Food and Beverage Top Stories

RSS

Plant-based foods have moved far beyond soy and pea, with novel proteins, fats, and processing technologies driving unprecedented gains in flavor, texture, and functionality. As innovation accelerates, formulators now have the tools to create both convincing animal analogs and compelling plant-forward alternatives.

PLMA’s North American show made one thing clear: it’s never been easier to launch a “good enough” product. As private label and fast followers close the gap, branded players face new pressures—and new opportunities—heading into 2026.

Precision wellness is emerging as the evolution of functional nutrition, shifting product development toward individualized health needs rather than broad claims. From protein-forward beverages to gut-brain and women’s health solutions, brands have growing opportunities to deliver targeted benefits through everyday foods and drinks.

Prepared Foods Chief Editor Bob Garrison talks with Imbibe Marketing Director Ana Rodriguez about new tastes and trends in ready-to-drink coffee and tea beverages.

GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy aren’t keeping consumers out of restaurants—but they are changing what and how much they order. Smaller portions, protein-forward menus and flexible formats are emerging as key strategies in a new era of eating less.

GLP-1 medications are influencing far more than weight loss, with users projected to account for 35% of all food and beverage units sold by 2030. New Circana data shows lasting changes in how, where and why consumers shop, creating urgency for retailers and manufacturers to adapt.

Fruit-based sweeteners are moving from niche to mainstream as manufacturers seek natural alternatives to refined sugar. Market forecasts show strong growth fueled by health awareness, clean-label priorities, and the functional advantages these ingredients bring to formulation.

Prepared Foods has selected six new food and beverage products introduced in December 2025. Vote below to let us know which new product is your favorite!

From precision-fermented dairy proteins to next-gen fats and smarter plant fibers, today’s plant-based toolkit is evolving fast. Let's break down the trends helping developers solve for taste, nutrition and clean-label performance.

Whole Foods Market’s 2026 trends point to a year defined by fiber-forward innovation, fine-dining-inspired frozen meals, elevated instant foods and a renewed appreciation for heritage ingredients.