Bakery and Snacks

Are consumers really asking AI what snacks to eat?

Conagra’s analysis of AI queries suggests shoppers are asking for snacks that meet specific needs. What does the evidence reveal about discovery and sales?

Are GLP-1s creating Big Food’s next valuation trap?

GLP-1 drugs are influencing food M&A, but buyers risk overvaluing health-led assets and underpricing adaptable bakery and snack businesses.

Can zero-waste snacking survive the leap to scale?

Earthnutz founder Abby Singh explains how the startup transforms peanuts into protein crisps and virgin oil while preparing to scale production.

The EUDR must go ahead or risk losing credibility

The EUDR has gone through two delays and several simplifications in the past two years. But it must now go ahead, or risk losing credibility, FoodNavigator argues.

When food marketing slips into misinformation

EU-funded research reveals how vague food claims, hidden sponsorships, influencers and AI can mislead consumers – and how producers should respond.

EFSA gives positive opinion on CBD

Cannabidiol (CBD) is considered a novel food in the EU, and assessments have been paused due to data gaps. Yet now, EFSA has given a positive opinion on one CBD product, with some strict proposed limits.

Oreo, Wonka and Yasso take snacking off script

Oreo goes pistachio, Wonka returns to UK shelves and Yasso expands frozen yoghurt as protein, nostalgia and hybrid formats reshape snack NPD.

Nestlé tops TIME’s food and drink company ranking

Nestlé leads TIME and Statista’s 2026 food and drink ranking. See the top 20, from Carlsberg and Mars to Mondelēz and PepsiCo.

The power generation: What Gen Z really wants from F&B

Wellness, global flavours and moderation: unpack the trends, values and contradictions shaping Gen Z food and drink choices

Recyclability rules could make flexible plastics more expensive for producers

Nestlé Russia falls under Kremlin control

Kremlin places Nestlé’s Russian business under temporary administration, prompting Swiss food and beverage giant to assess its options and legal rights.

Can brands beat private label with feelings?

Brands are fighting for shelf space with private label, which is increasingly competing in areas such as premium and even functional foods. But if brands can utilise emotional resonance and sensory experience, believes MMR Research, they may have an edge.

Grocery shoppers embrace AI research, but not AI buying agents

Shoppers are using AI to compare grocery products and find deals, but few trust AI agents to reorder groceries or make purchases on their behalf.

Alternative proteins have disappointed investors – but it’s not the end

Alternative proteins have struggled to meet investor expectations due to taste, texture and affordability challenges. But growing investment in fermentation technologies suggests parts of the sector may still have strong commercial potential.

Rising food inflation to hit hard as impacts of Iran War and El Niño converge

Which food commodities are threatened most by ‘Godzilla’ El Niño?

The current El Niño could be the largest in living memory. But which food commodities does it threaten?

General Mills, Kellanova, Mars and McKee Foods sue sugar producers over alleged price-fixing

General Mills, Kellanova, Mars and McKee Foods allege US sugar producers coordinated sensitive information to inflate granulated-sugar prices.

Food’s fight for the evening snack gets serious

Evening snacking is booming as consumers seek comfort, convenience and indulgence at home. Discover the trends shaping the occasion, from premiumisation and meal replacement to health-focused innovation, and how food and drink brands can win the evening snack market.

From aspartame to allulose: The future of sweeteners takes shape

The sweetener market is evolving as manufacturers balance sugar reduction targets, health concerns, consumer preferences, regulatory pressures and new ingredient innovation.

The future will be fun-sized: Why small indulgence beats shrinkflation for consumers

Small indulgence formats may offer CPG brands a more effective way to meet value-conscious consumers than shrinkflation, according to o9 Solutions.