Beth Kaiserman

With limited time to connect with consumers on shelf, brands need to stand out visually and tell their stories in just a matter of seconds. These recent rebrands, several of which debuted at the Winter Fancy Food Show this week, show how companies are looking to sleek, eye-catching designs to not only pop on shelf — but keep consumers hungry for more.

At the Winter Fancy Food Show, two Colorado-based food brands known for their indulgent taste profiles debuted functional food plays designed to attract more discerning health-aware consumers.

Office food “concierge” Oh My Green this week announced it had acquired Byte Foods; Euromonitor International released its “Top 10 Global Consumer Trends 2020” report and more in this week’s Checkout.

You can’t find a hotter buzzword than “plant-based” as a signifier for innovation in the meat and dairy categories — or in center store, as the following product launches indicate. Read on for three new traditional products that have been plantified.

The USDA Agricultural Research Service has found that almonds, cashews, pistachios and walnuts all contain less calories than originally thought, according to a series of studies that began in 2012. This opens the door for brands with nut-based products to update their products’ nutrition panels — and potentially even position themselves differently to reach consumers who may be concerned with calories.

As younger consumers seek flexitarian diets, and are more open-minded about technology’s role in food innovation, both the plant-based and cell-based meat landscapes are growing and diversifying. In this week’s Checkout, Kroger and Tofurky launched new burger products, cultivated meat company New Age Meats raised $2.7 million, and plant-based brand Impossible Foods announced a new pork alternative.

88 Acres is growing beyond the seed, launching a line of protein bars online on Tuesday, January 14, and as an exclusive offering in Whole Foods Market globally next month.

The FDA’s new Nutrition Facts label regulations went into effect January 1 for companies with over $10 million in annual sales, and the agency issued final guidance to address questions submitted by the industry.

From plant-based innovation to increased focus on mission and sustainability, in 2020 brands will have to stay on their toes to power consumer appetites. Here are five natural food trends experts say brands should consider in 2020.

Kroger tests new plant-based meat section, federal bill funds CBD research and regulation and more in this week’s Checkout.