Bakery and Snacks

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

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.

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.

A new California bill could change how food ingredients get FDA green light

As California’s AB 2034 moves forward, the bill targeting self-affirmed GRAS ingredients is intensifying debate over state authority, federal reform and the risk of patchwork food safety regulation.

FDA’s new ‘healthy’ rules are shifting power in the food supply chain

As the FDA’s new ‘healthy’ rules take effect, food and beverage manufacturers face reformulation delays, tighter supplier markets and growing supply chain risk ahead of 2028.

Industry, brace for change: Momentum builds behind Global Plastics Treaty

Six months after plastics treaty talks stalled, a new INC chair revives hopes for a Global Plastics Treaty. What this means for industry, regulation and packaging policy.

Protein is the price of entry at Expo West 2026

Protein dominates Natural Products Expo West 2026, but brands must prove they can deliver on taste, texture and next-gen functional innovation.