Prepared Foods

09/05/2026

Levels is expanding its Walmart assortment with Strawberry and Unflavored Whey Protein Powders in 1.48lb canisters, along with single-serve Vanilla Bean and Double Chocolate offerings.

The expansion reflects the convergence of high-protein demand with simplified formulations, ingredient transparency and third-party testing—attributes increasingly shaping innovation across the protein category.

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[ IMAGE COURTESY OF: Levels ]

Levels expanded its Walmart presence with new whey protein flavors and formats featuring up to 25g of protein per serving. The additions emphasize minimal ingredient formulations, grass-fed dairy and Clean Label Project Purity Award certification.

09/04/2026

Protein may be measured in grams on the label, but its performance depends on much more than quantity.

As protein moves into beverages, snacks, frozen desserts, bakery and confectionery, formulators must account for how different proteins interact with acids, carbohydrates, fibers, fats, minerals, flavors and other proteins. Those molecular interactions can influence solubility, emulsification, texture, flavor delivery, nutritional quality and shelf stability.

The challenge becomes even more complex as pH, heat treatment and neighboring ingredients alter protein behavior throughout processing and storage.

Understanding protein chemistry can help prevent instability, unwanted flavors and texture problems during scale-up—and help ensure that products deliver more than just an impressive protein number on the label.

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[ IMAGE COURTESY OF: kali9 / Getty Images; Ripple Foods Inc.; Protein Pints, LLC; Utz Brands, Inc. ]

09/03/2026

The plant-based market is shifting again. Innova Market Insights identifies “Authentic Plant-Based” as a key 2026 trend, reflecting movement away from products designed primarily to imitate meat and dairy and toward foods and beverages that let plant ingredients stand on their own.

Consumer expectations are helping drive the change. More than half of consumers surveyed say plant-based products should stand on their own, while demand for less processing, fewer additives and natural taste is influencing formulation. Protein, fiber and nutrient density remain important, but sensory performance is critical: one-quarter of US and Canadian consumers say plant-based products could offer better texture and a less synthetic, artificial taste.

The trend points toward opportunities to rethink plant-based formulation around whole-food ingredients, cleaner labels, protein and fiber, appealing textures and flavor-forward experiences—rather than imitation alone.

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[ IMAGES COURTESY OF: Mars, Inc.; milkadamia; Beyond Meat; Elmhurst 1925; Forager Project ]

09/02/2026

What could drive the next wave of beverage innovation? Imbibe's 2027 Flavor Forecast identifies seven territories influencing flavor development, from dark fruits and acid-forward citrus to botanicals, “newstalgia” and swicy combinations.

Among the strongest signals: searches for “swicy” increased 359% year over year, dirty soda jumped 212% and matcha climbed 76%. The report also points to an expanding role for flavor in functional beverages, where taste cues can help communicate product benefits to consumers.

The forecast offers insight into not only which flavors are gaining momentum, but how flavor choices intersect with functionality, processing, shelf life and consumer expectations.

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[ PHOTO CREDIT: Everyday better to do everything you love / Getty Images ]

09/01/2026

Michaels Of Brooklyn is expanding its retail sauce portfolio with new Basil Alfredo and Caramelized Onion Alfredo varieties.

Both sauces feature real cream, butter, egg, Parmesan and Romano cheeses. Basil Alfredo incorporates fresh basil, while Caramelized Onion Alfredo uses slowly caramelized onions to create a deeper, savory flavor profile.

The launches highlight opportunities to differentiate familiar sauce formats through premium ingredients, culinary preparation techniques and restaurant-inspired flavors.

The sauces have an SRP of $9.99 and are available through Amazon, The Fresh Market and Sprouts Farmers Market.

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[ IMAGE COURTESY OF: Michaels of Brooklyn ]

08/31/2026

Fiber is moving further into the functional nutrition spotlight as interest in gut health, nutrient density and GLP-1-related eating patterns creates new opportunities for food and beverage developers.

According to Innova Market Insights, consumers increasingly connect gut health with benefits beyond digestion, including energy, immunity and overall well-being. Meanwhile, advances in soluble and prebiotic fibers are making it easier to incorporate fiber into beverages, dairy, bakery, sports nutrition and convenient stick-pack formats.

For formulators, the opportunity extends beyond adding grams of fiber. Emerging strategies include pairing fiber with protein for nutrient-dense products, “fiber stacking” multiple sources and exploring ingredients such as chicory root inulin, soluble corn fiber, oat fiber, tapioca fiber and upcycled plant fibers.

As gut health products compete for attention, taste, texture, clear benefits and affordability will be critical to turning growing consumer interest into repeat purchases.



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[ IMAGE CREDITS: FlamingoImages / Getty Images; Danone North America; OLIPOP ]

08/30/2026

Arrival Wellness is expanding its Daily Creatine lineup with single-serve sachets designed to bring greater portability to daily creatine supplementation.

Each sachet contains 5g of creatine monohydrate and organic blueberry powder, with no additives or fillers. The third-party-tested formula has a light blueberry flavor and can be mixed into water, smoothies, yogurt and other foods and beverages.

The launch highlights creatine’s continued expansion beyond traditional sports nutrition, alongside opportunities for simplified formulations, female-focused positioning and convenient single-serve formats.

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[ IMAGE COURTESY OF: Arrival Wellness ]

08/29/2026

Nutiva is expanding distribution of its Original Coconut Aminos with a 30oz format in refreshed packaging at Costco clubs across Texas.

The savory, slightly sweet condiment provides a soy-free, organic, gluten-free and non-GMO 1:1 alternative to traditional soy sauce, with 72% less sodium than the leading brand. The packaging update also marks Coconut Secret’s transition into the Nutiva portfolio.

The offering reflects continued opportunities around globally inspired flavors, sodium reduction and clean-label alternatives to familiar pantry staples.

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[ IMAGE COURTESY OF: Nutiva ]

08/28/2026

Probiotics, vitamins and botanicals may receive much of the attention in immune health, but minerals including magnesium, zinc, iron, iodine and selenium play foundational roles in immune and metabolic function.

Mineral fortification requires careful consideration of dosage, bioavailability and formulation performance. Iron, for example, illustrates the trade-offs: ferrous sulfate offers a cost-effective, highly bioavailable option but can create flavor and color challenges, while alternative forms can improve sensory performance at a higher cost.

As interest in targeted nutrition grows, micronutrient gaps could create new opportunities for science-backed formulations that position minerals as contributors to broader immune and metabolic health rather than stand-alone “immune boosters.”

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[ IMAGE CREDITS: iStock/jirkaejc; iStock/monticelllo; International Nut & Dried Fruit Council; California Fig Board ]

08/27/2026

New research led by University of Toronto researchers finds that many of the foods contributing most to sodium intake also provide important nutrients, including protein, calcium, fiber and potassium. Researchers say this creates a formulation challenge: reducing sodium while preserving the broader nutritional value these foods provide.

The findings reinforce the need to consider the full nutrient profile during reformulation. The study suggests sodium reductions of 10%–30% may be feasible in some foods when approaches are designed to preserve key nutrient contributions.

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[ PHOTO CREDIT: Xan / Getty Images ]