Consumers increasingly expect snacks to balance indulgence, wellness, convenience and value without compromising on taste. ADM's latest research examines the trends influencing snack innovation, including Gen Z preferences, reformulation, GLP-1 users and emerging opportunities for product developers.
Sweet Loren’s is expanding beyond dessert with the launch of ready-to-bake Oatmeal Bars and Scones. The products extend the brand’s refrigerated dough platform into breakfast with gluten-free, dairy-free and top-nine-allergen-free formulations designed around convenience, at-home baking and better-for-you positioning.
Consumers increasingly say they want less sugar and sodium, but taste remains a critical barrier to adoption. Advances in natural sweeteners, fermentation-derived ingredients and flavor-enhancement technologies are helping formulators balance health goals with sensory appeal.
Dave’s Killer Bread is rolling out Mini Bagels in two flavors alongside a limited-edition Summer Berry variety. The launch reflects shifting portion preferences and flavor trends among Gen Z and millennial consumers.
Consumers are turning to beverages that support mood, focus, and cognitive health. Functional ingredients and indulgent flavors are converging to deliver both mental wellness and sensory satisfaction.
Consumers are prioritizing health benefits, ingredients and lower sugar, with many willing to pay more for functional beverages. Digital tools and younger generations are accelerating changes in how drinks are discovered, purchased and consumed.
Conagra’s 2026 report spotlights protein, takeout-style convenience, family-size value and all-day breakfast as forces reshaping the $93.5B aisle
March 27, 2026
High-protein meals, $14.3B in takeout-style offerings and value-size formats are redefining how consumers use the freezer. From multigenerational dinners to Gen Z breakfast bowls at any hour, frozen is evolving beyond convenience into a daily solution.
A new Acosta Group study shows 58% of shoppers read labels before buying new products, with even higher rates among health-focused consumers. Growing concerns about artificial ingredients and regulation are reshaping how brands communicate transparency and trust.
Datassential’s latest sauces, condiments and dressings report shows growing consumer demand for signature flavors that create emotional connection and repeat visits. With fewer than half of operators offering a signature sauce, the category presents a major opportunity for menu differentiation and retail crossover.
Consumers are redefining wellness to include physical, mental and functional benefits, with expectations varying sharply by generation. For product developers, the data underscores the need for targeted solutions that balance health, convenience and occasion-based indulgence.