Food Industry News, Insights, and Education for the CPG Community

The USDA will be required to revise parts of its National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard after judges in the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals invalidated several “loopholes” that plaintiffs argued would have misled consumers.

Sourdough crouton maker Kooshy recently secured a major vote of confidence by collaborating on a limited-edition salad with Chopt that utilizes the brand’s Chili Lime crouton as its star ingredient.

Plant-based jelly snack purveyor Oddball is rolling out its Grape, Mango and Double Berry flavors to more than 1,100 Target stores nationwide. The retailer will carry the snacks in 4-packs with a SRP of $4.99.

Starbucks is doubling down on protein, adding Khloud popcorn, the protein-enhanced brand started by celebrity Khloé Kardashian, to its store offerings.

Splendid Spoon has acquired Mosaic Foods, backed by an undisclosed investment from venture capital firm Gather Ventures. The deal brings together two direct-to-consumer, plant-forward meal delivery businesses with more than $190 million in combined revenue.

Coconut Cult is heading into the new year with the aim of making its premium, plant-based yogurt “accessible to the masses without compromise,” with the debut of a new 4 oz. format packed in resealable plastic cups.

The latest “masterpiece” – to borrow the brand’s words – in the David Protein portfolio is Bronze, an indulgent line of coated bars that debuted today.

Frozen waffle company Evergreen reported a $15.2 million investment with new board members from Melitas Ventures and Critical Mass Group.

Lexington Bakes is rolling out a slightly smaller pack size (1.65 oz. versus 2 oz.) which has enabled the company to lower its price point, pursue a national retail strategy, and save on costs without “heavily” sacrificing margin points.

America’s protein obsession seemingly scaled to new heights in 2025, popping up in everything from instant mashed potatoes and pasta sauce to popcorn, chocolate bars and even Pop-Tarts.

This week, we’re looking at the evolving nature of early-stage capital, delving in under CVS’s skin, and giving 2025 the ol’ recap. Hey, what more could you ask for?

In this week’s notable new products roundup, Barebells takes inspiration from a lunchbox staple for its newest protein bar flavor, Ritz taps into the sweet-and-salty trend, and ActivatedYou unveils a mushroom-infused instant coffee.

At Nosh Live 2025, Lauren Castro, lead director of healthy consumables and grocery at CVS Health, discussed how the retailer identifies new products, evaluates which brands are ready to launch and scale in its nationwide footprint, and supports young companies as they enter a channel that looks a little different than traditional grocery.

Consumer products house The DropOut Companies is expanding its frozen handhelds portfolio and entering the breakfast daypart with the Target-exclusive launch of Bronco breakfast bagels this month.