Food Dive got down to business this week with looks at food startups and mergers. Speaking of which, Sysco also announced its $3.5 billion acquisition of rival U.S. Foods, and, much to the dismay of all in our offices, California regulators halted Sriracha shipments.

Be sure to check out our look at 5 futuristic food products to watch in 2014 and more in this week's most read Food Dive posts!

• 6 food startups that could shake things up in 2014: These young companies have fresh ideas to offer the food industry, and they could all make big splashes in the new year.
• Hacked food: 5 futuristic products to keep an eye on in 2014: What is it about food that attracts so many tech executives and entrepreneurs to try to reboot dietary staples?
• Sysco to buy rival U.S. Foods for $3.5 billion: The merger will fundamentally alter the shape of the food-distribution industry.
• The food mergers and acquisitions that will shape 2014: It's been a wild year of buying and selling for food and beverage companies, and by watching corporate lifecycles play out, we can predict what happens next.
• Sriracha shipments halted by California regulators: The ban, in place until mid-January, comes after complaints about smells from the hot-sauce factory.

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