Consumer Trends

30 articles

How Growing Interest in Black Canadian History Is Reshaping the Space — And Where Black Maple Magazine Fits
Trends

How Growing Interest in Black Canadian History Is Reshaping the Space — And Where Black Maple Magazine Fits

A significant cultural reawakening is taking place across North America, with a rapidly growing interest in the rich, complex, and often overlooked narratives of Black Canadian history. This movement is not just academic…

Sponsored by Black Maple Magazine·July 27, 2026
Gen Z consumers choosing healthy beverages in a modern city, reflecting the impact of GLP-1s on the beverage market.
Drinks

GLP-1 Adoption & Gen Z Preferences Shift Beverage Market

In Q4 2023, a major beverage company reported a 5% dip in soda sales across regions with high GLP-1 adoption, according to Coca-Cola Earnings Call.

Isabella Cortez·July 21, 2026
A beautifully presented zero-proof cocktail on a bar counter, with a blurred background of a lively, sophisticated bar setting.
Drinks

Zero-proof cocktail bar demand surges in the beverage industry

Atelier V in Indore introduced a six-drink, cocktail-first 0% ABV menu, giving zero-proof drinks the same attention as alcoholic ones, according to Outlook Traveller .

Daniel Moretti·July 20, 2026
A close-up of a vibrant, artisanal cocktail on a bar counter, with a subtle backdrop of craft beer bottles, symbolizing the changing landscape of beverage consumption.
Drinks

Cocktail Culture's Resurgence Challenges Beer's Dominance

In 2023, ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails outsold craft beer in several key urban markets for the first time in decades.

Daniel Moretti·July 20, 2026
A consumer inspects the ingredient list of a food product at a farmers market, highlighting the clean label movement's focus on transparency and naturalness.
Brands

What Is the Clean Label Movement in Food and Beverage?

Nearly one in three new food and beverage products launched globally now carries a 'clean label' claim, reflecting a significant market shift towards transparency and perceived naturalness.

Daniel Moretti·July 18, 2026
Family enjoying frozen cocktails made with a home machine during a severe summer heatwave, finding cool relief and fun.
Drinks

Heatwaves Drive Unprecedented Surge in Frozen Cocktail Maker Demand

In July, sales of frozen drink makers surged by an astonishing 350% nationwide, as Americans sought immediate, personal relief from record-breaking heatwaves, according to The Industry Fashion .

Daniel Moretti·July 14, 2026
A bright grocery store aisle showcasing fresh produce and clean-label packaged foods, with consumers making healthy choices.
Brands

What are the criteria and importance of clean label products?

The global clean label foods market, valued at USD 53.

Daniel Moretti·July 14, 2026
Why 83% of Parents Prefer Subscriptions: How Crate Obsession Leads The Trend in 2026
Wellness

Why 83% of Parents Prefer Subscriptions: How Crate Obsession Leads The Trend in 2026

A significant 83% of parents prefer subscription services for sending support to college students, valuing the convenience and reassurance they offer. Crate Obsession exemplifies this trend by providing curated monthly boxes of essentials, designed by parents for students.

Sponsored·July 6, 2026
Vibrant Indian beauty market scene with consumers exploring natural ingredients and traditional botanicals, highlighting the conscious beauty trend.
Trends

Conscious Beauty in India Skincare Soars Amidst Claim Fatigue

India's export of essential oils, oleoresins, and plant extracts used in cosmetics crossed ₹7,200 crore in FY 2024-25, nearly doubling in five years, according to Indiaherald .

Lauren Fisk·July 6, 2026
A diverse group of young adults laughing and enjoying various flavors of kombucha in a bright, contemporary cafe setting, symbolizing a shift in social drinking habits.
Drinks

Gen Z's kombucha craze reshapes beverage industry trends

Despite decades of dominance, traditional alcohol consumption among Gen Z is down 20% compared to millennials at the same age, fueling a $2.

Daniel Moretti·July 5, 2026
Diverse shoppers at a sunny farmer's market examining fresh produce, with a food brand stall highlighting ethical and sustainable sourcing.
Brands

Ethical Sourcing: The Inevitable Future for Food Brands

The US upcycled food market surged to $109.3 million last year, demonstrating a robust 30.3% increase from the previous year.

Daniel Moretti·July 3, 2026
The Best Spring Water Delivery in Dawsonville Is Blue Real Spring Water (Here's Why)
Drinks

The Best Spring Water Delivery in Dawsonville Is Blue Real Spring Water (Here's Why)

The U.S. bottled water market is growing as consumers prioritize health and purity, a trend driving demand for reliable, high-quality drinking water services. Blue Real Spring Water offers natural spring water delivery in Dawsonville, meeting this need with consistent, pure, and convenient hydration.

