Health halos mask sugar content: Children’s cereal claims face scrutiny
A new Canadian study finds that sugar levels in children’s breakfast cereals remain high, despite a proliferation of health claims
HFSS
ASA bans ads by Mars and Morley’s under new HFSS rules
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has revealed the outcomes of six rulings under the government’s new HFSS ad restrictions.
The promotion trap: Why branded pricing strategies aren’t stopping private label
If promotions are supposed to win back shoppers, why is private label still taking over the basket?
The next tobacco fight? Marketing to children enters UPF debate
Campaigners warn that food companies are using increasingly sophisticated tactics to build brand loyalty from childhood
Are reformulation demands moving faster than brands can respond? Hear from PepsiCo and industry leaders
As the reformulation goalposts continue to move, experts from PepsiCo, the European Snacks Association, the American Bakers Association, 210 Analytics and FDF Scotland’s Reformulation for Health Programme ask whether manufacturers can keep pace
Less sugar, more pressure: Scotland’s HFSS rules force a food industry rethink
With Scotland’s HFSS restrictions arriving in October, food manufacturers are under mounting pressure to reformulate products without sacrificing taste, texture or brand identity
FIC 2026
Flashy and sweet: Brands tap health trends in artificial sweetener push
Leveraging weight loss, gut and dental health trends, Chinese firms are increasingly creative in reframing artificial sweeteners as a health aligned choice
Fermented grape is crushing reformulation’s toughest trade-offs
As pressure mounts to cut sugar and sodium, fermentation-derived ingredients are helping manufacturers cut trade-offs across flavour, texture and cost.
Why Big Food is reformulating growth not just recipes
From halted breakups to billion-dollar buyouts, the world’s biggest food groups aren’t just tweaking products, they’re rethinking how growth works
UK obesity epidemic: The UPF scapegoat debate
Industry experts have their say on ultra processed food and the UK’s obesity crisis.
The GLP-1 wake-up call for food makers: Appetite loss is exposing ‘weak’ products
As GLP-1s suppress appetite at scale, manufacturers are running into an awkward reality: when people eat less, nutritionally weak products are exposed fast
Scientists closer to solving sugar reduction’s taste problem
After years of compromise, sweetness without sacrifice may finally be within reach
From Snickers Ice Cream Minis to Oreo’s Marvel: Situational snacking takes shape
Big brands are rethinking formats, flavors and channels as snacks are redesigned for specific moments, tighter rules and more intentional eating
Diet Trends
Rethinking sweetness in an age of sugar skepticism
As shoppers scrutinize labels and headlines, brands are rethinking sweetness strategies to deliver lower sugar, clearer messaging and commercially viable reformulations
How to rethink visibility as HFSS advertising bans take effect
The UK’s HFSS ad restrictions are now live – forcing many producers to rethink how they stay visible, relevant and competitive
UK health watchdog slams hidden sugar in ‘healthy’ snack bars
A nationwide survey shows huge sugar and calorie spikes in UK snack bars marketed as healthy, prompting Action on Salt & Sugar to call for tougher rules.
NPD: Feel-good snacking gets serious as brands go big on nostalgia, kindness & chaos
From colorless chips to collectible crisps and gooey skillet cookies, this season’s launches show how playful storytelling is reshaping what shoppers expect from a simple snack
Multibuy meltdown: Brits ready to walk away from HFSS snacks
England’s October 1 ban on multibuy deals for HFSS foods has shoppers set to cut back
From Oreos to Ozempic: Inside the $100bn Free From race
Gluten-free cookies, sugar-free chocolate and GLP-1 diets are colliding. The world’s biggest food makers are scrambling to stay relevant
Labour’s HFSS pivot – what’s actually changing?
With just months to go before promotional deals are banned on products classed as high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS), what does Labour’s pledge to repeal the rules mean for food manufacturers?
Have children’s cereals quietly turned into empty calories?
Forget sugar for a moment. A new analysis shows kids’ cereals are steadily losing the very nutrients that once made them worth eating at all
UPFs under fire: Baby food guidelines and HFSS success turn up the heat on industry
With baby food guidelines launched and HFSS rules proving effective in the UK, pressure is building for broader action on ultra-processed cereals and snacks.
Less healthy food rules slash HFSS sales by 2 million per day
The findings of the first independent evaluation of HFSS legislation show a marked reduction in purchases since the rules were put in place.
How Kerry’s salt and sugar reduction tech is quietly driving its bottom line
As brands face mounting pressure to cut sodium and sugar without compromising taste, reformulation is no longer a niche concern – it’s driving real commercial gains. Kerry’s behind-the-scenes tech is helping reshape everyday foods and quietly lifting margins
Top of the class: Back-to-school snacks that make the grade
Lunchbox legends are back and this year’s lineup is smarter, cleaner and more fun than ever. From pizza-flavored crunch to fruit-packed favorites, these snacks earn full marks from kids and parents alike
PepsiCo’s ‘permissible portfolio’ plays prominently in plans for future growth
PepsiCo leans into zero sugar, functional hydration and clean-label snacks as it refreshes marketing, innovation and execution to drive growth amid economic headwinds
The rise and fall of England’s HFSS crackdown
In a sweeping reversal of Conservative-era health policy, Labour has scrapped the planned ban on multibuy deals for HFSS products, marking a shift from state intervention to voluntary industry-led reform
IFT First: New tech and innovations to look out for at the food science expo
Ready for the new world of GLP-1 food and drink? Want to keep up to speed with the latest in functional and plant-based ingredients, alternative proteins, sugar reduction tech and much more? Here are some of the innovations set to star at the global food...
