Why is a heat-stable natural red still one of food science's biggest challenges? Kalsec's Christina Cuddihy explains the science, cost and formulation hurdles facing bakery and snack manufacturers.
Prof. Dr. Stefan Toepfl, MD of Elea, explains how smarter processing can reduce oil, cut waste, improve yields and challenge assumptions about ultra-processed foods.
Hershey is expanding beyond traditional candy with protein bars, zero-sugar confections and a One Hershey strategy designed to capture more snacking occasions and consumers.
Success in alt. protein will depend not just on breakthrough ideas, but on the ability to deliver consistently on taste, price and scale, while navigating a far more selective funding environment.
Dairy giant Lactalis has taken Nutri-Score to court. And not just any court but the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU). Lactalis claims that the front-of-pack labelling system not only unfairly discriminates against dairy, but also oversimplifies nutrition in general, and thus fails to live up to the EU's regulations on packaging information.
It is ten years since Brexit - since the UK left the EU. How has food and beverage been affected? Brexit has caused divergence in regulation, impacted food prices and the availability of labour, and made EU/UK trade more complex. But at the same time, much has remained the same.
Brands are spending heavily on promotions, loyalty pricing and digital discounts, yet private label continues to gain ground across Europe's biggest grocery markets.
Mars is preparing to roll out artificial-colour-free M&M’s, highlighting both consumer demand for clean-label confectionery and the technical challenges of replacing synthetic dyes with natural alternatives in high-performance, brightly coloured products.
In Europe, the EUDR, the EU's anti-deforestation regulation, fast approaches. Now, the UK has announced its own rules. While the details of the rules have yet to be solidified, it will cover coffee, cocoa, palm oil, soy and rubber, and will apply in Great Britain (the UK excluding Northern Ireland, where the EUDR will apply).
Kraft Heinz overhauls global structure, merging supply chain and procurement and creating three regions, as plans to split the business remain on hold.
Explore the latest in fermentation and cultivated ingredients, from precision-fermented proteins and animal-free eggs to scale-up strategies, investment trends and commercialization breakthroughs.
The latest snacking data suggests consumers have blurred the lines between meals, treats and nutrition. Is the industry's definition of a snack still relevant?
In the face of Indonesia’s new export controls over commodities such as palm oil, does Malaysia have what it takes to take over as the sector’s new superpower?
Nestlé, Danone and Muscle Milk’s approach to reformulation reflects a broader shift away from “free-from” and “reduced” ingredients, to a complete overhaul without compromising organoleptic characteristics.
From Oreo Firecracker Pop Cookies and Betty Crocker’s million-cake giveaway to star-shaped pretzels and patriotic Tater Tots, discover the bakery and snack launches celebrating America’s 250th birthday.
Research suggests that GLP-1 users prefer sugar to artificial sweeteners, as they are increasingly attracted to more 'natural' food that feels 'worthwhile' with their smaller appetites. There is little research around whether changing taste perception on the drugs works differently for sweetness from sugar and artificial sweeteners. However, artificial sweeteners tend to have a bitter off-taste that sugar doesn't, which may, some research suggests, be heightened on GLP-1s as well.
From influencers and gaming platforms to colourful packaging and licensed characters, campaigners say children's food marketing has become the next battleground in the ultra-processed foods debate.
Döhler’s acquisition of Nukoko signals a shift for confectionery as cocoa-free chocolate moves from niche to scalable solution amid supply and cost pressures.
With the rise in the popularity of fibre, especially due to trends such as fibremaxxing, what is the risk of consuming too much of it? Bloating, excess wind, abdominal discomfort and changes in bowel habit can be the result of too much fibre. Fibre overconsumption can even affect how people absorb certain nutrients, such as zinc, iron, and calcium.
The 2026 State of Snacking report explores why consumers increasingly discover food visually, value texture and make purchasing decisions driven by comfort, reward and connection.
Consumer desire for ‘more’ is driving innovation around healthy enjoyment, elevated convenience, collaboration, crossovers and memorable or immersive experiences, according to Circana’s 2025 New Products Pacesetters report.
The Campbell lawsuit offers a glimpse into how social media users assess credibility, scrutinise evidence and shape perceptions during food safety controversies.
Bread culture, Asian pastry influence and algorithm-driven food trends are transforming bakery. Here's what's driving innovation and premiumisation worldwide.
HHS Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr says FDA’s ultra-processed food definition is nearing release and could drive major changes to front-of-pack labeling.
