Bakery and Snacks

From jerky breakfasts to chocolate superfoods: The smarter snacking NPD

Discover how smarter snacking NPD is evolving, from protein-packed jerky and muffins to low-sugar cereals and chocolate treats.

How regulation will reshape the UK food and drink sector in 2026

Mondelez, Uncle Saba’s: Nostalgia and mindfulness shaping snack trends

Sentimentality and health are increasingly influencing consumer snack choices

Nestlé’s F1 deal signals industry shift

KitKat’s new Formula 1 partnership – including its first ever “chocolate car” – signals a fresh era of innovation for confectionery. Discover how this move could inspire more brands to embrace bold collaborations, immersive fan experiences, and limited‑edition products.

Conagra charts frozen food trends for 2026

Conagra’s Future of Frozen Food report shows rising demand for high-protein frozen meals as shoppers seek healthier, minimally processed and convenient options.

From dietary guidelines to cocoa shortages, pressure mounts on CPG brands

From red meat debates to vague processing rules in the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans and volatile cocoa supply, CPG brands face mounting pressure to adapt product strategy and sourcing.

Crack it, snack it, recycle it: Packaging that’ll rule 2026

Snack packs are finally starting to look like they belong in 2026 instead of 2006, and the pressure to keep evolving isn’t letting up.

Slack-fill suit puts cereal packaging practices in the legal spotlight

A class action filed in California in December accuses General Mills of selling air-heavy cereal boxes, dragging a familiar packaging gripe back into court.

Longevity vs healthy ageing: What’s the difference in food?

Longevity and healthy ageing have taken the world by storm. But what is the difference between them? More to the point, why are consumers gravitating towards them?

‘Highly-processed’ or ‘ultra-processed’? New dietary guidelines reignite a definitional food fight

The 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans avoid the term “ultra-processed foods,” prompting both praise and criticism

Kraft Heinz demerger: Will the $28.7bn break-up pay off?

Kraft Heinz abandons its mega-merger and announces a historic split into two companies: Global Taste Elevation Co. and North American Grocery Co. What’s driving the demerger, and what does it mean for growth, brand strategy, and investor confidence?

Nestlé’s infant formula recall: What’s next for the industry?

Learn why manufacturers hold ultimate responsibility and what stricter HACCP controls could mean for the industry.

Chocolate is front-running US-Canada trade breakdown

Chocolate is reshaping supply chains as US–Canada tariffs drag on, with Lindt’s 2025 move signalling deeper change across food manufacturing.

Can AI finally tame sourdough’s wild side?

New research explores how AI could help industrial bakers control sourdough fermentation, improving consistency without losing flavor or character.

Science Shorts: PepsiCo AI start-up winner, cell-cultured cocoa and more

PepsiCo AI start-up winner, cell-cultured cocoa and more feature in this edition of Science Shorts

The big 5: Functional confectionery trends to watch

Discover the top 5 trends driving the functional confectionery boom - from protein-packed bars and gut-health gummies to stress-relief chocolates and premium personalised gifting.

McDonald’s India’s millet bun is a smart, subtle fix for the fiber gap

McDonald’s India’s millet bun shows how bakery reformulation can quietly close the fiber gap using familiar grains, without new products or heavy health claims.

10 texture trends that will define bakery & snacks in 2026

Texture is now the main event in bakery and snacks. From crunch and creaminess to layered indulgence, these 2026 trends show how mouthfeel drives value.

Is cycle syncing the next big thing in women’s nutrition?

From cycle‑syncing protein to PMS‑targeted snacks, women’s health innovation is accelerating as brands tap rising demand for personalised, evidence‑based nutrition.

USDA ‘two-strikes’ rule on sweets sales threatens retailers accepting food assistance payments

Industry groups seek further guidance following a 90-day grace period on SNAP snacks ban