Articles by Tom Vierhile

From Wagyu jerky and protein pretzels to freeze-dried candies and Dubai-inspired chocolate, brands leaned into crunch, co-branding and flavor adventure. Even as cocoa costs climbed and GLP-1 diets loomed, snack makers proved indulgence and better-for-you can share the same bite.

From chili crisp ketchup and smoky chipotle mustard to spicy ranch and pickle-forward mashups, brands leaned into heat and crossover flavor. Cleaner labels and alternative sweeteners such as avocado oil and allulose signal the next phase of condiment competition.

From high-protein granola and regenerative oats to crispy energy bites and indulgent mashups, cereal innovation climbed as much as 44% across segments. Clean label cues, functional ingredients and bold flavors set the table for an even crunchier 2026.

From 20g-protein bagels and GLP-1-friendly cookies to sourdough loaves and pancake-inspired mashups, processors chased health and happiness alike. In 2025, bakery innovation proved consumers want both functional nutrition and bite-sized bliss.

Seasonings and table sauces—the two largest subcategories under sauces and seasonings—saw new product introductions saw rise by 11% and 20%, respectively, in 2024.

Overall US bakery launches grew by about 1% in 2024. The category was led by cakes, pastries and sweet goods with a 12% increase in launches versus the prior year.

Despite inflationary concerns, Innova Market Insights tracking data show cereal and snack bar innovation grew in 2024 with new product launches up by just more than 1%.

Chocolate confection processors faced skyrocketing 2024 cocoa prices following intense rain and severe drought conditions in West Africa’s cacao growing regions. Not surprisingly, confectionery innovation was flat in 2024, with double-digit declines in new product introductions.

The top snacking drivers are to “prevent feeling hungry” followed by “rewarding oneself” according to Innova Market Insights’ 2023 Snacking & Healthy Snacking survey.

The good news for sauce, dressing, and marinade makers is that their category tends to be the top destination for consumers seeking to experiment with flavors.