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.

From Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia to Cha-Ching! The Evolution of Chia Seeds

Chia seeds were the most popular functional ingredient on U.S. restaurant menus during Q4 of 2024, according to MenuData, accounting for 38.9% of menu share. A staple in ancient diets for their utility and nutrition, today, the ingredient is gaining momentum with health-conscious consumers.

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.

Cracking the Vertical Farming Code Uncovers New-Age Implications

Vertical farming is at a crossroads: old-age darlings like AeroFarms and Bowery Farming show how difficult it is to succeed in the emerging sector; however, technological advancements are working to drive value for the sector while ushering a new era of smart farming solutions. By 2035, the industry will be shaped by a host of geopolitical, economic, technological, and environmental factors.

Solein: The Complete Protein Made from Thin Air

Last year, the Finnish food-tech company Solar Foods debuted Solein, a novel type of protein requiring only renewable energy, airborne materials, and a small amount of minerals to produce. Since it can be made in any weather and without resources like land or water, Solein is highly sustainable – and equally nutritious.

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.

5 Key Ingredients for Healthy Meals in 2025

Chickpeas, miso, and tahini are among the versatile, nutrient-rich ingredients to watch, according to longtime culinary expert Chef Dennis Littley. After all, modern consumers demand dishes that are packed with protein, fiber, and probiotics.

The Specialty Shift: Health, Premiumization, Value Will Shape 2025

The demand for better-for-you products is driving shifts across the food industry, prompting demands for premium ingredients and transparent messaging. Consumers are also embracing bold flavors, premiumization, and redefined notions of value, as noted in the 2025 Specialty Food Industry Outlook Report, which FI co-authored.

Healthy by Association: How Alt-Meat Brands Are Earning Trust

Alt-meat brands like Beyond and Impossible are launching new and reformulated products to earn the trust of health-conscious consumers and national health organizations. These innovations have enabled the meat alternatives to quality for the nutrition initiatives of both the American Heart and American Diabetes Associations.

Flower Power: Gen Z Craves Floral Menu Innovations

As consumers wish for better spring weather, recent data shows that floral flavors are growing in popularity, particularly among Gen Z and younger consumers. FI spoke with an industry expert about these nascent trends and their deeper implications.

Plant-Based Assessment: Headwinds Harrowing, Future Begets Optimism

The plant-based food industry is at an inflection point: recent data suggests that interest in the lifestyle decreased somewhat in 2024 from the year before. Innovations in the space, however, have given the sector the tools to cater to consumer pain points.

Why Meati CEO Carries Confidence into 2025

Meati CEO Phil Graves feels optimistic about the brand’s future as it continues to expand across the U.S. and shrink its ingredients list. Meati has been increasingly incorporating functional ingredients like mycelium, a root-like structure of fungus, into products such as its Classic Cutlet.

Gut Check: The Hype Behind the Gut Health Craze

With gut health dominating wellness trends – inspiring billions of TikTok views – brands are racing to meet demand for functional foods packed with probiotics and prebiotics. Brands are capitalizing on consumer interest by launching products that support digestion.

Premiumization, Wellness Steal Spotlight at Winter Fancy Food Show

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.

Why ‘Open Omnivore’ Flexitarians Could be Plant-Based’s Future

The future of alt-meat could very well be driven not by vegetarians but by adventurous flexitarians – omnivores eager to explore alternatives. Minimally processed plant-based options will be key, said Indy Kauer, leader of the Plant Futures Collective.

GLP-1 Weight-Loss Craze Brightens Outlook for Yogurt

The growing popularity of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs is reshaping the yogurt market, as consumers increasingly seek protein-packed snacks. Multiple brands are innovating with high-protein, low-sugar options.

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.

On Target: The Secrets Behind Target’s Modern Retail Success

At the recent National Retail Federation’s 2025 Big Show, Target’s Chief Commercial Officer highlighted how the retailer’s agile strategies, inclusive branding, and innovative partnerships keep it ahead in a competitive landscape.

Lowering Biological Age: The Next Health & Wellness Craze

The quest to lower one’s biological age, which reflects physiological health rather than years lived, could soon reshape the health and wellness landscape, driven by advancements in aging research. The F&B industry has a unique opportunity to innovate products that support longevity.