Aloha’s move from Walmart’s sports nutrition aisle to center store across roughly 2,000 locations underscores how protein bars are evolving from fitness fuel into an everyday snacking staple
As scrutiny expands from sugar and salt to additives, processing and ingredient transparency, experts from PepsiCo, ESA, ABA, 210 Analytics and FDF Scotland explore what comes next for reformulation.
The US and Iran have agreed on a peace deal. What could this mean for food and beverage? Food prices are unlikely to fall straight away, due to long-term contracts taking a long time to filter through the supply chain. However, for some classes of commodities, such as palm and soybean oils (which are used for biofuels), prices could fall more quickly. The prices for plastics used for food packaging may fall more quickly than food as well.
Nestlé USA has completed its 2026 goal of removing artificial colors defined by Food, Drug & Cosmetic (FD&C) from its US food and beverage portfolio as part of the company’s broader reformulation and transparency initiatives.
Beach-Nut is entering the underserved kids snacks market for ages 4 years and older with Goodies, citing unmet demand for better-for-you options beyond toddler aisles.
A new UPF awareness campaign highlights systemic barriers to healthy eating, while critics argue that the term “ultra-processed” remains too imprecise to anchor nutrition guidance.
From PepsiCo's protein-packed PopCorners and Takeaways' pizza-inspired bars to Walker's Shortbread's Andy Murray collaboration, discover 11 snack launches redefining indulgence, functionality and convenience.
As Ebola prompts border restrictions in Uganda, analysts warn of potential supply risks—but bumper harvests in top exporters could stabilise global coffee markets.
The UK has approved a once daily Wegovy semaglutide pill for weight loss, marking Europe’s first oral GLP-1 treatment. It will initially be available via private prescription, with NHS use still under NICE review.
GLP-1 drugs could rapidly evolve beyond current use as diabetes and weight loss medications, with new research pointing to potential benefits in cancer, ageing, addiction, osteoarthritis and heart health. As evidence grows and new formats like oral therapies emerge, usage is expected to expand to other populations and health needs. This shift will reshape how and why consumers use GLP-1s, fundamentally shifting consumption behaviours. For food and beverage companies, understanding how their use might evolve will be critical to staying relevant, from reformulating products to meeting new nutritional needs. Here’s a snapshot of the latest research and what it could mean for the future of food, beverage and consumer demand.
Food-tech startups across Europe, the Middle East and Africa are invited to apply for the 2026 Global Food Tech Awards EMEA heat, with entries now open and free to submit.
New Circana data shows consumers still prioritize taste, but increasingly expect functional benefits like protein, probiotics and added wellness in snacks. Brands are responding with indulgent products that deliver both flavor and function, signaling a shift in modern snacking behavior.
David’s protein ice cream sold out in 28 minutes, but Peter Rahal says the real story is food technology. The David founder discusses EPG, category expansion, and the future of functional food.
Plastics are often found in places consumers don't expect, as inner layers in cans, cartons and pouches that appear plastic-free. They're there for durability and shelf-life. Yet most consumers are unaware of this, meaning a disconnect is created between perception and reality when it comes to plastic use.
JM Smucker’s Uncrustables brand surpasses $1 billion in sales, adding 3 million households as strong Q4 results lift shares and boost growth across coffee and pet food.
From remix-style flavor innovation to elevated ingredient quality, brands are taking different approaches to modernizing a category defined by nostalgia, indulgence and ease.
Explore how texture innovation—creamy, crunchy, stretchy and more—is helping dairy and plant-based brands boost value, stand out in commoditised categories, and win premium positioning.
Australia's bakery sector is booming, but the Baking Association of Australia's executive officer warns that labour shortages, ageing business owners and a weak apprenticeship pipeline could threaten its future.
Unilever's merger of its food businesses with McCormick and IFF's sale of most of its food portfolio represent a wider trend. Businesses are distancing themselves from often cumbersome, slow-growing food businesses in favour of health, premiumisation and convenience.
Snack bar startup Stars + Honey’s new minority growth investment led by VMG Partners reflects a broader shift within the snack bar space that focuses on functionality, clean ingredients and differentiated formats
PepsiCo is deploying driverless trucks to move Doritos and other products across the US. Could autonomous freight transform food logistics, or will jobs and safety concerns slow adoption?
What do nearly 40 years of bakery awards reveal about the future of baking? We explore the trends, talent and leadership shaping the 2026 Baking Industry Awards.
GLP-1 users are increasingly gravitating towards foods with can supply them with the nutrients they need, especially those with high fibre and protein content. However, this does not mean that taste is no longer a factor. Users are especially attracted to foods with lighter textures which are easier to eat, such as yoghurt, kefir, soup, fruit and veg. Indulgence remains popular as well, but in a different way: GLP-1 users are driving growth in premium chocolate, for example.
