New research from Mintel reveals that the top reason Americans say they snack is to treat themselves (50%) and more than one quarter (28%) agree that taste is more important than health when choosing a snack.  

Shellfish, which tends to be more costly and therefore to some consumers riskier to prepare at home, appear to be the seafood of choice when dining out, reports The NPD Group, a leading global information company.

Beef jerky sales grew by nearly seven% last year, according to Nielsen. Meat snacks are second only to potato chips in the salty snack category, but potato chips posted only 1.7% dollar growth over the same time period. 

While Italians still consume the biggest volume of pasta per person globally, they are cutting back on this traditional staple.

The goal is to educate and communicate new technologies and flavor concepts so Bell’s customers can be successful in delivering market-leading products.

Hungry for new perspectives on innovation? I certainly am as Prepared Foods readies its 35th annual New Products Conference this September in Denver. Last year, we focused on “disruptive innovation.” This year, we want to help innovation executives navigate market trends and “Unleash Opportunity, Unlock Creativity and Transform Industry” with change from within.

Consumer trends related to health and sustainability are driving pasta sales along with strong growth in key countries, according to data shared by The Nielsen Company at an international gathering of pasta producers this week in Uzwil, Switzerland. 

According to a just released consumer survey, flavor and texture are the top reasons people enjoy cooking with meat, and the fear of missing that is the reason fewer people follow a plant-based diet.

Flavor mash-ups (including sweet heat, inclusions or pairings), snacking options and yogurt drinks are also helping to expand the consumer base.