The Food Institute

09/05/2025

Consumers are craving comfort and novelty, and restaurants are answering with bold seasonal menus that tap into nostalgia while surprising the palate.

Some classics are losing steam, while new contenders are emerging as the flavors to watch this year.

👉 What's trending this fall? https://foodinstitute.pulse.ly/kdzabwfhfw

09/04/2025

Carbs are making a comeback in endurance sports.

The energy gel market is set to double to $1.3B by 2034 — but some athletes are swapping pricey gels for a simpler alternative: Rice Krispies Treats.

👉 Why this unexpected “snack” is becoming serious performance fuel: https://foodinstitute.com/focus/move-over-uncrustables-pro-athletes-are-reaching-for-rice-krispies-treats/

09/04/2025

Dirty soda is more than a TikTok craze — it’s becoming big business. 🥤✨

With menu growth at 42%, a $5.50 average price point, and social mentions up 270%, major brands like McDonald’s and Chick-fil-A are already on board.

Is dirty soda the future of the non-alcoholic beverage market? https://foodinstitute.com/focus/the-rise-of-dirty-soda-a-trend-taking-the-beverage-industry-by-storm/

09/03/2025

𝘼 1-𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧-𝙤𝙡𝙙 𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙮 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙡 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙤𝙙𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙞𝙘𝙚!

Toma, created by Manolo Gonzalez Vergara and his mother, actress Sofia Vergara blends authentic Latin flavors with the convenience of handheld food with premium empanadas and other authentic offerings.

The brand is reshaping consumer expectations of Latin cuisine by making it accessible and convenient.

Read more: https://foodinstitute.com/sponsored/new-and-next-by-nestle-toma-brand-gathering-momentum/

09/03/2025

Consumer confidence dips yet again, debt is rising, and bankruptcies are skyrocketing as we approach the 2025 holiday season. Discover what this means for food & beverage businesses.

This video breaks down the latest consumer sentiment data, debt statistics, and actionable strategies for food & beverage industry leaders.

Stay ahead of the curve by subscribing to The Food Institute for data-driven food and retail insights every week.

09/02/2025

Inflation. Flavor Trends. Tariffs. These are just some of the issues surrounding the food and beverage industry, especially the specialty food category. Where are consumers doing the most grocery shopping right now? What topics are most important to demographics right now? What cuisines and flavors are at the top of everyone’s lists?

Find out the answers to these questions and more in this special talk on 2025 food industry trends, given by Food Institute CEO Brian Choi, and MenuData CEO Sunny Khamkar. This talk took place at the Specialty Food Association’s 2025 Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City.

https://youtu.be/BkgIlT1RHck

trends

09/01/2025

𝙇𝙞𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙙 𝘿𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝 𝙞𝙨 𝙠𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙩.

With $333M in revenue, viral collabs (Fruity Pebbles, Ozzy Osbourne), and fans tattooing its logo, the company proves that creativity and authenticity still drive loyalty in a crowded market.

Learn more:

08/29/2025

Creatine is making a comeback.

Once a staple in NFL locker rooms, it’s now gaining traction with older adults, GLP-1 users, and anyone focused on longevity.

Backed by science for muscle, brain health, and recovery — the creatine market is set to quadruple by 2030.

Article: https://foodinstitute.com/focus/creatine-has-become-the-billion-dollar-darling-of-the-wellness-aisle/

08/29/2025

Nostalgia sells — and Taco Bell knows it.

The chain is rolling out a Y2K-inspired Decades Menu, complete with throwback favorites, retro merch, and even a Lil Jon party. Taco Bell is betting big on early-2000s vibes to drive traffic.

Details: https://foodinstitute.com/focus/taco-bell-digs-deeper-with-nostalgia-fueled-menu-revival/

08/28/2025

The first half of 2025 showed that even in a cautious market, strategic dealmaking in manufacturing and distribution (M&D) is far from slowing down. With new tax incentives, evolving trade dynamics, and a shift toward larger, more targeted investments, the landscape is changing — and fast.

Here’s a quick look at what’s shaping the conversation:
✅Fewer deals, but bigger bets: Average deal size rose as investors focused on scale.
✅Food & beverage stood out with over $103 billion in capital deployed.
✅New tax rules under the OBBB Act could unlock major savings for manufacturers.
✅Tariff shifts are prompting supply chain reevaluations.
✅Private equity and venture capital remain active and adaptive.

Private equity and venture capital aren’t slowing down — they’re adapting.

Report:

08/28/2025

The latest FI Fast Break news podcast examines the rash of recent bankruptcies in the U.S., the current "no-hire, no-fire" job market, and more.

LISTEN:

In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we examine the rash of recent bankruptcies in the U.S.

08/28/2025

AI is no longer a future concept — it’s transforming foodservice today.

From product innovation and automation in manufacturing, to smarter staffing, personalized menus, and optimized supply chains, artificial intelligence is reshaping how the food & beverage industry operates.

Join The Food Institute on Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 2 PM ET for an expert roundtable featuring:

• Rizwan Butt (iTradeNetwork)
• Stephanie Ngo (Frosty Acres Brands, Kraft)
• Melissa Lee (General Mills, Cargill)
• Sunny Khamkar (MenuData)

👉 Key takeaways for management:
✔ How manufacturers are using AI to enhance product development and quality control
✔ How suppliers are optimizing forecasting, logistics, and inventory
✔ How operators are leveraging AI for better guest engagement and efficiency
✔ Real-world case studies showing measurable results

Don’t miss practical insights to help you harness AI across your organization.

Register here: https://www.bigmarker.com/the-food-institute/smarter-supply-smarter-service-how-ai-is-transforming-foodservice

Special thanks to iTradeNetwork for sponsoring this event!