4 food trends that could define the rest of 2025

Companies are restructuring operations or rethinking M&A as they feel the heat from slowing sales and face pressure to transform their ingredient lists.

By Christopher Doering , Sarah Zimmerman • Aug. 27, 2025

Spindrift discontinues alcohol offering amid decline in hard seltzers

The beverage maker will end production of its Spiked line after four years, noting it took “substantial resources and time.”

By Christopher Doering • Aug. 25, 2025

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from Food Dive

The food and beverage industry is changing rapidly and the actions companies take this year are likely to play a major role in defining their future. 

By Food Dive staff

Here’s how — and why — to own the ingredient conversation with consumers

Food brands and manufacturers can own the ingredient conversation to win consumer trust and loyalty, and it starts with education.

Aug. 25, 2025

McCormick reaches $750M deal to expand condiments business in Latin America

The spice giant will become the majority owner of a joint venture in Mexico as it sees strong demand for mayonnaise.  

By Sarah Zimmerman • Aug. 21, 2025

Nestlé develops ‘groundbreaking’ process to boost cocoa production

The discovery could increase the supply of the popular commodity, which has seen yields cut due to climate change.

By Christopher Doering • Aug. 21, 2025

Tyson adjusts beef production in face of low supply, healthy demand

The meat processor has cut costs from its operation and slowed processing speeds to get the most from record-low cattle availability.

By Antone Gonsalves • Aug. 19, 2025

FMI says it’s concerned about tariffs’ impacts on grocery prices

More than half of respondents to the trade group’s U.S. consumer trends survey for August said tariffs were their primary concern related to food costs.

By Sam Silverstein • Aug. 18, 2025

WK Kellogg signs legal agreement to remove artificial dyes from cereals

The deal with the Texas attorney general's office represents the first time a food company has gone beyond a voluntary commitment to phase out petroleum-based colors.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Aug. 18, 2025

Food companies consider switching from seed oils

Frozen brand Real Good Foods made one of the largest-scale commitments to use beef tallow as the ingredient gains more prominence.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Aug. 14, 2025

Mars to release Skittles and M&M’s without artificial dyes

The candy giant stopped short of pledging to transition its entire portfolio to natural colors, though said it will offer options under some of its biggest brands.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Aug. 14, 2025

How umami flavors are taking the cocktail world by storm

Spirit makers and others in the alcohol sector are crafting new drinks that embrace consumer demand for savory and Asian-inspired flavors.

By Amanda Schuster • Aug. 14, 2025

Michelle Obama’s Plezi grows up to serve expanding beverage wellness market

After focusing on kids’ juices with less sugar and more nutrients, the company has turned to better-for-you sodas and sports drinks aimed at teens and adults.

By Christopher Doering • Aug. 13, 2025

Daring Foods acquired by one of Australia’s biggest plant-based meat producers

The purchase of the vegan chicken brand gives v2food a U.S. foothold as it looks to become a global plant-based leader through a partnership with Ajinomoto.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Aug. 13, 2025

Danone launches Oikos yogurt drink aimed at GLP-1 users

The product is viewed by the CPG giant as a “one-of-a-kind opportunity” to help consumers rebuild or maintain muscle they lose when taking weight loss drugs such as Ozempic.

By Christopher Doering • Aug. 11, 2025

Leftovers: Vital Proteins launches ready-to-drink collagen shake | Danone wants to bring Activia to Gen Z

The brand known for its drink mix-ins is launching its first protein shake, while a cocktail mix maker is bringing Bloody Marys to the ketchup aisle.

By Food Dive staff • Aug. 8, 2025

Albertsons outlines defense against growing ingredients costs

The grocery chain would consider alternate sourcing options if tariffs become unwieldy, its CEO said.

By Kelly Stroh • Aug. 8, 2025

Snickers maker Mars to use gene-editing in pursuit of stable chocolate supply

The candy giant is using Pairwise’s plant-breeding technology to improve cocoa production as climate challenges and disease send prices soaring.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Aug. 7, 2025

Ultra-processed foods make up more than half of Americans’ diet, CDC finds

Burgers, snacks and sweetened beverages remain the primary source of calorie consumption among U.S. adults and children, researchers found.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Aug. 7, 2025

More states ban soda and ‘junk food’ purchases from SNAP benefits

Varying restrictions add more confusion for food companies already struggling with slowing sales.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Aug. 6, 2025

How SNAP changes could impact grocers

Retailers are figuring out how to navigate new policies that are tightening participation in the food assistance program and restricting which items customers can buy.

By Catherine Douglas Moran • Aug. 4, 2025

Kraft Heinz delivers pizza mac and cheese | Hain Celestial expands wellness teas beyond bedtime

The food giant is offering consumers in three iconic pizza cities an early taste, while Progresso grills up BBQ-inspired flavors for its latest soup launch.

By Food Dive staff • Aug. 1, 2025

High coffee prices brew interest in bean-free alternatives

Costs tied to climate change and tariffs could position substitutes made from broken rice or other ingredients as cheaper, more sustainable options.

By Leah Borts-Kuperman • July 31, 2025

Beverages become essential to consumer wellness routines: report

The success of hydrating and functional drinks is pushing brands to align more with shoppers’ daily health rituals, according to Numerator.

By Amanda Schuster • July 31, 2025

Hershey’s Jolly Rancher ropes in success with move away from hard candy

The 76-year-old brand, best known for its bold fruit flavors, is reporting explosive growth from innovations such as gummies and freeze-dried sweets.

By Christopher Doering • July 31, 2025

Leftovers: Fla-Vor-Ice brightens freeze pops with Crayola | Mission launches chickpea tortillas

The Jel Sert-owned brand’s latest innovation was created by kids, while Tyson Foods launches clean-label chicken nuggets.

By Food Dive staff • July 25, 2025