Decreasing unemployment rates, falling gas prices and an improving housing market bolstered the U.S. economy in 2014.

No bowl or milk necessary for the modern American breakfast. The most important meal of the day in the U.S. is shifting away from the familiar snap, crackle, and pop of cold breakfast cereals to embrace the convenient goodness packed into the food industry's increasing array of nutritional and cereal bars.

Mintel released five key trends set to impact the U.S. food and drink market in 2015.

Americans want their food to be natural and not altered to the latest dieting patterns, according to survey research by The NPD Group, Chicago.

Locally produced foods are stepping out of the shadow of their once "quirky niche" designation to claim a much more prominent place in the U.S. food and beverage retail-scape.

Americans want their food to be natural and not altered to the latest dieting patterns, according to a new study released by The NPD Group, a leading global information company, which recently released its 29th annual Eating Patterns in America Report.

More consumers are feeling time-scarce and view cooking as a chore, turning to convenient ready meals to free up more time for themselves. But to survive in an increasingly health-conscious society, ready meal manufacturers must innovate with new ingredients and premium products.

Yoplait Original will roll out a 25 percent sugar reduction in cups in March. The news was announced at the annual Consumer Analyst Group of New York conference in Boca Raton, Florida

Private label food products are getting some much needed attention, especially from young shoppers, according to the Private Label Foods: What’s Driving Purchase? - US, February 2015 report from market intelligence agency, Mintel. Per the report, 42 percent of Millennials (age 18-36) agree store brand food products are more innovative than name brand products.

Growth in these items and other ingredients suggest a growing interest in fresh and more healthful options, says NPD.