Why sauces are emerging as key growth vehicle for CPG brands

From global flavors to customization, sauces are changing how consumers choose, experience and personalize food. Explore the trends shaping sauce culture.

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

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

PepsiCo, Kraft Heinz under investigation in Texas over avocado oil claims

A probe into food giants' better-for-you brands follows a UC Davis study that found many products may be adulterated with cheaper oils.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Aug. 27, 2026

Trix maker General Mills removes synthetic dyes from US cereals

The cereal maker said it remains on track to remove artificial colors from the rest of its American retail portfolio by the end of 2027.

By Christopher Doering • Aug. 27, 2026

Investors sue Owyn protein shake owner after reformulation led to sales dip

Simply Good Foods' switch to "an inferior supplier of pea protein" led to negative reviews and lost distributor relationships, a lawsuit claims.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Aug. 26, 2026

Mondelēz brings UK protein bar Grenade to the US

The Clif and Perfect Bar owner is doubling down on its domestic bar portfolio to leverage growing consumer demand for protein and portability.

By Christopher Doering • Aug. 25, 2026

Beer giant Constellation Brands invests $100M in US farm profitability

The Modelo maker said the investment will help improve economic resiliency in key producing states, including Idaho, Montana and North Dakota.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Aug. 24, 2026

With ‘shackles off’ after Unilever split, Magnum Ice Cream takes new approach to innovation

The Ben & Jerry’s maker is expanding the reach of its brands by making them more than an end-of-day indulgence, pitting them against other snacks such as candy and chips.

By Christopher Doering • Aug. 24, 2026

Gopuff expands private label, debuts first-ever seasonal product lineup

The additions mainly include baked goods such as cakes, cookies, danishes, edible and bakeable cookie dough, toaster pastries and fudge.

By Brett Dworski • 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

Newman’s Own bets on its purpose-driven heritage to engage millennials

Years after Paul Newman’s death, the brand’s new CMO sees opportunity in amplifying its use of good ingredients and that profits go to charities.

By Danielle McLean • Aug. 20, 2026

Kraft Heinz focuses innovation to address ‘unmet’ consumer diet needs

Lactose-free Philadelphia cream cheese and clean-label Heinz ketchup could attract consumers previously unable to engage with the food giant’s portfolio.

By Christopher Doering • Aug. 17, 2026

Leftovers: Khloud adds collagen to protein chips | Hershey goes beyond sweets for Halloween

Khloé Kardashian's snack brand is expanding its functional lineup, while McCain's frozen snack brand debuts sauce-filled mozzarella sticks.

By Food Dive staff • Aug. 14, 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

Mondelēz takes big bite of premium cookie market with Tate’s

The snacking giant said the brand is growing 2.5 times faster than the cookie category and is benefiting from consumer demand for high-end treats.

By Christopher Doering • Aug. 12, 2026

Jif’s reworks logo to go beyond peanut butter and jelly

A new campaign taps into the brand’s recognizability and turns it into a vehicle to suggest new occasions for the peanut butter.

By Chris Kelly • Aug. 12, 2026

Goldfish debuts first gluten-free option

The Campbell's Company said the innovation is one of the most requested by consumers in the brand's history.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Aug. 11, 2026

Stoli redesigns spicy vodka following Tabasco lawsuit

The spirits brand settled with the hot sauce maker after a judge agreed its Halapeño Pepper Vodka could confuse consumers.

By Laurel Deppen • Aug. 11, 2026

FDA lays out plan to close ingredients ‘loophole’ targeted by RFK Jr

Food industry groups say the agency is limited in its authority to require more transparency under the controversial GRAS framework, pushing for Congress to approve a national standard.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Updated Aug. 11, 2026

Grocers have entered a ‘new affordability era,’ report notes

With no end in sight to consumers’ value-focused shopping habits, retailers should focus on helping people feel confident they’re getting good quality for their money, according to Acosta.

By Jeff Wells • Aug. 10, 2026

Leftovers: C4 splashes into sparkling protein | Minute Maid Spiked expands into hard iced tea

The energy drink brand's launch is part of a move into non-caffeinated functional beverages, while Mexico juice giant Jumex enters protein shakes.

By Food Dive staff • Aug. 7, 2026

More ultraprocessed foods could carry GMO labels after court ruling

The USDA will need to rewrite labeling standards for bioengineered foods by 2028 after a judge ruled against exemptions for highly refined ingredients.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Aug. 6, 2026

Froot Loops maker WK Kellogg will cut artificial colors a year ahead of schedule

All of the cereal giant’s products will soon use dyes from natural sources, with shipments to retailers expected to begin by the end of 2026.

By Christopher Doering • Aug. 6, 2026

The biggest food M&A deals of 2026 so far

Companies focused on clean-label ingredients and high-protein made up the bulk of acquisition activity as big brands strategically capitalize on new trends.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Aug. 5, 2026

PepsiCo expands presence in refrigerated meals with chilled soup

The food giant is bringing its Alvalle gazpacho brand to the U.S. as it looks to expand in fresh snacks and meals.

By Christopher Doering • Aug. 4, 2026