
At Natural Products Expo West 2026, the Specialty Food Association highlighted “sensemaxxing” as the year’s theme, showcasing foods that fuse bold flavors, layered textures and functional benefits. Brands like Kitchen & Love introduced bite‑size, reduced‑sugar baklava “Sweet Nests,” while Issei reinvented gummies with a soft, mochi‑like chew and chocolate coating. Mezcla positioned its protein bars as light, crispy snack‑bars, and Popnuts delivered a dual‑crunch peanut‑corn snack. Collectively, these launches illustrate a market pivot toward multi‑sensory, health‑forward snacking experiences.

Wisecode has introduced the Non‑UPF Shield verification program, a voluntary label that lets food and beverage brands certify products as non‑ultra‑processed. The service costs $200 per SKU annually, with a limited‑time discount offering one free SKU and three at half...

Grocery traffic is fragmenting, with short, mission‑driven trips now exceeding 40% of visits and large chains still accounting for roughly half of all trips. Placer.ai’s report shows big chains dominate full‑basket, stock‑up trips, while specialty and independent stores capture frequent,...

The North American Olive Oil Certification (NAOOA) is tightening its standards, lowering the free fatty acid limit for extra virgin olive oil from 0.8% to 0.5% and shortening the best‑if‑used‑by date to 18 months. The program, which already carries the...

Amazon is rolling out a new supercenter model that doubles as a fulfillment hub, with the first site slated for Orland Park, Illinois in 2027. The hybrid design dedicates roughly half the space to warehousing and the rest to a traditional...

The 2026 Farm Bill preserves existing nutrition programs such as SNAP, TEFAP and the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program, extending them through FY2031 without additional funding. Democrats and health‑focused NGOs argue the bill fails to address hunger, restore cuts, or...