Weekly Roundup – Week of 9.22.25

September 26, 2025

Find the hottest trending food industry news – all curated by our team of strategists and food enthusiasts:

Can Nostalgia & Novelty Coexist?

Consumers are hungry for both nostalgia and novelty, a tricky balance for food and beverage leaders. In the first episode of Food for Thought Leadership, Menu Matters’ Mike Kostyo joins The Food Institute’s Chris Campbell to unpack how brands can blend comfort with innovation, honor heritage while staying relevant, and build collaborations that resonate in this evolving marketplace. Listen Now

Breakfast Is Back

Restaurant breakfast traffic rebounded in “Q1 2025 for the first time in nearly two years.” Circana’s data shows opportunities tied to return-to-office routines, with portable, morning-friendly foods seeing increased demand. Protein remains a major growth driver, with “over 40% of adults seeking to boost intake, prompting launches like Starbucks’ protein-infused drinks.” At the same time, a “return to purity” trend is pushing consumers to avoid artificial colors and sweeteners, pressuring brands to clean up formulations. For food brands, balancing health-driven innovation, ingredient transparency, and convenience is essential to remain competitive in a crowded space. Learn More

Specialty Grocers Are Especially Popular

“Specialty grocers have surged ahead of value retailers as the fastest-growing grocery segment in 2025,” fueled by affluent shoppers seeking health, wellness, and convenience. According to Placer.ai, “fresh-format grocers like Sprouts Farmers Market are seeing double-digit traffic gains” as consumers look for premium products, prepared meals, and high-quality produce. Shorter, purpose-driven shopping trips are driving much of this growth; however, loyalty wanes compared to traditional grocers. This stresses the importance of food brands to cater to both segments in order to capture the full spectrum of grocery shoppers. Read Article

Supply Chain Challenges Shift Food Manufacturers’ Strategies

Supply chain disruptions push manufacturers to rethink how they maintain product quality and flavor. Rather than always sourcing more raw components, brands are considering flavor systems and extracts to offset shortages, ease volatile commodity prices, and stabilize consistency. These flavor tools can help preserve the integrity of products while offering formulation flexibility and cost control. Moving forward, manufacturers that treat flavor as a strategy will be better equipped to navigate instability and drive new product innovation. Read More

Food Chains Battle A Two-Tier Economy

In what’s been identified as a “two-tier economy,” fast-food chains are facing challenges as budget-conscious consumers shift spending to grocery, dollar, and convenience stores. In August, visits to casual-dining chains increased by 1.4% while quick-service restaurants (QSRs) experienced a 3.4% decline in traffic, according to new research conducted by Placer.ai. Top chains have noted that lower-income consumers are reducing visit frequency due to economic pressures. This trend suggests a growing demand for cost-effective, value-oriented products from food brands that align with consumer preferences for budget-friendly dining options. Read Story

Enjoy more weekly insights, stories and up-to-date food industry news in our roundup posted every Friday.