Treating culture drives US confectionery sales
Americans’ love of nostalgic, sensory-rich treats is boosting confectionery sales as brands balance innovation, tradition and mounting regulatory pressures
All stories
RFK Jr targets food dyes, SNAP and UPFs in MAHA rally keynote
The MAHA Rally for Real Food echoed RFK Jr’s agenda to clean up US food, including a formal definition of UPFs expected next month, but critics worry a lack of evidence-based policy will confuse consumers and impact companies’ bottom lines
DGA sweetener warning sparks industry pushback
Dietary Guidelines pose a challenge for formulators around non-nutritive sweeteners
FDA eases ‘no artificial colors’ labeling rules, paves way for natural color adoption
FDA eases ‘no artificial colors’ claims, but ambiguity over ‘petroleum-based dyes’ leaves manufacturers cautious
News Bites
From dietary guidelines to cocoa shortages, pressure mounts on CPG brands
This week’s top stories show how nutrition policy debates, shifting views on processing and cocoa supply disruptions are reshaping formulation and sourcing decisions for CPG brands
Gum and mints are growing – just not how brands might think
The path forward is being shaped less by nostalgia and more by younger consumers, sugar-free formats and a renewed focus on function
Exclusive: Can biotech break monk fruit’s supply constraints? Manus thinks so
As demand for natural sweeteners grows, Manus moves monk fruit production in the US
How a small-batch ice cream brand brought its homegrown roots to retailers nationwide
Nightingale Ice Cream’s premium ice cream sandwiches adds Target to its roster of national retailers
Government shutdown threatens CPG brands tied to SNAP and WIC
As the shutdown nears its fourth week, the SNAP and WIC funding crisis is rippling through retail supply chains, jeopardizing access to food and CPG category stability
No trick: Halloween 2025 candy sales to hit record highs
After Summerween comes the real deal: Halloween, which expects to see recording spending