Protein-Packed Products Have Become an American Obsession

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.

New Report Envisions ‘Grocery Shopper of the Future’

A new report from 84.51° highlights key shifts shaping the future grocery shopper, including an aging, more diverse population, and the growth of single-person and multigenerational households.

Consumers Double Down on Convenience, Fresh

A new report reveals that 52% of consumers value convenience more than before. Grocers are responding by investing in convenience offerings, but face challenges competing with C-stores.

Pistachios: The Little Green Nut Surging in Popularity

Google trends analysis shows a 60% rise in searches for pistachios since 2019, putting product manufacturers, restaurateurs, and grocers in a unique position to leverage this explosive growth to their advantage.

Getting to the Heart of Hart House: The Curious Demise of Kevin Hart’s Vegan Restaurants

The vegan QSR chain Hart House abruptly closed all four of its locations based in Los Angeles on September 10 despite Kevin Hart’s celebrity backing, reflecting broader issues plaguing the plant-based sector.

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.

The Cheat Code: 4 Tips for Marketing to Video Game Fans

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.

Death Sells: F&B Marketing with Masochistic Undertones on the Rise

The trend of brand names like Liquid Death or Death Wish Coffee points to a widespread shift toward shock value.

Guest Column: Explaining CEOs’ Short Shelf Life in 2024

The pressure is on restaurant chain CEOs to deliver fast in 2024. Private equity is largely to blame, according to one industry leader.

3 Key Takeaways From Plant Based World Expo 2024

Innovation was rife at this year’s Plant Based World Expo; on display were breakout processes to better deliver on taste, texture, and even price.

The Lunch Line: What’s Driving Higher Costs at QSRs?

Data from the Toast digital restaurant platform show eating out at quick-service restaurants (QSRs) for lunch in the second quarter got more expensive, with prices up more than 4% from last year. And though hourly …

The Shifting Landscape of Grocery Retail: Four Key Trends

Retailers are navigating a complex landscape right now marked by regulatory scrutiny, rising shrinkage, and financially stretched consumers. These pressures are forcing retailers to adapt quickly, according to Supermarket Guru Phil Lempert.

7-Eleven Parent Clarifies Buyout Rejection

7-Eleven owner Seven & i Holdings Co. commented on its rejection of Alimentation Couche-Tard’s proposal to acquire the company.

Aloha Protein Bar Brand Riding Wellness Wave to Big Growth

Aloha CEO Brad Charron is bullish on plant-based products. And it’s easy to see why, considering his better-for-you protein bar brand experienced 500% growth from 2020 to 2023.

Beyond Religion: The Business Case for Kosher Certification

Kosher certification is trusted by more than 10 million Americans who have a range of dietary requirements from various religious backgrounds. Attaining a kosher certification is easier than you might think – and it can boost a brand’s bottom line.

African Swine Fever Vaccine Rolled out Amid Virus Surge

The Philippines has begun rolling out an unproven African swine fever vaccine produced in Vietnam to try to stem an outbreak of the virus plaguing pig farming across three continents, SciDev.Net reported. ASF is caused …

Jollibee: The Filipino Chicken Chain Winning Over America

Filipino chicken chain Jollibee continues to win over American customers and accelerate its growth. The chain’s leaders insist the keys to their success are rather simple.

Survey Says: Today’s Students Are Giving These 5 Foods the Old College Try

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.

Philly’s Latin Love Affair: Latino Restaurants Celebrated During Restaurant Week

A Philadelphia fiesta is set to take place starting September 15. A unique, weeklong event will highlight some of America’s most innovative Latin restaurants.

Moving Targets: Does Pizza Hut’s New Box Signal a Return of Pandemic Trends?

Pizza Hut launched the Moving Box Table, a pizza box that doubles as a makeshift table for moving-day meals. This unique marketing tactic hints at a potential resurgence of strategies popularized in 2020.

Boar’s Head Recall Exposes Gaps in Food Safety Standards

In the wake of headline-grabbing Boar’s Head deli meat recall, industry experts say more safety standards and inspections are needed to prevent foodborne illness.

The Future of ESLs Called into Question

Kroger’s EDGE Shelf recently came under fire by two U.S. senators who feel the technology could be used for surge pricing and also threaten consumer privacy.

Seal the Deal: Proven Tips for Slashing Food Packaging Costs

Businesses can significantly reduce food packaging costs by using strategies like group purchasing. In 2024, there is an ever-growing list of factors to consider first, however.

5 Innovations Shifting the Alternative Meat Landscape

In a recent webinar, Food Business News shared emerging data, trends, innovations, and consumer insights impacting the alternative meat, dairy, and seafood markets, a $1.03B industry attempting to recover from a sharp decline beginning in 2018. Here are five key takeaways.

Earnings Show Why Major Foodservice Distributors Can Keep Taking Share

Despite declining restaurant traffic, major foodservice distributors reported strong performances in Q2. They remain confident in their strategies, including making long-term investments.

Veganism Spurring Growth of Precision Fermentation

The precision fermentation category is projected to grow at a massive CAGR for the foreseeable future. While advancements are accelerating the production of animal-free ingredients, experts say a few key challenges could hold the sector back.

Extreme Weather Taking Toll on Crops, Livestock This Season

Extreme weather is damaging or destroying crops globally of late, especially coffee, cocoa and avocados – and climate scientists are concerned.

Four Key Themes at the Inaugural Newtopia Now Event

Mushrooms and protein-packed pastas stole the show at Newtopia Now this week. The Food Institute was on-site in Denver to note the latest industry trends.

The Top 5 Foods for Healthy Hearing

Recent research found that certain diets are associated with reduced risk of hearing loss. Even simply eating certain foods full of vitamins can help preserve one’s hearing, according to one audiologist.

Smart Money: Smart Carts Continue to Evolve, Boost Grocers’ Bottom Line

An evolving form of smart carts is helping grocery chains like Kroger, Price Chopper, and Schnucks offer painless and personalized shopping experiences.

Researchers: Antimicrobial Resistance, Superbugs Could Spur New Pandemic

Could a combination of the animals we eat and antimicrobial resistance eventually trigger another pandemic? Some university researchers fear that possibility is real.

Expert Analysis: Nutrient-Dense Plants Could Reshape the Future of Nutrition

Consumers’ growing demand for healthier and sustainable options is propelling nutrient-dense plants like sorghum, spirulina, and aronia berries into the spotlight, redefining nutrition.

The Future of Frozen Food: a Q&A with AFFI’s Dr. Sanjay Gummalla

With nearly every household in the U.S. purchasing frozen food and $74 billion in sales, the frozen food category plays a pivotal role in the food industry.

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.

3 Fall Flavors Poised to Surpass Pumpkin Spice in Popularity

The popularity of pumpkin spice has officially fallen like autumn leaves. According to a recent survey of 2,000 American adults by Talker Research, 58% of respondents reported that they now favor alternative fall flavors over pumpkin spice, and 45% reported fatigue with the once-beloved spice blend.

Aging Gracefully: Freeze-Dried Meals Go Mainstream

There’s one element of the Mountain House brand’s website that might inspire a double-take from new customers: “30-Year Taste Guarantee.” “Personally, I’ve eaten (Mountain House) products that are 44, 45 years old,” said Drew Huebsch, …