Big Food to reveal how much of its sales are healthy - and not
Reformulation is back on the agenda, with all big food businesses in the UK coming clean on their healthy vs unhealthy sales splits
The snack shift: Why ‘better-for-you’ is big business in 2025
As health, convenience and sustainability drive consumer demand, brands are raising the bar on what it means to snack smart
Can seaweed help fix the fibre gap without ruining your muffin?
A new UK trial has found seaweed offers bakers a new way to boost nutrition, reduce reformulation headaches and meet health targets without compromising flavour or function
Snack deals get slimmed down: How Scotland’s HFSS crackdown will affect producers
Scotland is banning HFSS food promos to tackle obesity. The move will hit how snacks and baked goods are marketed
Just 14% claim to fully understand Less Healthy Food regulations
Linney survey finds that majority of F&B businesses don’t feel ready for the next raft of HFSS regulations.
Crunching the numbers: A ‘snackshot’ of what’s driving the $156bn industry forward
SNAC International’s 2025 State of the Industry Report lifts the lid on the trends transforming this powerhouse sector
Labelling the problem: ‘Front-of-pack interpretive warning labels are not the magic bullet’
The FDA wants to put new warning-style nutrition labels on the front of food packages to help fight America’s obesity crisis. But is there any real evidence that such labels actually work?
Gold-standard snacks: This season’s most luxe bites
Luxury is having a moment in the snack and bakery aisles, where bold flavours, high-end partnerships and decadent designs are delivering a full sensory experience
Brazzein sweetener gets FDA green light as sugar-reduction momentum grows in confectionery
Bestzyme’s next-gen sweet protein secures GRAS status, unlocking new potential for sugar-reduced chocolate and confectionery innovation as brands meet demand for healthier indulgence
Global reformulation snapshot: Who’s actually making bakery & snacks healthier
From soft sugar cuts to bold sodium slashes, the push to make baked goods and snacks better for us is heating up but progress depends on where you look
Record Q1: Bimbo’s balancing act pays off
The Mexican bakery giant posted record Q1 sales by straddling a divided market - offsetting US softness with sharp growth in Latin America. From budget loaves to premium brioche, Bimbo is playing both ends to keep its global edge
Industry hit by further calls to cut salt in obesity fight
Scientists push for cuts to salt levels in food as evidence uncovers increased obesity risk
What’s next for unstoppable ‘food as medicine’ trend?
‘Food as medicine’ is big and growing fast. But what’s next for this major player in food and beverage?
The war on ultra-processed foods: How producers can fight back
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are being blamed for everything from obesity to chronic disease. But is this just another case of oversimplified science leading to knee-jerk policies that could do more harm than good?
Crunch time for the UK snacks industry: Are the HFSS regulations working?
The UK is cracking down on advertising and promotions of products high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) like never before. But are these tough new rules actually making Brits healthier or just making shopping more frustrating?
Sugar tax for food needed to curb UK obesity crisis
A tax similar to the Sugar Levy and tougher regulations on food are needed to curb the UK’s obesity crisis, according to a new report from the University of Reading.
Crunch, chew or dunk: The boldest cookies from Oreo, Tim Tam, Doughlicious & more
Cookies are evolving faster than ever, from nostalgic classics like Oreo and Tim Tam to bold new innovations like ranch-flavoured cookies and protein-packed dough
Rethinking bread: How bakers are leading the charge to combat the obesity crisis
As bread remains a staple in diets worldwide, the push to make it healthier is gaining momentum in the bakery industry. Could smarter formulations be the key to improving public health?
Is your brand ready for the HFSS advertising shake-up?
The clock is ticking for the UK’s HFSS (high in fat, sugar, and salt) advertising ban. How will brands pivot their strategies to adapt to these sweeping regulatory changes?
Allergen compliance: The high stakes of getting it wrong
Lives are on the line when allergen protocols fall short. Has Natasha’s Law truly transformed the industry?
New product development: From potato chip and wine pairings to oat bars that combat stress and enhance sleep
How can snacks elevate your lifestyle beyond mere indulgence? From potato chips designed to pair with wine to stress-busting bars that promise better sleep and the UK’s most inclusive donuts – crafted to cater to all dietary needs – NPD in the bakery and...
Can Scotland’s new reformulation fund make empire biscuits and Scotch pies healthier?
Food and Drink Federation (FDF) Scotland – in collaboration with Food Standards Scotland (FSS) – has introduced a new fund aimed at encouraging small and medium-sized out-of-home producers to make their products healthier.