Clemson researchers developing smart packaging to detect food spoilage earlier

University scientists say the sensors will improve current detection methods such as packaging labels or other materials that change color to indicate spoiled food.

By Cathy Siegner • Feb. 20, 2018

Survey: 80% of shoppers prefer independent stores to online

The National Grocers Association, which held its annual trade show last week, also found that more than two thirds of consumers who do shop online supplement with in-store purchases. 

By Dan Alaimo • Feb. 20, 2018

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

Study: Alternative flours can boost health profile of baked goods

Researchers at a Mexican university found combining flour made from root vegetables or bananas with wheat flour, and using the sourdough fermentation process, added key functional ingredients.

By Cathy Siegner • Feb. 15, 2018

Sabra overhauls packaging to tout freshness, bold flavors

The hummus maker, which is half owned by PepsiCo, is using an updated logo and restyled label design to stand out in a crowded marketplace. 

By Christopher Doering • Feb. 15, 2018

Candy makers hit the mark on Valentine's Day

More consumers plan on purchasing chocolates and other heart-themed sweets this year, with 55% percent saying they will give the gift, up 5% from 2017.

By Alicia Kelso • Feb. 14, 2018

Cattlemen's group has a beef with 'fake meat'

The trade association wants to bar any plant-based meat alternatives or cell-cultured products from being labeled as "meat" or "beef."  

By Cathy Siegner • Feb. 13, 2018

PepsiCo launching sparkling water brand 'bubly' to take on LaCroix

The beverage giant has carefully crafted its new fizzy drink to be a fun, healthy alternative to LaCroix.

By Erika Kincaid • Feb. 9, 2018

Fresh Del Monte buying vegetable producer for $361M

The purchase of Mann Packing will expand the company's reach into healthier products that are increasingly popular with U.S. consumers.

By Christopher Doering • Feb. 8, 2018

Ben & Jerry's introduces low-calorie ice cream to compete with Halo Top

The new product, called Moo-phoria, also meets consumer demand for cleaner ingredients by using organic milk and cream and avoiding artificial sugar substitutes.

By Erika Kincaid • Feb. 8, 2018

AB InBev taps into renewable energy to produce Budweiser beer

The alcohol manufacturer will place a special symbol on the label starting in the U.S. this spring — a move the company said will resonate with consumers concerned about the climate.

By Cassie Chew • Feb. 6, 2018

PepsiCo developing snacks 'for her'

CEO Indra Nooyi said in a podcast the company is developing products specifically for women, but the soda and snack giant later refuted reports that one of those items is a new Doritos variety.

By Erika Kincaid • Feb. 5, 2018

Q&A: How a local biscuit maker rose to success at big-name grocers

Mason Dixie, which launched in 2014 with Kickstarter funding, already sells its made-from-scratch products in more than 2,000 retail locations, including Whole Foods and Kroger.

By Christopher Doering • Jan. 31, 2018

E-commerce food packaging comes of age as more shoppers go online

The ability of the consumer to order cereal, soda, soup and other items from their computers has created challenges for manufacturers that package and ship those products to a person's doorstep. 

By Pamela DeLoatch • Jan. 30, 2018

Report: Why brands should stop using the term 'natural'

FONA International found 40% of consumers don't trust the claim on food labels, and nearly 48% prefer that food firms no longer use the descriptor. 

By Cathy Siegner • Jan. 29, 2018

Florida craft brewery debuts biodegradable beer packaging

The new six-pack ring is made from wheat and barley instead of plastic, making it much more appealing to the more socially conscious consumers. 

By Cathy Siegner • Jan. 26, 2018

Will Applegate's Whole30 partnership beef up sales?

The trendy elimination diet is giving its stamp of approval to 17 of the organic meat producer's offerings, but time will tell if consumers embrace the products.

By Erika Kincaid • Jan. 25, 2018

Stores are rising to the occasion with better-for-you in-store bakery trend

High-fiber, whole-grain baked products with clean labels and smaller packaging sizes appeal to consumers who shop at in-store bakeries.

By Cathy Siegner • Jan. 24, 2018

BelVita is winning the breakfast war as cereal struggles

The European-style cracker taps into consumer demand for an on-the-go, whole grain product, creating a powerful competitor in the morning.

By Erika Kincaid • Jan. 24, 2018

Coca-Cola looks for Arctic Coke to help invigorate soda sales

The machine, developed with the help of ex-NASA scientists, allows people to take a super-cold beverage and instantly add ice crystals — enhancing the drinking experience. 

By Christopher Doering • Jan. 23, 2018

Coca-Cola vows to collect, recycle its packaging by 2030

The beverage maker also said it would increase its consumption of reused material and make "better bottles" by developing plant-based resins or reducing the amount of plastic it uses.

By Christopher Doering • Jan. 19, 2018

Study: Uniform global labeling system for whole grains would help consumers

Currently, there is no accepted definition, so manufacturers have developed their own ways of telling shoppers about products that contain the ingredient.

By Cathy Siegner • Jan. 18, 2018

School fundraisers promote junk food consumption, study says

General Mills’ Box Tops for Education and Tyson Food’s Project A+ were two of the popular programs that critics said establish poor eating habits and skirt federal nutrition requirements.

By Erika Kincaid • Jan. 18, 2018

Can different packaging protect milk from LED damage?

Cornell University researchers found artificial light can cause off-flavors in the beverage, prompting some dairy producers to bottle their product in amber-colored jugs to protect it from exposure. 

By Cathy Siegner • Jan. 11, 2018

Investors say 'no thanks' to another helping of meal kits

The crowded industry is struggling with high manufacturing and marketing costs, and low consumer loyalty.

By Pamela DeLoatch • Jan. 8, 2018

Survey: Packaging, labeling determine whether a shopper buys a product

Research firm Luminer found peel-off saving coupons, attractive colors and helpful information can be enough to entice a shopper to buy an item.

By Pamela DeLoatch • Jan. 4, 2018