Breakfast is widely regarded as the most important meal of the day, and manufacturers are providing nutritious, flavorful options to start the day.

Although obesity growth rates appear to have plateaued, an alarming number of consumers still face dire health consequences. In response, manufacturers are creating a range of a new weight management foods and beverages.

Generation Y may be a difficult group to define, but it is an incredibly powerful demographic in terms of spending power.

Cognitive health has proven quite a noteworthy trend in the nutraceutical arena and is making increasing in-roads into mainstream foods and beverages, as a sizable demographic explores options to retain its brain health as it reaches retirement age.

Economic woes may have impacted away-from-home dining, but consumers still crave restaurant-quality food and beverage options—and expect retail products to deliver the same quality and cutting-edge taste experience.

Sustainability proves a selling point for candies, and environmental concerns benefit chocolate introductions in particular.

Comfort foods lead the way in meal introductions, with ethnic twists on familiar meals also playing a key role.

Milk processors have turned to efforts to make milk a more convenient option, with extended shelflife packaging and on-the-go convenience.

Coffee introductions capitalize on positive health news, while soft drinks suffer sales drops.

This month sees the latest edition of Prepared Foods’ New Products Annual, a chance to revisit some of the products released over the past year.