Consumer appetite for ultraprocessed food reform extends beyond MAHA

Close to two-thirds of Americans support policies regulating chemicals and additives in food, according to a University of Pennsylvania study.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Oct. 29, 2026

Danone joins Nestlé, Coca-Cola in revising recycling labels after EU greenwashing probe

The Evian owner committed to specifying what parts of its water bottles are made from 100% recycled plastics and will refrain from misleading marketing.

By Zoya Mirza • Oct. 28, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from Food Dive

Check out a selection of articles about some of the biggest trends and news — from McCormick’s reformulation strategy to the impact of GLP-1s  — shaping the food industry in 2026.

By Food Dive staff

Ultraprocessed food labels could cost industry $14B a year

A labeling mandate would apply to 72% of packaged foods and lead to higher reformulation and ingredient costs, according to a University of Chicago study.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Oct. 27, 2026

Texas sues Nestlé’s Gerber over alleged heavy metals in baby food

Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is in the midst of a high-profile Senate election, is seeking more than $10 million in penalties.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Oct. 19, 2026

The Non-GMO Project wants to set the standard for non-ultraprocessed foods

CEO Megan Westgate talks about the holistic approach in developing the Non-UPF Verified label and whether the certification can become a framework for reformulation across the industry.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Oct. 15, 2026

FDA paves the way for salt reduction in dozens of food categories

The department will allow salt substitutes in bread, milk, condiments and other staple foods as part of an effort to reduce Americans’ sodium consumption.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Oct. 14, 2026

US consumer trust in food safety falls to record low

A Cyclospora outbreak and a series of food recalls has shaken consumer confidence and led to a shift in buying habits, according to Gallup.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Oct. 13, 2026

Can WK Kellogg save cereal?

After years of sales declines amid a shift in eating habits, executives at the Froot Loops and Frosted Flakes manufacturer have a plan to give the category a wake-up call.

By Christopher Doering • Oct. 13, 2026

California enacts non-ultraprocessed label despite food industry concerns

While the new seal is meant to provide a simple way for consumers to identify healthier options, some worry it could lead to more confusion.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Sept. 29, 2026

RFK Jr’s food policy priorities need more resources to implement, FDA nominee says

Heidi Overton said the agency requires more support to enact mandatory GRAS notifications while also remaining open to a federal standard on ingredient regulation.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Sept. 29, 2026

Non-GMO Project’s non-ultraprocessed label expands to over 300 products

Chomps, Simple Mills and Blue Diamond are among 23 brands that have received certification as the program sees growing demand.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Sept. 21, 2026

General Mills, Mars sue sugar producers for alleged price-fixing

Food giants claim suppliers coordinated on sensitive pricing information and pushed costs for the sweetener to a record high.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Sept. 10, 2026

USDA takes new SNAP waiver approach following court ruling

After a federal district court judge vacated SNAP food purchasing restrictions in five states, the federal government wants public comments.

By Catherine Douglas Moran • Sept. 9, 2026

California approves first statewide non-ultraprocessed food label

The landmark measure establishes a voluntary certification system and requires large grocery stores to prominently display cleaner label food options. 

By Sarah Zimmerman • Sept. 8, 2026

Why do new food products fail?

Recipe changes ripple through specs, claims and labels. Keep product data aligned to avoid recalls.

By Erika Redaelli, Global Head — Solution Management, Regulatory and Scientific, Trace One • Sept. 8, 2026

SNAP bans led to 12% decline in soda purchases

Recipients didn’t buy more sugary drinks with their own dollars, bucking a common theory held across the food industry, a new academic study found. 

By Sarah Zimmerman • Sept. 1, 2026

Zero-sugar labels take center stage in more food class action lawsuits

Liquid Death and the maker of David protein bars are the latest to face consumer complaints after the FDA said natural sweetener allulose is a sugar.

By Laurel Deppen • Aug. 31, 2026

Trump pledges legal action to break ‘nasty monopoly’ in meat processing

A proposal to allow farmers and ranchers to process their own animals immediately drew criticism from agriculture groups over food safety concerns.

By Christopher Doering • Aug. 28, 2026

Packaging industry braces for impacts from U.S.-Canada trade war

Trade groups for manufacturers of fiber, metal and glass packaging say higher costs could affect companies along both countries’ supply chains.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 27, 2026

Nearly 60 members of Congress call for aluminum pricing investigation

At issue is the Midwest Premium, a pricing structure that has led to increased costs for cans used by the U.S. beverage industry.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 24, 2026

FSMA 204 brings law and order to the retail range

Technology alone won't solve this. What early pilots reveal about the real work ahead.

Aug. 24, 2026

US to temporarily relieve ground beef tariffs in bid to lower prices

President Donald Trump said he will allow 300,000 metric tons of product to enter the country duty-free for the next 90 days.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Aug. 21, 2026

Trump admin’s dietary guidelines face lawsuit from doctors’ group

The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine said recommendations were illegally shaped by beef and dairy industry insiders.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Aug. 20, 2026

Where SNAP participation has fallen the most

All but one state saw a year-over-year drop in the number of people enrolled in the food assistance program in April.

By Catherine Douglas Moran • Aug. 19, 2026

Will Congress be left to define ultraprocessed foods?

As the FDA delays its proposed definition, lawmakers have stepped up to take action.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Aug. 13, 2026