Driven by format familiarity, consumers’ desire to avoid alcohol, and new cannabis markets becoming operational, beverage is one of the fastest-growing segments, outpacing the growth of the overall edibles category.

Formulating plant-based products to maximize nutrition and deliver function is a growing opportunity, and selecting the right building blocks in formulation is important. The gap between nutrition delivery and consumer desires is one that can be filled by a new generation and greater variety of products.

The science behind understanding what a "healthy" human microbiome looks like, how it is controlled or how it can be changed is an evolving area of research. Recipients of the Danone North America Fellowship Grant support these efforts by exploring how the gut microbiome, yogurt and probiotics help sustain human health and wellness through growth, development, and longevity.

Professor Hinnerk Von Bargen of the Culinary Institute of America, San Antonio, shares his expertise on the trends and techniques that marry together seemingly disparate culinary styles and flavors in order to create new products with a flavor synchronicity that is greater than the sum of its parts.

Corporate leaders have identified a clear need to focus on technology for finding solutions to tackle global challenges and drive growth. Leading CEOs are already embedding sustainability into their businesses through launching new products and services for sustainability (63%), enhancing sustainability data collection across their value chains (55%) and investing in renewable energy sources (49%). Nearly half (49%) are transitioning to circular business models, and 40% are increasing R&D funding for sustainable innovation.

Each fall, Innova Market Insight releases its Top 10 Trends for the coming year. Then the anticipation and excitement begin as we link those top trends to topics we write and speak about—including snacking.

Unlike other label claims, such as “natural” or “regenerative,” “USDA Organic” is the only federally defined and enforced eco-label in the marketplace. It is backed by third-party certification and provides traceability from the farm to the consumer.

Convenience, plant-based nutrition, and restaurant-inspired international flavors are driving food innovations, and chopped salads kits are well positioned to drive growth for the value-added salad.

Plant-based consumer demand is shifting. No longer just a substitute meant to mimic animal products, plant-based is becoming a standalone segment, creating a wide new space for brands to let their innovation instincts grow.