Gut instinct: The 10 functional ingredients gaining ground in 2026
Dietitians’ latest data points to a more grounded approach to functionality, where gut health, cost and credibility matter as much as claims
Functional foods
4 big food trends in The Netherlands
What do Dutch consumers want?
Why Danone bought Huel: and what’s next for meal replacements
Danone is fast-expanding into meal replacements. What does its Huel deal mean for the category?
Gut health trend enters new era
The gut health trend is entering its next phase – one shaped by sharper science, smarter consumers and big opportunities
Olipop ramps up focus on flavour innovation as functional beverages boom
Flavour innovation is top-of-mind for the gut health superstar as US consumers value taste above all
Why the sleep crisis is food and drink’s next big global battleground
Sleep deprivation is becoming big business as consumers obsess over how much shuteye they’re getting, but how is the market responding?
Beyond Meat is now Beyond
The plant-based meat manufacturer has been diversifying for a while, but now it has fully rebranded
Blurred lines: Confectionery and sports nutrition collide in snacking revolution
From protein‑packed chocolate bars to big‑brand collaborations, sports nutrition and confectionery are merging fast
Inside the $330bn functional food frenzy fuelled by PepsiCo, Coke & Nestlé
From PepsiCo to Nestlé, global giants are racing to cash in on the booming functional food craze, but with trends shifting fast, the stakes have never been higher
Why food giants are pivoting to beauty
FMCGs and ingredients suppliers see the beauty market as an attractive alternative
Fibremaxxing out, diversity in: Why fibre sources matter
The type of fibre consumed, rather than just the amount, is important for consumers to take into account
5 big food trends in Italy
What do Italian consumers want from food?
The ‘untapped potential’ of functional chocolate
Functional chocolate is stepping into the spotlight. Discover the ingredients, trends and early innovators reshaping the future of indulgence
Food makers must listen to ageing populations - or be left behind
As the population changes, food will have to reshape itself around the needs and preferences of its demographics
Clean label vs. functional foods: Can the two trends coexist?
Functional foods are often ultra-processed – but can they be clean label?
Are GLP-1 ranges healthy? What food brands must know
Top food brands are embracing GLP-1-friendly ranges. But are these products nutritionally-sound?
Whole grains: A functional, clean label treasure trove?
Natural, whole and ancient grains boast strong nutritional benefits and minimal processing
Pet food in 2026: Premiumisation and ‘humanisation’ drives growth
The market expands as consumers increasingly see pets as equal parts of the family
Rapid hydration: 6 factors driving the trend
The expanding trend has appeal beyond sports nutrition
The big 5: Functional confectionery trends to watch
From protein bars to gut-friendly gummies, functional confectionery is exploding, and it’s changing the game for indulgence
Medjool dates, saffron and cardamon seeds: Entrepreneur creates flavorful functional alternative to traditional milkshakes
Finance professional turned food entrepreneur Masuma Zahara Bukhari brings an exotic flair to the fast-growing functional dairy-free category
The Big Shift: Five trends transforming food and beverage
Discover the breakthrough ideas redefining how food is created, regulated and trusted
The future of chocolate: An era of bold innovation and ultra indulgence
Chocolate is undergoing a dramatic transformation. From cutting‑edge cocoa‑free innovation to the rise of premium indulgence, discover how makers and brands are reinventing the world’s favourite treat
Battle of the F&B Trends 2026: Contenders Announced
Three major food and beverage trend battles are set to define 2026, but which will triumph, and which will be left behind?
How protein powers CPG majors’ expansion plans
Protein remains a cornerstone of innovation for food and beverage brands. Here’s how Danone, PepsiCo and General Mills are exploring the global megatrend
Meet the futuristic functional ingredients reshaping human health
From the mental health crisis to keeping an ageing population active, state-of-the art ingredients promise to help humanity bio-hack its way to peak performance. Here’s how
3 food predictions that came true in 2025 (and 3 that didn’t)
What predictions were right, and which ones didn’t come to pass?
Gut health: Innovations shaping a $51bn industry
From microbiome-first foods to AI-powered diagnostics, discover the innovations shaping the future of wellness
GLP-1: Threat or opportunity for food manufacturers?
At this early stage in the market, not all manufacturers know how to respond
Brain boom: 3 ingredients boosting cognitive health
Functional ingredients are aiming to boost brain health and wellbeing
CBD in food and drink: Inside the regulation holding it back
Despite market potential, CBD is restricted in the EU
Top 5 F&B ingredients trends driving market growth towards $560bn
The global food and beverage ingredients market is booming. But what are the trends powering industry growth?
Top 5 F&B retail trends for 2026
Discover the five trends that will define 2026, and why agility, authenticity, and technology will determine who succeeds and who fails
SVZ sees health craze as opportunity, not threat
The ingredients company suggests that its focus on fruit and veg puts it in a prime position to benefit from consumer obsessions with health
No- and low-alcohol trends: Big growth, bold innovation, new markets
The low- and no-alcohol sector is booming, and it’s not just about cutting back - it’s changing how the world celebrates
Functional food craze: What are the next breakout ingredients?
After a year of protein and fibre dominance, what’s the next big thing?
Protein and fibre ‘maxxing’ trend over? How consumers will diversify their diets
Consumers will begin to put greater emphasis on dietary diversity
Top 5 functional F&B ingredients trends for 2026
From gut-friendly gummies to protein-packed snacks, functional ingredients are transforming everyday food and drink into wellness powerhouses
Top 5 Christmas confectionery trends 2025
Holidays are coming! Discover the confectionery trends driving festive sales in 2025
Consumers want better sleep: 5 ingredients for nighttime nutrition
Sleep is a key health goal among consumers globally. The food industry now has an opportunity to meet consumer demands
How functional food claims are regulated
What do companies need to do to ensure their claims are compliant in the EU?
How GLP-1 drugs are supercharging the age of precision nutrition
Could the era of precision nutrition turn the pharma-driven metabolism revolution into a food-based one?
Confectionery market to hit $278bn by 2032 as candy sales surge
The confectionery market is entering a new growth phase, driven by evolving consumer preferences, seasonal demand, and innovation in non-chocolate formats
Fibre powers next wave of functional nutrition
Fibre is no longer just a digestive aid, it’s a driving force in food innovation
Coca-Cola’s Power Water takes on PepsiCo’s Propel
Functional bottled water wars continue between US beverage goliaths
Functional beverage market to hit $250bn by 2030: Key trends driving growth
The functional drinks market is booming, with health and wellness powering growth
Top confectionery trends for 2026
Top trends driving innovation in confectionery include personalisation, premiumisation, and ultra-limited editions
PepsiCo: Prebiotics and sugar act separately in cola
Pepsi’s new beverage innovation contains prebiotic fibres
Top confectionery trends driving sales in 2025
From timeless favourites to viral treats, discover how price, innovation, and better-for-you options are reshaping the confectionery aisle
Top 5 functional confectionery ingredients
Functional confectionery is booming. Find out which ingredients are driving the trend