Prepared Foods Editorial Staff

Whole Foods Market plans to expand its smaller-format Daily Shop concept into Boston, Chicago and Philadelphia over the next two years. The streamlined stores are designed to offer curated assortments, grab-and-go options and faster shopping experiences tailored to dense urban neighborhoods.

Synear Foods USA is expanding its frozen Asian food portfolio with the launch of Street Food Mini Pork Soup Dumplings at major Asian grocery chains across the US and Canada. Inspired by Shanghai street food, the new product taps into growing consumer demand for authentic global flavors in convenient meal and snack formats.

5 gum is introducing EVOLUTION, the brand’s first flavor-changing gum designed to deliver a shifting sensory experience with every chew. The innovation begins with tangy sour notes before evolving into sweeter berry flavors, adding a new twist to the gum category’s flavor innovation pipeline.

Kulli is introducing US consumers to chicha morada, a traditional Peruvian beverage made from purple corn rich in anthocyanins. The lightly berry-forward drink with a tea-like finish is now expanding into specialty retail channels as interest in globally inspired functional beverages continues to grow.

Golden Waffles introduced new Protein and Fiber Nutritional Boost Packs designed to work with its existing fresh-baked waffle program. The launch gives operators a simple way to align with growing consumer demand for protein, fiber and gut health while maintaining operational efficiency.

The Almond Board of California appointed two industry veterans to leadership roles focused on strategic operations, science and innovation. The hires reflect the organization’s continued investment in expanding market opportunities and accelerating research and product innovation across the almond industry.

From upcycled cacao and regenerative beef to shelf-stable oat milk slices and organic ultra-filtered dairy, this video presentation showcases how brands are integrating sustainability across sourcing, processing and packaging. Explore the latest products reflecting evolving priorities in food and beverage innovation.

Simple Mills is entering the oat-based baking category with two Regenerative Organic Certified mixes designed to deliver familiar flavors with simplified ingredient lists. The launches reflect growing interest in regenerative agriculture, minimally processed foods and allergen-friendly pantry staples.

Vibrant Ingredients has opened an 11,000sq-ft Innovation Center in Cranbury, N.J., designed to accelerate product development through hands-on collaboration and rapid prototyping. The facility expands the company’s technical capabilities for beverage and food applications while giving customers direct access to formulation, flavor and commercialization expertise.

A-Sha Foods has partnered with Chef Andrew Zimmern on a new line of chef-driven pantry staples and comfort foods debuting exclusively at Target in May 2026. The collection combines A-Sha’s air-dried noodle platform with globally inspired flavors across cheesy noodles, soup bowls and peanut butter chili crisp.