News on Food Trends from the United States

SNAC International has announced Chesapeake Spice as the winner of the SNX 2026 Flavor Showdown, honoring its standout Poblano Chile con Carne seasoning as this year’s Flavor of the Year.

McCormick & Company and Unilever has announced that they have entered into an agreement to combine McCormick with Unilever's Foods business excluding India and other excluded businesses ('Unilever Foods')

Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: LW) has announced its results for the third quarter of fiscal 2026 and updated its full year financial targets for fiscal 2026.

Secondary packaging in 2026 focuses on sustainability, retail-ready designs, recyclable variety packs, and robotics. BPA supports food producers with efficient, cost-saving automation while ensuring EPR compliance and optimized machine TCO.

Heat and Control will showcase snack processing innovations at SNX 2026, including high-speed packaging, precise seasoning, and water recirculation tech that cuts freshwater use by up to 75%, improving efficiency, sustainability, and product quality.

The Kraft Heinz Company has introduced the HEINZ Dipper, a newly designed fry box with an integrated ketchup compartment that allows consumers to dip fries easily while on the go.

Intralox and Conveyor & Automation Technologies modernized Herr Foods end-of-line operations, boosting throughput 25% to 150 cpm, expanding to 20 lines and 600 SKUs, saving USD 650k+ annually, and improving safety—within the existing footprint.

For more than 60 years, R.D. Offutt Farms has paired science with stewardship to grow potatoes the right way. This January, the company doubled down on that commitment, selecting Wadena County as the home of a new 90-acre potato research farm.

MoistTech Corp, the global leader in moisture measurement and control, will participate in SNX 2026, taking place March 29–31, 2026, in Dallas, Texas.

Savory snack food sales surged to USD 742 million during Super Bowl Week 2025, according to new Circana data commissioned by SNAC International, the leading international trade association for the snack industry representing over 200 companies worldwide.

Michigan State University Extension will host a free six-session 2026 Regenerative Agriculture Winter Webinar Series in February. The virtual program will share practical strategies to improve soil health, water quality and farm resilience.

Idahoan Foods has launched its new 'Get Real' campaign, created by The Brandon Agency, highlighting its Real Potatoes, Real Easy promise. The campaign positions Idahoan mashed potatoes as a quick, affordable and wholesome option made with 100% real potatoes.

Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: LW) has announced its results for the second quarter of fiscal 2026 and updated its full year financial targets for fiscal 2026. 

Mars, global leader in pet care, snacking and food and Kellanova (NYSE: K), a leader in global snacking, international cereal and noodles and North America frozen foods, recently announced that Mars has received unconditional approval from the European Commission for its pending acquisition of Kellanova.

Alongside a roasted turkey and stuffing, a traditional Thanksgiving meal in the United States usually includes sweet potatoes glazed with butter and brown sugar and topped with toasted mini marshmallows.

Wendy’s Puerto Rico offers a unique ham-and-ranch baked potato not found in the U.S. The island’s menu also features items like Nutella Frosty and loaded fries, reflecting Wendy’s global trend of adapting creative flavors to local tastes.

Row 7 Seed Company launches its vibrant purple Starling sweet potato at East Coast Whole Foods. Developed by NC State, Starling blends creamy sweetness with rich flavor and antioxidant-packed color. It joins Row 7’s fall lineup of flavor-driven organic produce.

McCain Foods has agreed to acquire Penobscot McCrum LLC, expanding its North American operations. The deal adds McCrum’s modern Washburn, Maine, facility to McCain’s network, strengthening supply, innovation, and support for local farmers.