Prepared Foods Editorial Staff

Chartwells Higher Education’s 2025 Fall Flavor Forecast highlights the top trends driving campus menus. Social media recipes, global inspirations, and bold smoky flavors are redefining how students eat this semester.

Riviana Foods has added two new microwaveable Mahatma Ready to Heat rice varieties—Red Beans & Rice and Basmati—ready in 90 seconds. The launches reflect consumer demand for convenient, authentic-tasting options that align with global flavor trends.

Kraft Mac & Cheese is turning up the flavor with Hot Honey and Garlic Parmesan varieties, inspired by game day wings and fall tailgating. The new flavors launch September 28 (Target exclusive for Hot Honey) and October 20 nationwide for Garlic Parmesan.

No need to scan endless feeds — we’ve distilled the week’s most important food and beverage news into actionable highlights. Stay current on funding, leadership shifts and market trends that matter to product developers. The latest HHS nutrition initiatives, Nestlé leadership changes, GLP-1 innovation breakouts, and more.

Onego Bio has received FDA confirmation that its precision-fermented Bioalbumen protein is Generally Recognized As Safe. The ruling paves the way for broader use in baked goods, beverages, meat analogs, and more.

New research from Cargill reveals that for most consumers, joy is the top reason to buy sweet baked goods. While preferences differ by product and department, indulgence remains the unifying force shaping bakery demand.

Protein Pints is shaking up the frozen aisle with Cookies & Cream and Coffee, delivering 30g of protein per pint and 85% less sugar than traditional ice cream. The new flavors roll out in select Kroger stores and nationwide this fall.

Darigold appointed Amy Humphreys as CEO effective Oct. 1. Humphreys, a former CFO, steps in as the company ramps up operations at its new Washington plant and looks to expand growth opportunities.

Organic Valley is expanding its oat portfolio with the launch of Original and Creamy Oat Beverages made with ethically sourced organic oats. Free from gums, seed oils and artificial colors, these beverages are designed for coffee, cereal, baking and more.

Lifeway Foods has completed stage one of its four-part Waukesha expansion, doubling its fermentation tank capacity. The investment supports surging demand for kefir and continues the brand’s record-setting sales momentum.