Sales of non-dairy yogurt – like those of most plant-based products – have sharply declined in the past year, but a few bright spots revealed by consumer research and recent innovations by players in the space suggest the category could turn around with help from a few tweaks in product formulation, platform innovations and marketing shifts.

The stressful one-two punch of pandemic lockdowns followed by runaway inflation has many consumers looking for comfort and escapism from their food and beverages, which industry leaders say is driving demand for new flavor combinations that are nostalgic, whimsical and so hyper-saturated that they overwhelm their concerns.

The stressful one-two punch of pandemic lockdowns followed by runaway inflation has many consumers looking for comfort and escapism from their food and beverages, which industry leaders say is driving demand for new flavor combinations that are nostalgic, whimsical and so hyper-saturated that they overwhelm their concerns.

While not a panacea for all the challenges facing the grocery industry, one stakeholder argues a less is more approach in 2023 may help ease the ongoing burdens of inflation, supply chain woes, and labor shortages as well as rapidly shifting shopper preferences that are intensifying competition.

While not a panacea for all the challenges facing the grocery industry, one stakeholder argues a less is more approach in 2023 may help ease the ongoing burdens of inflation, supply chain woes, and labor shortages as well as rapidly shifting shopper preferences that are intensifying competition.

Between Americans’ hectic on-the-go lifestyles pre-COVID, the pandemic prompting everyone to hit pause followed by hybrid work schedules, inflation rates at 40-year highs, and increased expectations that food not only nourish the body but also the soul, how and what Americans eat is in a constant state of flux.

Between Americans’ hectic on-the-go lifestyles pre-COVID, the pandemic prompting everyone to hit pause followed by hybrid work schedules, inflation rates at 40-year highs, and increased expectations that food not only nourish the body but also the soul, how and what Americans eat is in a constant state of flux.

Despite efforts to brand fruit ‘as nature’s candy,’ celebrity endorsements by the likes of Jessica Alba designed to make vegetables ‘sexy,’ and many retailers selling fresh produce at a loss to improve access and drive foot traffic – the vast majority of Americans do not eat the daily recommended amount of either.

Despite efforts to brand fruit ‘as nature’s candy,’ celebrity endorsements by the likes of Jessica Alba designed to make vegetables ‘sexy,’ and many retailers selling fresh produce at a loss to improve access and drive foot traffic – the vast majority of Americans do not eat the daily recommended amount of either.

Between the supply chain challenges and product shortages that marked the beginning of the pandemic and rising food prices due to inflation continuing to push some products out of consumers’ financial reach, many Americans are being forced to try new brands – creating opportunities and challenges for companies vying for their dollars and long-term loyalty.