From fibremaxxing to microbiome diversity, bowel health is having a moment. Dr Megan Rossi and Bowel Cancer UK discuss the science, the stigma and the rise in cases among younger adults.
After months of speculation, US ingredients giant Ingredion has bought UK company Tate & Lyle. Combined, the two ingredients companies may take up a substantial chunk - roughly 15% - of the world's alternative sweeteners market.
Froneri is leveraging sustainability across sourcing, product innovation and branding to support premium indulgence and snacking trends — and drive growth.
A Florida family has sued Campbell and Walmart after claiming a can of SpaghettiOs contained moving worm-like organisms. The companies are contesting the allegations.
Why are food giants turning to celebrity chefs? From Doritos and Gordon Ramsay to Nutella Cafés and Lay's restaurants, brands are chasing credibility, culture and new consumption occasions.
Food manufacturers are collecting more data than ever, but are workers becoming overwhelmed? New research explores the link between information overload, burnout and food safety risk.
Do GLP-1s dull taste? There have been significant research suggesting that they do, with many users saying that they experience a dulled taste when on the drugs. But recent research may point to the opposite effect, with around a quarter of users surveyed self-reporting more intense flavours (more in all categories of taste than those reporting dulled tastes).
Climate Smart Food 2026 will focus on a wide range of topics, including regenerative agriculture, sustainable ingredients, commodity crises such as the cocoa crisis, and regulations like the EUDR. It will also explore innovation, in particular upcycling, sustainable packaging, investment trends, food tech and the role of data and AI in sustainability.
The peanut butter category is expanding into protein snacks and convenience formats, with new products and strong growth projections shaping the market.
Nestle's acquistion of Yfood follow's Danone's acquisition of Huel: as the opportunities for meal replacement, nutrition drinks and protein beverages powers up
Pistachios are seeing significant pressure from all sides. Supply is being pressured by logistical challenges in Iran, one of its biggest suppliers - military conflict is only adding to this. Meanwhile, the use of pistachio in confectionery, both in Dubai chocolate and beyond, is putting pressure on demand. The future for pistachios is uncertain, with harvests from all three major producers - Turkey, the US and Iran - falling short of expectations.
As FIFA World Cup 2026 heads towards a record $13bn, snack manufacturers are deploying celebrity ambassadors, new products and major promotions to capture growth.
Why are the world's biggest snack brands still thriving? From Lay's and Doritos to Lindt and Oreo, discover seven lessons from the industry's most valuable brands.
Barry Callebaut unveils its Focus for Growth strategy, sharpening priorities to navigate cocoa volatility, drive higher‑value growth and strengthen long‑term profitability.
Dairy brands are missing out on World Cup sponsorship—here’s how they can tap into digital audiences, build visibility and compete with global beverage giants.
From Jaffa Cakes-flavoured Digestives and football cupcakes to premium pies and potato buns, here are the latest bakery and snack launches hitting UK shelves this summer.
IFF’s $4.3 billion sale of its food ingredients business will give the global ingredient supplier more space to focus on its other core businesses: scent, taste and health and biosciences.
Smearcase is carving a niche in frozen with ‘froco’—a cottage cheese-based, high-protein pint with clean ingredients, collagen and expanding retail distribution.
NielsenIQ's Commerce Revolution report reveals how agentic AI is replacing traditional product discovery, with Morgan Stanley projecting AI-assisted shoppers could drive up to $385 billion in US e-commerce by 2030. Brands that fail to adapt risk becoming invisible.
Costco and Dollar General are outpacing Walmart in physical store traffic growth as value-focused retail formats gain ground, according to a new Placer.ai report on big-box retail in 2026.
Danone’s €1bn Huel deal faces CMA review, signalling tighter scrutiny on food megadeals and raising questions over competition, growth and industry impact.
From graduations to birthdays, discover how bakers are using frozen cakes, seasonal trends and social-media-ready treats to drive premium sales growth.
London chain Santa Nata’s 10 millionth sale highlights the global rise of the pastel de nata, now booming across retail, foodservice and bakery markets.
Today’s smartest bakeries are borrowing the tactics of fashion, fragrance and hype culture to turn pastries into objects of aspiration, status and emotional escape.
From high-protein candy and clean-label snacks to edible glitter and viral texture combinations, consumers are redefining what they want from sweets and snacks.
Unilever’s proposed $40bn Foods merger with McCormick faces investor, analyst and employee scepticism, raising questions over valuation, strategy and industry consolidation.