FDA Red Dye No. 3 Ban One Week Out: What You Need to Know

The FDA’s recent ban on Red Dye No. 3, effective January 2027, marks a significant shift for food manufacturers, as the colorant has been linked to cancer in animal studies. The decision has sparked debate over food safety, consumer pressure, and the influence of international standards.

Holy Guacamole: U.S. Avocado Imports Soar Ahead of Super Bowl

Demand for avocados is surging. Fueled by eased import restrictions, growing interest in ethnic flavors, and heightened awareness of health benefits, U.S. avocado consumption has skyrocketed, driving significant economic contributions across both the U.S. and Mexico.

GLP-1 Drugs’ Ripple Effects, Circana’s Tips for Adapting to Them

The rapid adoption of weight-loss drugs is reshaping purchasing habits. Circana experts highlight opportunities for brands to align with GLP-1 users’ goals by offering tailored, portion-controlled products and leveraging personalized marketing strategies to capture this evolving market.

Value 2.0: Catering to Shoppers’ Personal Priorities

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.

Circana Offers Advice for Avoiding Next Supply Chain Crisis

A new report urges grocers and manufacturers to adopt proactive strategies to navigate supply chain disruptions using real-time data analysis. Highlighting recent events like the Listeria-tainted meat recalls, the report underscores the importance of adapting swiftly to prevent inventory downturns during crises.

Bird Flu Update: Scientists Fear U.S. Headed Toward Red-Light Scenario

The spread of bird flu has alarmed experts as it increasingly infects cattle and swine. With human cases rising and genetic mutations detected, the virus’s trajectory toward higher transmissibility could pose significant risks to humans, and the food supply chain.

FDA, USDA Evaluate Food-Labeling Burnout

The FDA and USDA are taking steps to understand how consumers interpret common food date labeling terms such as “Sell By” and “Use By” to understand whether it is leading to confusion.

Nestlé Protein Shots Touted as an Economical Ozempic Rival

Nestlé is tapping into the booming weight-loss market with Boost Pre-Meal Hunger Support, a 45-calorie whey-protein solution designed to reduce appetite. Experts caution consumers about the shots’ limited effectiveness.

California Declares State of Emergency Due to Bird Flu

California has declared a state of emergency in response to bird flu outbreaks affecting the poultry and dairy industries, with the first severe U.S. human case confirmed by the CDC and concerns over pandemic risks rising.

GLP-1 Drugs: Food Industry Threat or Dieting Fad?

GLP-1 weight-loss drugs are transforming dieting culture, offering a relatively easy solution to weight loss. While these drugs may disrupt food consumption patterns, their long-term impact hinges on overcoming high dropout rates and premium pricing, one industry insider says.

Fiber: The Unsung Hero of Athletic Performance, Overall Health

Most Americans fall short of recommended fiber intake levels. Nutrition expert and Olympic cyclist Dotsie Bausch notes there are numerous misconceptions around fiber and its benefits for gut health and disease prevention.

Hacking Humans 2.0: Redefining Health with Gut Bacteria

With dreams of CPG integration, FitBiomics is producing probiotics designed by data mining the gut microbiomes of professional athletes. Is this the next big wellness trend?

Latin American Heritage Diet Called ‘Blueprint’ to Better Health

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.

Spilling the Beans on America’s Latest Nutrition Obsession

Beans have gained popularity as a cost-effective, nutrient-dense option, supporting gut health and reducing risks of obesity, colon cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Some feel beans are poised to become a staple alternative to meat for many Americans.

Cava’s Secret Sauce: The QSR Is So Hot Right Now

The latest financial data shows Cava is enjoying tremendous success, outpacing the fast-casual dining segment and sustaining jaw-dropping growth. Some of this success is likely thanks to its Gen Z engagement strategy.

Is Yogurt Losing its Luster? Campbell’s Sale of Noosa a Call for Brands to Evolve

While industry experts note that yogurt remains popular due to its ties to gut health trends, they emphasize the need for innovation in portable, health-focused products for brands to stay competitive amid shifting consumer preferences.

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.