Prepared Foods The Year Ahead

Survey Finds Consumers Want Balance in Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labels

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0400

A new survey from the International Food Information Council found that consumers are actively engaging with nutrition information and prefer front-of-package labels that provide a balanced view of food and beverage products. The findings come as policymakers continue evaluating front-of-package labeling approaches and suggest shoppers want information about both nutrients to limit and nutrients to encourage when making purchasing decisions.

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.

BlueNalu CEO to Keynote NJ FoodTech 2026

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0400

As keynote speaker at NJ FoodTech 2026, BlueNalu Founder, President & CEO Lou Cooperhouse will explore how food companies can build durable value propositions in an increasingly competitive marketplace. In an interview with Prepared Foods, Cooperhouse said today's investors prioritize operational discipline, scalability and profitability, while long-term success depends on treating the company—not just the product—as the value proposition.

Circana Highlights 2025 CPG Pacesetters

Tue, 26 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Circana’s 2025 New Product Pacesetters report found the year’s top food, beverage and nonfood CPG launches generated a combined $6.2 billion in first-year sales. The research points to experience-led innovation, AI-driven discovery and social commerce as key forces shaping how consumers find and engage with new products.

Circana Expands Purchase-to-Consumption Consumer Insights Solution

Tue, 19 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Circana’s expanded Purchase to Consumption solution connects receipt-level purchase data with consumption behaviors from the same consumers, offering deeper visibility into food and beverage occasions. Early findings reveal opportunities for retailers and CPG brands to better capture at-home dinner spending and refine targeted growth strategies.

Whole Foods Expands Daily Shop Format

Mon, 18 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400

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.

Building Stronger Teams Through Better Leadership

Wed, 13 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Leadership expert Alain Hunkins will share practical strategies for building stronger teams through authentic connection, clearer communication and better collaboration. The session will provide attendees with actionable leadership tools designed to improve engagement, reduce silos and support talent development.

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.

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.

Health, Digital Trends Reshape Beverage Demand

Sat, 28 Mar 2026 09:15:00 -0400

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.

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.

Food, Agriculture Industry Drives $10.4T Economy

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0400

The US food and agriculture sector generated $10.4 trillion in economic value, supporting nearly 49 million jobs across the supply chain. The latest report also underscores challenges including slowing job growth and declining exports

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.

Online Grocery Shoppers Prioritize Health Over Taste

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Only 37% of consumers prioritize taste when shopping online, while health goals and nutrition rank higher. The report also highlights growing comfort with data sharing and notable differences between retirees and non-retirees.

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.

Survey: Trust Remains Key to Food Guidance

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0400

A new IFIC survey finds most Americans trust food and nutrition science, but skepticism and confusion about changing dietary guidance persist. The findings highlight the importance of credible messengers, clear communication and evidence-based advice to drive behavior change.

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.

Manufacturers Talk Marketing, Strategy

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0500

Food and beverage company speakers include as many as 11 representatives from Mondelez International, Danone, Hormel Foods, Kellanova, Dawn Foods, Gallo, Keurig-Dr. Pepper, Niagara Bottling, and WK Kellogg Co.

Grocery Leaders Speak

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0500

The two-day event features more than 30 presenters and is projected to draw more than 1,000 people including executives from retailers, food and beverage processors, sales and distribution brokers and other affiliated industry vendors.

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.

Study: Transparency Drives Purchase Decisions

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0500

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.

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.