Nosh Staff

The Q1 2026 funding report from Northhall paints a picture of a funding environment that is cooling, but not collapsing. Total investment in food, beverage, and CPG brands reached approximately $340M, marking a 13% decline quarter-over-quarter as deal volume also pulled back.

The energy snack aisle is rotating from caffeine to cognition. Caffeinated gum is up 207% on social channels. L-theanine, lion’s mane, and rhodiola are crowding out BCAAs and ketones. Brightfield’s Q1 2026 report breaks down the stealth formats and ingredient stacks driving the next wave.

Mediterranean food producer Cedar’s Foods has hit the bullseye, landing in over 1,500 Target stores nationwide. The curated collection includes the brand’s Cucumber Garlic Dill Tzatziki, Hot Honey Dip and Feta Dip.

In this week’s new products roundup, Simple Mills launches a collection of Regenerative Organic Certified baking mixes, Hot Ones sauce partner Heatonist teams up with Cantina Royale and Quaker taps into the ongoing proteins craze.

The global chocolate industry is undergoing a significant transformation as companies grapple with sustainability pressures and economic headwinds that are reshaping how cocoa is grown, sourced and produced.

This week, the podcast covers how Gatorade is courting dehydrated non-athletes and Laird Superfood’s acquisition strategy.

Impossible Foods has partnered with Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp., becoming the official plant-based burger of Madison Square Garden, the New York Knicks and the New York Rangers.

In this week’s new products roundup, premium hummus producer Little Sesame enters the grab-and-go set, Archer Meat Snacks travels to a galaxy far, far away, and Barilla revs up its partnership with Formula 1.

This week on the podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Brad Avery discuss Unilever’s acquisition of Grüns, Suja Life’s initial public offering, Ithaca Hummus’ plans for category domination, and Mark Anthony Brands’ purchase of Finnish Long Drink.

Fresh protein bar innovator Perfect Bar has paired protein with prebiotics to create a new iteration that better meets current consumer demand. Michele’s Granola introduced its new Breakfast Nook line with four flavors designed to embrace the best of breakfast.