Coffee for Kids? Kiid Coffee Endeavors to Disrupt Children’s Nutrition

New to the scene, Kiid Coffee is a better-for-you children’s nutrition brand that packs vitamins into a coffee beverage. Its founders will appear on Shark Tank on March 7.

Sustainability, Innovation Take Center Stage at Gulfood 2025

The Gulfood 2025 event in Dubai emphasized the urgent need for sustainable global food systems. The event also showcased innovative solutions and products aimed at enhancing food security, such as AI-based order processing.

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.

Clutch Coffee Wins With Commuter Corridors, ‘Escape Lanes’

What will lead to success for coffee chains in 2025? Efficiency, exclusive LTOs … and wrestling prime real estate away from pesky car washes, according to the CEO of Clutch Coffee.

Brewing Gains: ‘Proffee’ Momentum Grows

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.

Rooted in Cuba, Roasted in Hoboken: Café Aroma Coffee Honors Latin Heritage

The Latin American Heritage Diet is helping combat high rates of diabetes among Hispanic Americans, featuring ingredients like vegetables and whole grains. The diet also reconnects Latin Americans with cultural foodways.

Alcohol Threats Abound: From Surgeon General to Dry Jan

Alcohol manufacturers, retailers, and foodservice segments have a lot to worry about heading into the new year, with Dry January and Surgeon General advisories advocating for sober-curious lifestyles. Time will tell if these movements make an impact.

Starbucks Launches New Menu Laced With Global Flavors, Vegan Options

Starbucks’ revamped winter menu reflects growing consumer interest in global flavors, with items like customizable matcha lattes. These innovations also highlight the coffee giant’s focus on personalized experiences.

Coffee Omakase, Flights Capture Consumer Interest

A recent Trend Tracker report from Yelp found that “coffee omakase” enjoyed a shocking 5,173% rise in searches between Sept. ’23-’24. What’s behind this surge in interest?

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.

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.

Coke’s Spiced Flavor Fell Flat; What’s Next for the Soda Segment?

Coca-Cola’s discontinuation of its Spiced soda reflects consumer preference for its nostalgic items. One marketing expert said Coca-Cola struggles with innovation and could learn a lesson from Dr Pepper.

Sourdough, Dumplings Among 5 Whole Foods Trends for 2025

Whole Foods has predicted major food trends for 2025, forecasting dumplings to become a portable comfort food, while global flavors will inspire bold new snack combinations.

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.