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These ultra-processed foods usually have longer shelf lives and are highly appealing, as they are convenient and contain a combination of sugar, fat, salt and carbohydrates which affect the brain's reward system, making it hard to stop eating.

The Organic Trade Association celebrates USDA's $58 million boost for organic dairy farmers.

Interview with Dr. Miguel Freitas, Vice President of Health and Scientific Affairs for Danone North America, and Dr. Dana McCurdy, Dairy Fermentation Scientist

Whether you are a retail store, manufacturer, ingredient supplier, or a foodservice operator looking to capitalize on the next food or beverage trend, having relevant data allows you to make better decisions that affect your bottom line. 

Data from Innova Market Insights suggest that the growing interest in plant-based protein sources and expanding awareness of protein’s importance for health and wellness are fueling the demand. This continuing trend has manufacturers seeking novel ingredients and pathways to provide protein to satisfy the demand.

The primary immune-supporting ingredient category is that of probiotics, those beneficial microbial organisms that confer some form of health benefit either directly or indirectly when ingested. With probiotics carrying the immune health banner, it’s no surprise that throughout 2024 interest in probiotics and health by both consumers and product makers rose beyond even those levels seen in 2023.

Editor’s Note: How is rice, a global ingredient staple, influencing new menu offerings and retail product development? For a closer look, Prepared Foods turned to Katie Ayoub, president of Katie Ayoub & Associates. She serves as managing editor at Flavor & The Menu and is a content strategist for the Flavor Experience, an annual conference for chain operators. Based in Chicago, Katie has been working in foodservice publishing for more than 25 years.

Prepared Foods discussses upcycling's progress—and prospects for 2025 with Amanda Oenbring, chief executive officer at the Upcycled Food Association; and Kathryn Britton director of innovation for UFA’s certifying partner, Where Food Comes From, Inc.

Editor’s Note: For a comprehensive 2025 look at all the angles associated with regenerative agriculture, Prepared Foods interviewed Tina Owens, founder of Snowehaven Regeneration and a strategist and futurist within the US organic and regenerative agriculture movements. 

Prepared Foods has selected six new food and beverage products introduced in November 2024. Vote to let us know which new product is your favorite!