Prepared Foods

PF May 2026 eMagazine Cover 450x600

May 2026


ON THE COVER:
► Snacks with Purpose

FEATURES:
► Analyzing Partial Proteins
► Layering Flavors & Textures
► Nutrition Messaging Disconnects

Cover Story

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Overhead view of 'unhealthy' snacks such as donuts, hamburgers, popcorn, chips, candy on the left against a pink background versus vs fruits, nuts and vegetables against a green background. A measuring tape is in the middle.
Snack Trends

New Snack Products Highlight Functional Benefits and Ingredients

Formulators are bringing additive bonuses of protein, fiber and more to new snack foods
Douglas J. Peckenpaugh
Douglas J. Peckenpaugh
May 15, 2026

Snack brands are infusing protein, fiber, and prebiotics into indulgent snacks like chips and popcorn, catering to consumers seeking tasty experiences with added nutrition. New products from PepsiCo, J&J Snack Foods, Kraft, and Perfect Snacks illustrate this balance in better-for-you options.


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Features

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A tower of four Dubai chocolate halves with kataifi dough and emerald pistachio paste, whole pistachios with a dark gray background.
Trends: Layers of Delight

Strategies for Crafting Products with Multi-Sensory Indulgence

Consumers seek indulgent foods and beverages that deliver comfort, sensory excitement and emotional well-being through bold flavors, rich textures and premium experiences
Lu Ann Williams
Lu Ann Williams
May 21, 2026

Innova Market Insights’ “Layers of Delight” trend reveals how indulgence is evolving beyond simple treats to include mood support, sensory appeal and health-conscious features. From Dubai chocolate to premium dairy desserts, brands are balancing comfort, texture and flavor innovation with consumer demand for emotional wellness and better-for-you ingredients.


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Cropped image of smiling young woman in a sports bra pouring herself a protein drink.
Protein Trends

Beyond Protein Grams: The Science Reshaping Functional Nutrition

As consumers demand more targeted health benefits, formulators are shifting focus from total protein content to amino acids, peptides and bioactive fractions with specific physiological roles
Kantha Shelke PhD, CFS
May 19, 2026

Protein claims may dominate packaging, but the next wave of innovation is happening at the molecular level. From bioactive peptides and free amino acids to complementary plant proteins and functional protein fractions, developers are rethinking how protein delivers performance, health benefits and consumer value.


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Columns

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Close-up image group of dishes in a variety of sized bowls with pulses, nuts, seeds, peas and beans, black, green, red and yellow lentils, wooden serving scoops and heart-shaped spoons, spilled beans and lentils, grey background, focus on foreground
Editor's Note

A Rising Tide Lifts All Proteins

Growing consumer focus on health, fitness and functional nutrition continues to fuel innovation and demand across animal- and plant-based protein markets
Douglas J. Peckenpaugh
Douglas J. Peckenpaugh
May 26, 2026

Protein’s evolution from essential nutrient to mainstream functional ingredient has transformed food and beverage innovation, with demand projected to climb steadily over the next decade. As brands expand protein fortification across categories, formulators face the challenge of balancing nutrition goals with the taste, texture and sensory experiences consumers expect.


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