesses to take advantage.
The latest Food Institute news podcast touches on the potential impact of a TikTok ban on the food and beverage industry.
According to brand strategy experts, Gen Z consumers currently seek experiences and cultural relevance from CPG companies.
From chefs to retailers to restaurant operators, catching fire with a dish that went viral on TikTok can ignite a fan base (and bolster quarterly revenue).
Many brands miss the mark when they attempt to connect with Gen Z – a cohort that’s now coming into economic power.
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 …
Just as baby boomers changed everything that came before them, Gen Z consumers, the oldest of whom are now 26, is poised to do the same, demanding everything from corporate accountability to guaranteed minimum income …
Americans are getting away from healthy habits like meal prepping and perusing produce aisles. Instead, many consumers opt for quicker, more convenient food that often include preservatives and copious amounts of sugar or oils.
Airing on three platforms (YouTube, Roku, and the pocket-laden TikTok) and also playing in stores, Add to Heart is nothing if not a bold step into the media-laden retail environment increasingly influenced by in-store retail media networks.
Tofu is enjoying a new era of popularity thanks to its adaptability and nutritional clout. But despite its position as a plant-based powerhouse, this longtime vegan staple has its own share of hurdles to overcome.
The latest Food Institute news podcast touches on the push for $25 per hour among employees at a major U.S. restaurant chain.
In September, TikTok became more than a video sharing social media platform. The app known for dance fads, cooking demos, viral challenges and conversation duets is taking on e-commerce. TikTok Shop, which launched for all …
The latest Food Institute news podcast touches on California’s proposal for a $20-per-hour minimum wage for most fast-food workers.
It’s the influencers’ world and we’re just living in it. Here’s how to avoid the next Fyre Festival with your brand.
A new study found that 78% of Gen Zers are concerned about the economy and, somewhat surprisingly, 97% of the youthful cohort still shops in-store.
Several medications approved to treat diabetes are being used as “miracle” weight-loss drugs, and the category continues to grow.
As Congress considers a ban on the social media platform TikTok due to questions about the privacy of data, online safety concerns and connections with the Chinese Communist Party, many individuals and businesses alike are …
The TikTok algorithm doesn’t care about followers; it cares about what you watch. The No. 1 thing consumers watch is authentic brands and people.
The $7.44 trillion U.S food industry is investing in ecommerce, robotics, and technology like never before. Here are three noteworthy trends for food producers and grocery retailers to prioritize in the year ahead.
