Innovation

For its first non-chocolate based innovation, Mid-Day Squares is turning to a childhood classic with a No Bread PB&J bar. And the company believes it could become its biggest product to date.

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.

From multimillion-dollar valuations to sudden shutdowns, the stories that resonated most with Nosh readers this year reveal just how dynamic the packaged food landscape has become. Our coverage spanned dramatic downfalls, blockbuster acquisitions, and legal battles that left founders, lenders and consumers in limbo. Here’s a look back at the 10 stories that captured the most attention.

This week on the podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporters Brad Avery and Lukas Southard reflect on the top stories of the year, including the rising influence of the Make America Healthy Again movement on the food and beverage industry, the biggest merger moments, and notable highlights of hemp’s uncertain future.

The Nosh team rates RXBAR Protein Energy Bites and Linear All Natural Protein Bar on taste, texture, packaging and positioning.

At Nosh Live 2025, Khloud Foods CEO Jeff Rubenstein joined founder Khloé Kardashian to discuss the upsides and pitfalls of celebrity-led brands, the rationale behind protein-forward popcorn for GLP-1 users, and early signals of a sizable innovation roadmap.

As Believer Meats abruptly shuts down just one month after completing its production facility, the cell-cultured meat category faces an uncertain path forward.

During a panel discussion at Nosh Live earlier this month, Hailey Swartz of Actual Veggies, Laurel Orley of Daily Crunch, and Eugene Kang of Archer explored how breakout brands identify inflection points, take calculated risks and scale with purpose.

This week on the podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Brad Avery discuss the bidding war drama surrounding the recently liquidated plant-based cheese brand Miyoko’s Creamery. The podcasters also chat about cold-press juice maker Suja Life’s plans for a public market exit and Once Upon A Farm’s delayed public offering. Finally, the hosts look at a merger in the mocktail segment.

The Nosh team samples Casa Arte Sano Nopalli cactus-based tortilla chips, Gotham Greens’ refrigerated plant-based dips, and Dirty Gut functional chocolates.