Food and Beverage Top Stories

UPFs: The Culinary Science View

federd@bnpmedia.com (David Feder , RDN) — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In an insightful interview at the Culinary Institute of America, Chef Hinnerk Von Bargen challenges the negative perception of "ultra-processed foods." He highlights the importance of multi-step processing through examples like sourdough and tofu, emphasizing that these practices enrich our culinary culture and nutrition.

Favorite Products: May 2026

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Prepared Foods has selected six new food and beverage products introduced in May 2026. Vote below to let us know which new product is your favorite!

A Rising Tide Lifts All Proteins

peckenpaughd@bnpmedia.com (Douglas J. Peckenpaugh) — Tue, 26 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

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.

Upcycled Ingredients Gain Momentum

peckenpaughd@bnpmedia.com (Douglas J. Peckenpaugh) — Thu, 21 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Upcycled ingredients continue to gain traction as brands look to reduce food waste while adding nutritional and functional value to formulations. Industry experts say the next phase of growth will depend on mainstream retail expansion, consumer education and scalable innovation.

Strategies for Crafting Products with Multi-Sensory Indulgence

luann.williams@innovami.com (Lu Ann Williams) — Thu, 21 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

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.

Beyond Protein Grams: The Science Reshaping Functional Nutrition

kantha@corvusblue.net (Kantha Shelke PhD, CFS) — Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

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.

New Snack Products Highlight Functional Benefits and Ingredients

peckenpaughd@bnpmedia.com (Douglas J. Peckenpaugh) — Fri, 15 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

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.

Sustainable Innovation Takes Center Stage at Expo West, Beyond

Fri, 15 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

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.

Inside the Circular Nature of Human Behavior

peckenpaughd@bnpmedia.com (Douglas J. Peckenpaugh) — Wed, 06 May 2026 06:30:00 -0400

Every so often, we “come full circle” on industry issues. Consider dietary perspectives on fat. In the early days of the dairy industry, we embraced fat. Whole milk was the gold standard. Fast-forward to the 1980s, and the industry was spellbound by the notion of nonfat everything.

Botanicals Suffer Blurred Line Between Immune Boosters, 'Boasters'

danamccurdy@hotmail.com (Dana McCurdy, PhD) — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Botanical ingredients like curcumin, ashwagandha and quercetin continue to gain traction in immune health, but questions remain around efficacy, dosing and bioavailability. For product developers, the research underscores the importance of formulation strategies, standardization and ingredient synergies to deliver meaningful functional benefits.

Upcycled Innovation Gains Momentum

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

With market projections reaching $2.47 billion by 2036, upcycled products are gaining traction across categories. For product developers, the space offers opportunities to reduce waste while unlocking new ingredient functionality and value streams.

Formulating Beverages for Improved Mood and Cognitive Health

luann.williams@innovami.com (Lu Ann Williams) — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0400

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.

Favorite Products: March 2026

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0400

Prepared Foods has selected six new food and beverage products introduced in March 2026. Vote below to let us know which new product is your favorite!

Kroger Forecasts 2026 Flavor Shifts

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

From cottage cheese comebacks and dill pickle protein crackers to yuzu seltzers and tikka masala sauces, Kroger sees bold, functional flavor leading the cart. In 2026, shoppers will seek premium experiences at value prices across snacks, meals and beverages.

Frozen Finds New Growth Drivers

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

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.

Snacks, Sweets Turn Up Heat

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0400

From Wagyu jerky and protein pretzels to freeze-dried candies and Dubai-inspired chocolate, brands leaned into crunch, co-branding and flavor adventure. Even as cocoa costs climbed and GLP-1 diets loomed, snack makers proved indulgence and better-for-you can share the same bite.

Prepared Seafood Swims Into Spotlight

garrisonr@bnpmedia.com (Robert Garrison) — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0400

From chili lime shrimp and salmon burgers to ghost pepper tuna packets and smoked salmon candy, processors are casting wider nets for adventurous shoppers. With protein, omega-3s and Gen Z appeal in focus, seafood is staking a bigger claim across the retail store.

