SupplySide Food & Beverage Journal

The snacking category is at an inflection point, with evolving consumer expectations creating new opportunities for brands to differentiate and grow. Success increasingly depends not just on what consumers snack on, but on why they snack. ADM’s 2026 Snacking Research Report drew insights from people across five countries — the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Mexico and China — and unveiled six drivers shaping snack innovation.

Turmeric (and its primary active compound Curcuma longa) has deep roots as a staple of Chinese, ayurvedic, Islamic and Thai traditional medicine. This member of the ginger family — cultivated primarily in Southeast Asia and India — is widely recognized for its broad range of potential benefits spanning inflammation, joint health and cognitive function (study links to follow).

For years, reformulating for health has meant making concessions – either on taste or on clean label. Less sugar, less sodium, cleaner labels, but at the cost of the sensory experience consumers actually want. It doesn't have to be that way. While consumers want healthier, clean-label food and beverages, they won't compromise on taste. Bitterness, off-notes and mouthfeel issues can derail even the best product formulations, particularly when working with sugar reduction and plant-based ingredients.

At a Glance Clean-label claims are booming, with 1 in 3 global food products featuring natural ingredients or lack of additives today. Brands are going above and beyond to deliver bold, multisensory flavors like spicy, tangy, umami and smoky combinations. These 10 brands highlight distinct natural flavors using techniques such as fermentation, enzymatic processing and roasting. Free-from what was once a differentiator, but in today’s market, it’s practically a given.

Heather Carter,Associate editor,SupplySide Food & Beverage Journal At a Glance Upcycling has evolved into a sophisticated ingredient-sourcing strategy, delivering environmental and nutritional value. Global flavors are being integrated into mainstream formats, featuring ingredients with potential health benefits. "Newstalgia” bridges consumer comfort with modern nutrition by combining nostalgic appeal and current health expectations.

Heather Carter,Associate editor,SupplySide Food & Beverage Journal At a Glance Yaupon holly is North America’s only native caffeinated plant, offering a sustainable alternative to imported coffee and tea. It provides jitter-free energy, plus theobromine and theacrine, with low tannins for easy digestion. Goldholly partners with farmers, primarily in Texas, to cultivate and promote this underutilized American crop nationwide.

This webinar will explore the critical intersection of food protection, waste reduction and customer engagement through innovative packaging solutions. Discover how leading brands make strategic decisions that preserve product integrity while addressing environmental concerns. Industry experts will showcase breakthrough materials and designs that maintain safety standards, enhance recyclability and communicate sustainability values without compromising functionality.

In a saturated energy drink market where brands compete on excessive caffeine levels and bold claims, Oktane took a different approach: Moderate caffeine, clean-label ingredients and lifestyle positioning over athletic extremes.

From hype to shelf: Global flavors ready for scale From hype to shelf: Global flavors ready for scale Not every trend has staying power. So R&D teams are challenged to identify which global tastes are ready for true scalable product development. Global flavors are no longer confined to specialty aisles or limited-edition product releases.

Heather Carter,Associate editor,SupplySide Food & Beverage Journal At a Glance The Sweets & Snacks Expo moved to Las Vegas for the first time, drawing 17,500 global attendees to the annual industry event. Better-for-you snacking dominated, with brands launching protein-packed and guilt-free alternatives to traditional treats. Innovations included high-protein Doritos, upcycled cacao products and cocoa-free chocolate made from sunflower seeds. What’s not to love about sweets and snacks?