Prepared Foods Editorial Staff

Maple syrup is used by more than one-third of adults, with its use growing especially among younger consumers. This increase reflects a greater trend toward ingredients consumer recognize, and the desire for sweeteners that deliver both flavor and natural associations when compared to standard white granulated sugar.

Jones Soda Co. has added experienced industry leaders as COO and CMO, bringing deep expertise in brand building, innovation and digital marketing. With its credit facility increased to $10 million, the company aims to build on recent sales spikes driven by high-profile collaborations.

As people worldwide navigate instability and digital overload, shared eating and drinking occasions are becoming a joyful way to come together, express identity, and feel grounded. This shift is transforming the look and feel of food and drink, putting color at the center of experiences that feel more social, expressive, and emotionally resonant. 

Ben & Jerry’s is expanding into handheld treats with a lineup of five new ice cream bars hitting freezers in January 2026. A single-serve Cookie Dough bar will follow in convenience stores next spring.

Maple Leaf Foods introduced Musafir, a South Asian–inspired brand featuring paneer, egg, chickpea and chicken options in easy formats like burgers, bites and nuggets. Each item showcases authentic masala blends and delivers double-digit protein in minutes from microwave or air fryer.

Cuisine Solutions introduced Sear & Serve, a premium line of ready-to-heat sous vide proteins finished with a quick stovetop or grill sear for steakhouse-level results. Available online and in select Costco regions, the range features seven signature cuts crafted with precise time-and-temperature techniques for exceptional flavor and tenderness.

Reese’s Puffs is expanding beyond its classic milk chocolate profile with a richer Dark Chocolate cereal made with Hershey’s cocoa and real Reese’s Peanut Butter. The launch includes a collectible “Reese’s After Dark” box experience, filled with neon artwork and Easter eggs as the new flavor hits shelves nationwide.

PepsiCo is positioning its 2026 growth strategy around an expanded innovation agenda and a major SKU rationalization effort aimed at improving competitiveness and speed to market. The company plans to reinvest savings from cost reductions and SKU cuts into innovation, cleaner ingredient profiles and increased marketing support.

Gunpowder Irish Gin teamed with world champion mixologist Bruno Vanzan to create a new expression featuring Italian fig, laurel and Tuscan juniper. The limited release, retailing for $37.99, is available nationwide and exclusively at Publix stores in Florida and Kentucky.

Starbucks is introducing two café-inspired innovations to grocery shelves: multi-serve Refreshers Concentrates and real-cream Sweet Cream Enhancers. The new lineup offers customizable at-home beverages in flavors inspired by Starbucks cafés, with nationwide availability beginning in December.