Top consumer trends in dairy for 2025
We look at the major trends likely to shape NPD in 2025: from protein to healthy ageing
Dairy
New Culture cuts casein use by 50% in animal-free mozzarella
New Culture reached a key milestone on its path to achieving price parity with traditional mozzarella
Biggest trends of 2024 and what to expect in 2025
What defined consumers’ plates in 2024, and what’s next for 2025?
From Swedish candy to marry me pasta, consumers’ palettes stretched across the globe in 2024.
IFF’s TEXSTAR delivers clean label, texture for fresh fermented products
The small dosage of IFF’s TEXSTAR enzymatic solution in yogurt enhances cost efficiency, scalability and reduces Scope 3 emissions, according to the company.
FDA evaluates labeling for plant-based milks, cell-cultured foods
FDA could strengthen labeling requirements for plant- and cell-based products to ensure consumers understand how their nutrition and production compare to that of their animal-based counterparts, agency officials told legislators last week.
Breakfast matters: How Silk is smashing plant-based stereotypes and winning over kids
Toasted Coconut Pancakes, Golden Milk Overnight Oats, Strawberry Banana Bread, Protein Smoothie Bowl – does it get any better to start the day?
FDA issues guidance to strengthen US infant formula supply chain
The draft document contains information on how manufacturers must notify the regulator in a bid to improve supply chain resiliency
DSM-Firmenich calls out ‘misinformation’ over Arla Foods backlash
Dutch multinational DSM-Firmenich has pulled no punches in its response to backlash over Arla Foods' use of methane-cutting additive Bovaer.
Five takeaways from the latest USDA dairy consumption data
From butter’s best year on record to ice cream’s worst, here are the main takeaways from the latest US annual dairy consumption data
Lifeway turns down second Danone bid
The kefir manufacturer feels its strong financial metrics warrant a higher offer if it is to sell up
Egg dollar sales jump 51% in October on avian flu concerns, as listeria slices into lunch meat sales
Egg prices drove up dairy market dollar sales in October, while shoppers pulled back on deli meats over concerns of listeria ahead of the Thanksgiving and winter holiday season, according to Circana data shared in a recent International Dairy Deli Bakery...
Real California Milk Excelerator features 'herd' of game-changers in dairy
In its sixth year, the Real California Milk Excelerator powered by VentureFuel brought together a diverse cohort – or herd – of startups, students and processors that are “harnessing the nutritional benefits of real dairy” to improve digestion, boost...
Dairy innovation trends: From weight management to protein
We narrow down the most important market and consumer trends that could influence dairy product innovation in 2025.
AI could improve dairy safety and QC, study finds
Machine learning can be used to detect anomalies in dairy samples by analyzing the milk microbiome, paving the way for improvements in safety and QC, according to a study.
FDA’s Human Foods 2025 goals: Microbiological safety, food chemical safety & nutrition
FDA’s fiscal year 2025 priority deliverables for the Human Foods Program emphasize transparency and accountability amid state funding cuts and resource constraints.
Is the Nordic Diet the next major food trend?
Health trends are big business for food and beverage brands. So, will the new Nordic Diet take the industry by storm or be a foodie flash in the pan?
USDA wants more organic dairy in US schools: what this means for producers
A new promotional initiative will create business opportunities for small and mid-sized organic dairies.
Organic sales hit record as regenerative organic sees growth, investment
Industry leaders are emphasizing the integration of regenerative agriculture alongside established organic practices, as demand for sustainable food and beverage products continues to rise.
GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic set to shake the global food industry
Originally intended as a treatment for diabetes, GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic could be set to turn the food and drink industry upside down.
Can plant-based overcome UPF links to avoid future trust issues?
Plant-based diets remain popular, but associations with UPF and low-quality ingredients has shaken consumer trust in alt meat, fish and dairy brands. So, what can the sector do to restore public opinion?
How can alternative proteins and regenerative agriculture work together?
Despite both being sustainability-focused, regenerative agriculture and protein diversification have not always got along. How can the two sectors work together?
Mondelēz International joins Unilever and Danone with strong Q3
Confectionery and snacking giant Mondelēz International has driven revenues and profits above expectations, through higher volume sales as both Unilever and Danone also showed this month.
Chobani’s yogurt cups, drinks feature up to 30-grams of protein
Yogurt-maker Chobani's clean-label, high-protein and lactose-free yogurt is part of the company’s mission to make protein more accessible to everyday consumers.
Brand Alchemy
How F&B brands can boost their ROI with a diversified media strategy
Today’s marketing strategies need flexible adjustments and a blend of channels to keep pace with rapid shifts in media consumption, unlike the fixed annual media plans of yesteryear.
How to identify and engage with your target market
Creating and building brand awareness, with potential customers, is essential to success. Here’s how to recognise and connect with your target market.
NOVA reform: The flawed UPF classification system requires change
Some nutritious foods under the current NOVA system could be demonised alongside unhealthy variants. Industry's calling for reform, but what would the next generation look like?
Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee
How would eliminating ultra-processed foods and products high in sugar, fat impact diet, health?
Diets that exclude foods high in added sugar and saturated fat, like sugary drinks, snacks and processed meat, still provide sufficient levels of essential nutrients, like vitamins, minerals and fiber, according to the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee.