Swicy Sauces Spark Category Growth

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0400

From chili crisp ketchup and smoky chipotle mustard to spicy ranch and pickle-forward mashups, brands leaned into heat and crossover flavor. Cleaner labels and alternative sweeteners such as avocado oil and allulose signal the next phase of condiment competition.

Frozen Meals Win Dinner Rush

garrisonr@bnpmedia.com (Robert Garrison) — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0400

From 30g breakfast bowls and high-protein Hot Pockets to global noodle mashups and shelf-stable Better Bowls, brands are racing to solve the 6 p.m. question. In 2026, convenience, craveability and nutrition are converging to capture a bigger share of the at-home meal occasion.

Plant-Based Meats Face Reality Check

garrisonr@bnpmedia.com (Robert Garrison) — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0400

With refrigerated and frozen alternatives declining year over year, brands are doubling down on protein, certifications and sharper price points to win back shoppers. From steak bites and value burger six-packs to chickpea masala patties and mycelium plays, the category is regrouping for its next act.

Plant-Based Dairy Seeks Reset

garrisonr@bnpmedia.com (Robert Garrison) — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0400

From pea, pistachio and chia milks to zero-sugar oat creamers and jalapeño cashew spreads, processors are refreshing the case with function and flavor. The next wave of plant-based dairy bets on better taste, clearer value and differentiated ingredients to win shoppers back.

Retail Pizza Heats Up at Home

garrisonr@bnpmedia.com (Robert Garrison) — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0400

Imported Italian ingredients, wood-fired crusts and saucy co-brands are bringing premium and playful flavors to the freezer aisle. Better-for-you formats—from cauliflower and lupini crusts to Greek yogurt dough—are proving convenience and nutrition can share the same slice.

Regenerative & Climate-Smart Sourcing

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0400

How Sustainability Is Reshaping Ingredient Strategy.

Meat Sales Sizzle with Innovation

garrisonr@bnpmedia.com (Robert Garrison) — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

From chef-inspired meal starters and sous vide short ribs to hot honey bacon and regenerative hot dogs, processors are blending indulgence with integrity. Across beef, pork and poultry, heat-and-eat formats and bold flavors are keeping the perimeter’s biggest department on the move.

Cold Case Innovation Heats Up

garrisonr@bnpmedia.com (Robert Garrison) — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

From GLP-1-friendly yogurts and collagen creamers to swicy cheeses and protein-packed pints, processors are blending function with full flavor. In 2026, the refrigerated and freezer cases are proving that cold categories can deliver hot trends.

Protein Powers Cereal, Bar Boom

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500

From high-protein granola and regenerative oats to crispy energy bites and indulgent mashups, cereal innovation climbed as much as 44% across segments. Clean label cues, functional ingredients and bold flavors set the table for an even crunchier 2026.

Nostalgia, Hydration Shape 2026 Beverages

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500

Black sesame lattes, banana milk and indulgent throwback flavors are colliding with electrolyte coffees, clean-label claims and targeted supplements. In 2026, the winning formula blends comfort, function and flavor into one seamless daily ritual.

Protein Push Meets Bakery Indulgence

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500

From 20g-protein bagels and GLP-1-friendly cookies to sourdough loaves and pancake-inspired mashups, processors chased health and happiness alike. In 2025, bakery innovation proved consumers want both functional nutrition and bite-sized bliss.

Favorite Products: February 2026

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Prepared Foods has selected six new food and beverage products introduced in February 2026. Vote below to let us know which new product is your favorite!

Small Bites, Big Flavor Drive Frozen Innovation

garrisonr@bnpmedia.com (Robert Garrison) — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0500

From taquitos and dumplings to protein-packed potatoes and indulgent vegetables, processors are leaning into shareable snacks and craveable comfort. Younger consumers and families are turning to frozen for global flavor, value and game-day-ready convenience.