Freeze Frame: Viral Frozen Grape Trend Illustrates Power of TikTok

The frozen grape food hack has been popular for three years now – and there’s still time for food businesses to take advantage.

3 Key Takeaways from Datassential’s Mid-Year Food and Beverage Trends Report

Datassential recently released its Mid-Year Trends Report, and the post-pandemic resurgence of pickup and takeout stood out as a noteworthy movement impacting the food and beverage industry. As the dust from the COVID-19 pandemic finally …

A for Effort: Parents, Administrators Improving School Lunches

As a new school year approaches, a survey shows parents are prioritizing nutrients and taste far more than cost when shopping for their kids’ school lunch items.

Investors See Weak Earnings in Packaged Food as an Opportunity

The tough economic environment lately seems concentrated among lower-income consumers. Executives at Campbell and McCormick have pointed to particular weakness with that group.

Cash or Credits? Walmart, McDonald’s Explore New Kind of Employee Compensation

New employee compensation initiatives at employers like McDonald’s and Walmart aim to make on-the-job experience count toward college credits.

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.

Chick-fil-A Knocked Off Perch as Best Fast-Food Chain

A new list of consumers’ favorite fast-food chains has a surprise winner. Meanwhile, Chick-fil-A is taking rare criticism of late.

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?

Snacking Survey: Products and Innovations Today’s Consumers Crave

Today’s consumers are snacking around the clock, according to a shopper survey that notes which new innovations shoppers are craving.

Consumer Demand Reshaping Baby Food Market

Today’s consumers are reshaping the baby food market as a growing number of parents prioritize nutrition and hold the industry accountable for the quality of their products. With that, what are consumers looking for? And how are companies delivering?

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.

Seed Oils are Under Fire: The Health Debate is Heating Up

Thanks in part to influencers like Brian “Liver King” Johnson, seed oils are considered detrimental to human health. Thus, food brands seem destined to further transition to coconut, olive, or avocado oils for their products.

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.

The Rare Summer Superfruit: Haskap Berries

Haskap berries: More antioxidants and phytonutrients than blueberries; hardier than most other tabletop fruits.

Grass-Fed Beef Challenging Meat Alternatives

Growing support for products like grass-fed beef is creating new challenges for the meat alternative market, which continues to struggle with adoption and repeat purchases among its primary consumer base – flexitarians.

First-person Account: How to Eat Like an Olympian

You don’t achieve major life goals without taking care of your body – whether you’re training for the Olympics, training to run your first 5K, or simply trying to lose 20 pounds.

Mycelium-based Meat Intriguing Investors and Consumers

Alt-meat funding has all but dried up, but mycelium-based meats are still intriguing investors and consumers. From chicken and steak to deli meats, here’s what’s cooking in the world of mushroom roots.

Nutrition Matters When Taking GLP-1 Drugs for Weight Loss

Nutrition plays a crucial role when taking GLP-1 medication for weight loss, which has transformed medical approaches to managing obesity.

The Plight of the Hourly Employee: Low Morale, Long Hours and AI Fears

A new study shows that hourly employees are demanding more recognition from their employers along with increasingly flexible schedules.

3 Trends Spotted at the 2024 Summer Fancy Food Show

If you asked 100 attendees of the 2024 Summer Fancy Food Show what the hottest trend was, you’d likely get several different answers.

July Fourth Food Report: Grilling Burgers is 3x Cheaper than Dining Out

Grillers rejoice. Hosting a July Fourth cookout could cost less than it did in 2023 (if consumers prep more staples at home).

Dr. Praeger’s Targeting ‘Nutrition-Curious’ Consumers

Dr. Praeger’s is enjoying double-digit growth across several product categories, including veggie-forward burgers and those that mimic traditional meat. What’s the secret behind their success?

The Secrets to Winning Gen Z’s Dining Dollars: Trust, Value, and Social Media

Building trust is imperative when attempting to win over Gen Z consumers – and that notion was reinforced by a study released Monday morning.

Sealing the Deal: Certifications Become Competitive Edge for Food

Today’s consumer is interested in far more than just taste when it comes to the food they purchase. The values and the mission of the brands they buy from need to align with consumers’ beliefs. …

High-Fat Diets Linked to Anxiety

New research may make some consumers think twice before ordering a Quarter Pounder with Cheese, suggesting high-fat diets may fuel anxiety.

Sustainably Sourced Chocolate: An Evergreen ESG Splurge?

Consumers frequently express a willingness to pay extra for products they perceive to be sustainable, but actual shopping behavior often tells a different story. What sets sustainably sourced chocolate apart from the rest?

Intermittent Fasting 101: How the Diet Trend is Reshaping Habits

Intermittent fasting is an approach to weight management that many people swear by these days. The simple act of reshaping how you eat – and strategizing when you eat — provides benefits that may improve one’s overall health. Here’s what you need to know.

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.

Luxury Fruit is Now a Status Symbol

From $8 strawberries to $400 pineapples, a niche group of U.S. shoppers are paying top dollar for premium fruits.

Survey Shows In-Store Shopping Still Very Much Matters

While e-commerce continues to gain ground, most consumers still appreciate the in-store shopping experience, according to a new survey.

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.

Fast-Food Chains Betting on Bite-Sized Snacks

These days, mini meals have major appeal for Gen Z. QSRs have taken notice, with new offerings like KFC’s Apple Pie Poppers.

Plant-based Consumers’ Favorite QSRs

U.S. consumers love fast food and those who follow a plant-forward diet are no exception. Which quick service restaurants (QSRs) are plant-based consumers seeking out this year?