Dairy innovation and trends
Letter from the editor: Innovations, trends & startups reshaping the dairy category
The dairy case is no longer a limited selection of fat-free, low-fat or whole milk in generic white bottles or a bare-bones choice between just “orange” or “white” cheese – rather an explosion of innovation in recent years has dramatically multiplied...
A new way to scale precision fermentation: Daisy Lab teams with dairies to produce bioidentical proteins
Foodtech startup Daisy Lab is rethinking how to scale precision fermentation efficiently and economically to produce bioidentical dairy proteins without the cow by developing plug-and-play technology that can be dropped into existing, large-scale dairy...
Milk alternatives lead plant-based dairy category
Milk alternatives are the most consumed product in the plant-based dairy category, particularly among Gen Z consumers, while hybrid dairy products help narrow the gap for those skeptical of plant-based options' taste, texture and nutritional profile.
Why buy the cow? Animal-free casein grows to drive the future of dairy alternatives
The growing interest in animal-free casein, the key protein responsible for the flavor, texture and nutritional profile of conventional dairy, is driving innovation in the alternative dairy space as a solution that replicates dairy’s complex qualities...
11 startups disrupting dairy across categories from the farm to store shelf
Dairy’s nutrient density and decadent eating experience create a powerful canvas for startups innovating across categories to offer better-for-you moments of permissible indulgence while simultaneously supporting the health of consumers, the planet and...
Soup-To-Nuts Podcast
What is the business proposition for 100% grass fed dairy?
Research and advocates for 100% grass-fed dairy suggest the practice is better for people, the planet and animals – but is it better for business?
What’s the scoop on frozen dessert trends? Sorbets surge, plant-based ice-creams slump, SPINS finds
Consumers are swapping frozen yogurts for sorbets as better-for-you brands push into the ice cream market, despite slowdowns in the plant-based ice cream and novelties segment, according to SPINS data.
Yogurts appeal beyond gut health, as coconut options gain in popularity
Consumers are buying yogurt for more than gut health benefits, including for protein and indulgence, as shoppers turn to coconut-based as their preferred plant-based yogurt despite general slowdowns in the category, per research from market research...
Wisconsin Cheese is challenging what 'American cheese' means to Europeans
At SIAL Paris 2024, the State of Cheese showcased some of its finest products. But are Europeans ready to embrace US-made specialty cheese?
Unilever and Danone volumes up and beat Q3 financial expectations
Powerhouses Unilever and Danone have outpaced third-quarter financial forecasts, a result of increased volume sales, and in contrast to competitor Nestlé’s downgrade earlier this month.
Dietary Guidelines for Americans
DGAC recommends more repeated exposure to healthy foods for kids
The Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) recommended introducing a variety of fruits, vegetables and grains at appropriate ages does not adversely impact growth or increase obesity risk in young children.
Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee
Nutrition experts reveal Healthy US-style dietary pattern – but is it flexible enough?
The 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) recommends consolidating various dietary patterns into a single, inclusive Healthy US-Style Dietary Pattern that includes nutrient-dense, plant-based foods and which is accessible for all Americans.
More ice cream, less wine: How is climate impacting in-home consumption?
As Europe’s climate warms up, some consumers are eating more ice cream and swapping red wine for beer, new market research has found.
Nestlé streamlines operations amid soft demand
The food major downgrades its FY24 growth outlook again as it predicts consumer demand to remain soft.
Why shoppers are turning towards costly organic food and drink
More consumers are buying pricier organic food and drink, despite continuing cost-of-living pressures, with sales expected to rocket as governments push to make organic farming central to future sustainability strategies.
FDA pushes for progress in sodium reduction target, aims to cut average intake to 2,750 mg/day
The FDA's phase two draft guidance on sodium reduction, released on August 15, sets new voluntary targets for food manufacturers to reduce average consumption to 2,750 milligrams per day by 2024, as nearly three-quarters of Americans' sodium intake...
Reformulation is rife in F&B but consumers aren't sold yet
Brands are reformulating to improve nutritional value and reduce or remove ‘unhealthy’ ingredient levels. But this is not always a vote winner with customers. Why?
ADM: 83% of GLP-1 users are ‘very interested in products specifically marketed as supportive of their needs on these drugs’
A new platform designed by ADM to help food and beverage manufacturers better understand and meet the needs of weight-loss drug users brings together proprietary consumer research and science, a portfolio of targeted ingredients and more than 25...
Could anti-inflammatory effects of sweetener boost sales?
Health concerns have put the sweetener industry in jeopardy. Could new research help to restore its reputation?
Policymakers call on Coca-Cola, General Mills, PepsiCo to address pricing practices
Letters sent by Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Representative Madeleine Dean (D-Penn.) to the CEOs of Coca-Cola, General Mills and PepsiCo express concern over pricing and tax practices that, according to the policy makers, “squeeze profits out...
Soup-to-Nuts Podcast
Steward’s novel lending model reinforces supply chains for regenerative, regionally produced ingredients and products consumers want
Consumer interest in products made with ingredients from regional smallholder farmers or those practicing regenerative agriculture is on the rise, but CPG companies and suppliers are struggling to meet their demand in part because most farmers are unable...
USDA grants $11.04m for dairy producers, businesses to ‘spur innovation’ across the country
USDA funding allocated for the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives is supporting small and mid-sized dairy businesses and providing a pathway for market expansion and diversification, as the industry adopts innovative technologies around milk production
How food and drink is finally focusing on women’s health
Women’s health continues to grow as a hot food and drink topic, with brands embracing the increasing NPD opportunities available