Jones Soda Co. announced its entry into the cannabis-infused beverage and edibles business with the release of the first products from a new division operating under the Mary Jones brand.

For several years, reports of a decline in consumption of dairy milk has led some to erroneously believe the dairy industry is slowing down, or even moribund. Huge growth in plant-based dairy analogs, and flat liquid milk sales certainly cannot be denied, but according to research by multiple organizations, dairy foods are enjoying a steady growth. A new report from Innova Market Insights revealed global sales for yogurt (both dairy and alternative) is on target to pass the $100 billion mark this year.

According to Innova Market Insights’ 2021 Lifestyles and Attitudes Survey, 37% of Americans said they were eating breakfast “more in home” versus just 6% who said they were eating breakfast “more out of home.”

Prepared Foods’ David Feder interviews sweetener scientist and research chef Alexa Bosshardt, MS, RDN on the hot trending near-zero-calorie sweetener allulose. Could this natural sugar be the “Holy Grail” of sweeteners?

Investment in alternative proteins, and funding for general protein innovation strengthens in 2022.

Want to listen to industry news and views on the way to work? Catch a quick video on a lunchbreak? Prepared Foods now goes anywhere—and everywhere—to cover critical topics.

In 2021, brands paid attention to the movement towards healthier habits. This translated to fortification and adding ingredients; or conversely, removing some maligned ingredients.

Overall competition for meal solutions is increasing as the restaurant industry rebounds. Industry market and consumer insights tracker NPD Group, Chicago, says the US restaurant industry ended 2021 better than the year began. Moreover, NPD predicts industry operators could recover 98% of pre-pandemic visits by the end of 2022.