Bakery and Snacks

Baking NPD: Protein muffins, pistachio nostalgia and cookie culture

A roundup of the latest baking NPD, from protein muffin mixes and pulse flours to pistachio cake, ready-to-bake cookie dough and pancake mixes.

How food retailers and suppliers are driving health and affordability

FMI webinar insights reveal the strategies behind product reformulation, nutrition guidance and retail health initiatives that support shoppers’ wellness and budgets.

Swicy, smoke and sourdough: Bakery and snacks turn up the flavour fest in 2026

Bakery and snacks in 2026 are embracing swicy flavours, sourdough innovation and bold texture as contrast, colour and global influence drive growth.

Flavour first, fibre close behind: Bakery resets for 2026

Bakery in 2026 is being reshaped by flavour-led innovation, fibre-driven health cues and premium breakfast formats that balance indulgence with value.

The 2026 reset: Why protein strategy is now a structural business challenge

Protein is now a baseline expectation in food and drink, but scaling high-protein products without compromising flavour, cost or compliance is testing manufacturers in 2026.

Is Gen Z rewriting the rules of value?

Gen Z is more value conscious than ever. Private label, premium scrutiny and 'little treats' are reshaping food and drink strategy.

The tale of two spin-offs: What the Kellogg breakup really achieved

An indepth analysis of the Kellogg split and how Kellanova and WK Kellogg were ultimately sold to Mars and Ferrero.

Acid whey in sourdough: Fixing a commercial pain point or provoking the purists?

Study shows acid whey improves sourdough loaf volume and delays mould. But labelling and authenticity questions remain.

Protein is the baseline as GLP-1 accelerates the shift

Archer accelerates meat snack growth with $100M from JPMorgan Chase

Better-for-you brand Archer Meat Snacks boosts US production with a new Los Angeles plant, $100M in financing and surging meat stick sales across 30,000+ stores.

The ultra-processed foods debate has nuance - let’s recognise it

The UPF debate is still going strong. While one side argues that ultra-processed foods, as defined by the Nova classification, have caused widespread harm to public health, the other maintains that Nova, by classifying foods through processing levels rather than nutrition, is not useful. Both sides are, to some extent, right.

How Kerry’s B2B strategy is evolving in its post-dairy era

Kerry Group outlines its post‑divestment strategy, focusing on innovation, reformulation, global channel growth and digital efficiencies to drive long‑term performance.

Alt Protein Watch: Blended proteins, mushrooms and sustainability

Blended proteins, mushrooms, Asia sustainability report and more feature in this edition of Alt Protein Watch

Blurred lines: Confectionery and sports nutrition collide in snacking revolution

Discover how the worlds of confectionery and sports nutrition are converging, from protein‑packed treats to brand collaborations, creating new opportunities for indulgent yet functional snacking across both sectors.

The power of hue: Why beverage colour matters more than ever

Visual appeal is a central factor for consumer engagement in the beverage industry, with color playing a crucial role in setting taste expectations and brand perception. The rise of social media has amplified the importance of aesthetically pleasing beverages

Why Mars is powering up M&M’s as it reshapes its global growth strategy

Mars is leaning harder into M&M’s as a strategic growth engine while navigating major acquisitions, volatile cocoa markets, supply‑chain reforms and shifting consumer trends across its global snacks and confectionery portfolio.

Cocoa alternatives won’t fix chocolate’s pricing problem

At what point does ‘transparency’ become operational chaos?

As FDA scrutiny, GRAS reform and retailer standards intensify, US ingredient transparency is creating new operational strain for food manufacturers.

Mars, Mondelēz, Nestlé, Hershey, and Lindt team up to transform future of cocoa

The world’s leading confectionery companies - Mars, Mondelēz, Nestlé, Hershey, and Lindt & Sprüngli - have launched TogetherCocoa, a new foundation aimed at supporting cocoa‑growing communities in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, and strengthening sustainability across the global cocoa supply chain.

Smucker sues Trader Joe’s, as Uncrustables shifts from freezer to fridge

JM Smucker defends its $1B Uncrustables brand from imitators and unveils a fridge‑friendly formula to eliminate thaw time for consumers.