Innovation
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Courtesy of Snickers
Snickers wins praise from Reeses for bigger push behind peanut butter
A spot digging at Reese’s shows a focus group composed of people named Reese who assess the flavor and texture of Snickers Peanut Butter.
By Peter Adams • June 5, 2026 -
Courtesy of Popeyes
ColumnPopeyes launches at-home biscuits | Tom Holland’s Bero expands into shandies
The fried chicken chain is making its first entry into the grocery aisle, while Cuervo Tequila cracks into ready-to-drink canned cocktails.
By Food Dive staff • June 5, 2026 -
Christopher Doering/Food Dive
Sunflower power: Inside Barry Callebault’s bid to win the chocolate alternatives race
The world’s largest chocolate supplier is partnering with Planet A Foods to scale its cocoa-free substitute ChoViva, which has received “very strong” interest from U.S. food manufacturers.
By Christopher Doering • June 4, 2026 -
Permission granted by Chris Dilts for WSJ
How 3 major food and beverage execs view the state of c-stores
Leaders from brands like PepsiCo and Athletic Brewing discussed growth opportunities and key challenges in convenience retail at the Wall Street Journal’s Global Food Forum.
By Brett Dworski • June 4, 2026 -
Laurel Deppen/Food Dive
Hershey sees s’mores catching fire with more consumers
The gooey campfire staple is a “significant and growing piece” for the company’s namesake chocolate brand, generating nearly $250 million annually, a top executive said.
By Christopher Doering • June 3, 2026 -
Joe Raedle via Getty Images
OpinionThe new rules: How functional foods are redefining CPG brand leadership
As nutrition becomes more important, companies will need to rethink their messaging on what actually makes their products better-for-you.
By Jon Shapiro • June 2, 2026 -
Courtesy of Clorox, Carl Buddig
ColumnLeftovers: Hidden Valley Ranch launches dippable snacks | Hot Pockets leans into snacking
The ranch dressing maker is entering the refrigerated aisle for the first time, while Liquid IV takes on the mocktail market.
By Food Dive staff • May 29, 2026 -
Permission granted by ADM
Inside ADM’s reformulation hub powering better-for-you innovation
The ingredients giant is working to rapidly create solutions for food makers to address consumer demand for lower sugar, reduced sodium and more protein.
By Laurel Deppen • May 28, 2026 -
Courtesy of Boston Beer Company
Sam Adams channels Revolutionary Era with America 250 beer
Boston Beer is going back to the 1770s with brews inspired by the country’s Founding Fathers that use ingredients from the period.
By Laurel Deppen • May 28, 2026 -
Chris Casey/Food Dive
EXCLUSIVENutella maker Ferrero may take ‘a breather’ in large-scale M&A in the US
After spending more than $8 billion for brands such as Keebler, Butterfinger and Rice Krispies, the sweets giant is turning its attention to innovation and boosting efficiencies.
By Christopher Doering • May 27, 2026 -
Christopher Doering/Food Dive
Cactus candies, protein donuts: 5 products highlighting the evolution of snacking
Nutrition and sustainability were key themes at the 2026 Sweets & Snacks Expo, where 1,000 exhibitors from around the world gathered to display their innovations.
By Christopher Doering • May 26, 2026 -
Courtesy of Bush's Beans
ColumnLeftovers: Bush’s bakes apple pie-flavored beans | Slice splashes into dirty soda
The bean brand is reimagining summer classics, including rocket pop and dill pickle, while Fresca launches an alcoholic soda water for post-workouts.
By Food Dive staff • May 22, 2026 -
Courtesy of Kraft Heinz
Kraft Heinz launches Jell-O line without artificial dyes
The food giant is rejiggling the brand known for its bright colors as part of a broader innovation plan to return the company to growth.
By Sarah Zimmerman • May 21, 2026 -
Courtesy of Ferrero Group
Ferrero to revive Wonka candy brand with Netflix
The candy giant is collaborating with the streaming platform on 10 seasonal and limited-edition products this fall, spanning categories including chocolate, cereal and ice cream.
By Sarah Zimmerman • May 20, 2026 -
Courtesy of Bazooka Brands
Ring Pop maker Bazooka expands into international flavors with new candy brand
Go Wandr looks to tap into consumer interest in global flavors and textures, starting with a Japan-inspired mochi gummy.
By Laurel Deppen • May 19, 2026 -
Courtesy of PepsiCo
PepsiCo’s Muscle Milk flexes rebrand in crowded protein drink space
The reformulated beverage amps up the protein while cutting artificial colors, sweeteners and flavors, positioning it to stand out among competitors like Coca-Cola's Core Power.
By Christopher Doering • May 15, 2026 -
Courtesy of PIM Brands
ColumnLeftovers: Welch’s debuts biggest ‘function-forward innovation’ | Mother’s sprinkles Nerds on frosted cookies
A new probiotic-packed yogurt fruit snack looks to answer demand for gut-friendly foods, while Saint James Iced Tea adds its twist to Arnold Palmer.
By Food Dive staff • May 15, 2026 -
Courtesy of Voyage Foods
Cargill to launch cocoa-free chocolate in US
NextCoa, made in partnership with Voyage Foods, gives food companies a new option to “future-proof” supply, a Cargill senior product line specialist said.
By Laurel Deppen • May 14, 2026 -
Courtesy of Beyond Meat
Beyond Meat puts protein drinks at the center of turnaround plan
CEO Ethan Brown said it’s been acting as a “beverage company in hiding,” with a board of executives from Coke, Boston Beer and more.
By Laurel Deppen • May 13, 2026 -
Stock via Getty Images
Premier Protein moves into soda as protein shake competition heats up
Bellring Brands is looking for potential untapped growth opportunities to stand out in a crowded nutritional market.
By Laurel Deppen • May 12, 2026 -
Courtesy of Hometown Food Company
ColumnLeftovers: Chef Boyardee brings sizzle to skillets | Buldak heats up macaroni and cheese
The budget-friendly meals are the first in a slate of planned innovation under the brand's new owner, while "Breaking Bad" stars’ mezcal brand Dos Hombres breaks into tequila.
By Food Dive staff • May 8, 2026 -
Permission granted by Re:Lid USA
LA Libations launches new beverage using resealable aluminum can
The incubator is using technology from Re:Lid USA, which hopes to establish a U.S. manufacturing presence for the innovation.
By Katie Pyzyk • May 1, 2026 -
Courtesy of Coors
Coors Light launches first nonalcoholic beer
The launch continues to build out Molson Coors’ nonalcoholic portfolio as alcohol consumption remains soft.
By Laurel Deppen • April 30, 2026 -
Courtesy of Pure Leaf
Pure Leaf puts mental clarity in focus with new functional tea
The brand, jointly owned by PepsiCo and Unilever, is releasing its first sparkling drink designed for balanced energy instead of extreme performance.
By Laurel Deppen • April 28, 2026 -
Permission granted by ADM
Quality vs quantity: Food makers face tradeoffs when choosing protein source
Ingredient supplier ADM is helping manufacturers bulk up their offerings while shedding light on the pros and cons of soy, pea and dairy.
By Laurel Deppen • April 23, 2026