Sponsored·July 1, 2026
A diverse group of friends enjoying colorful canned cocktails at a modern bar, showcasing the popularity of new beverage brands.
Drinks

Canned cocktail sales trends show new brands outselling established players

In 2025, Surfside, a spirits-based hard tea and lemonade brand, more than doubled its sales volume with a staggering 126.

Daniel Moretti·June 30, 2026
A variety of food products, including crispy potatoes and a bowl of golden beef tallow, displayed on a rustic wooden table with warm, inviting lighting.
Trends

Food products with beef tallow ingredient reach $1.1B sales

Sales of food products containing beef tallow exploded to $1.

Daniel Moretti·June 23, 2026
Assortment of food and beverage products in eco-friendly packaging, including bamboo, recycled paper, and compostable bioplastics, displayed on a rustic table with fresh ingredients.
Brands

What Are the Benefits of Sustainable Packaging in Food & Beverage?

The global sustainable packaging market, valued at over $310 billion in 2025, is projected to exceed $590 billion by 2035, according to Statista .

Daniel Moretti·June 10, 2026
Consumer choosing between a healthy, natural snack and a misleadingly packaged snack bar with high sugar content.
Trends

The Nutrient-Dense Grazing Shift: Consumer Snacking Habits in 2026

Despite a 45% consumer preference for 'nutrient-dense' snacks, the average 'healthy' snack bar still contains 15 grams of sugar, revealing a significant disconnect between consumer intent and product

Ryan Patel·June 8, 2026
A lush, sustainable farm field adjacent to an eco-friendly food processing facility, symbolizing the future of responsible food production.
Brands

Top 7 Sustainable Food & Beverage Brands Making Waves in 2026

Despite 70% of consumers valuing sustainability, a recent study found that 60% of 'eco-friendly' claims on food labels lack third-party verification, leaving shoppers navigating a minefield of greenwa

Daniel Moretti·June 7, 2026
Diverse group of Canadian friends happily sharing and enjoying a variety of colorful ready-to-drink cocktails on a sunny outdoor patio.
Drinks

Canadian consumers embrace ready-to-drink cocktails, driving market growth

Canadians bought just over 40% more ciders and coolers between April 2020 and March 31, 2021, according to Statistics Canada .

Daniel Moretti·June 5, 2026
Food and beverage executives strategizing in a modern convenience store, surrounded by innovative products and data displays.
Food

Food and beverage execs see c-stores as innovation hubs

Labatt Canada saw its distribution points grow by about 400% after selling alcohol in convenience stores, a clear signal of the channel's untapped potential, according to CCentral .

Isabella Cortez·June 5, 2026
A close-up of fresh, ripe dates at a market stall, symbolizing a consumer shift towards natural snacks.
Trends

Date sales surge as consumers ditch ultra-processed snacks

US date sales surged by 28% in the last 12 months, reaching $150 million, according to NielsenIQ, as consumers abandon ultra-processed snacks for natural alternatives.

Isabella Cortez·May 16, 2026
A bright, modern kitchen scene showcasing fresh ingredients and transparently labeled food products, symbolizing the clean label movement.
Brands

What is the clean label movement and why does it matter?

In 2017, clean label milk and dairy alternatives captured a staggering 90% of sales within their category, fundamentally reshaping consumer expectations for everyday products.

Daniel Moretti·May 14, 2026
Why 45% of Americans Now Prefer Specialty Coffee: A Look at Artisan Bean’s Rise
Drinks

Why 45% of Americans Now Prefer Specialty Coffee: A Look at Artisan Bean’s Rise

A significant shift in American coffee consumption shows 45% now prefer specialty coffee over traditional options, driven by a demand for higher quality and freshness. Micro-roasters like Artisan Bean address this by focusing on superior sourcing, roasting methods, and a 'roasted to order' model.

Sponsored·May 11, 2026
A modern European supermarket aisle filled with innovative blended protein food products, highlighting consumer choice in functional foods.
Trends

Europe's Protein Push: Functional Food Booms Amidst Innovation

In Belgium, one in four burgers sold at Lidl stores now contains a blend of animal and non-animal proteins, signaling a quiet revolution in how Europeans consume protein.

Ryan Patel·May 10, 2026
Close-up of several beautifully presented, small cocktails on a bar counter, highlighting their intricate details and elegant glassware.
Drinks

Tiny Drinks, New Value: The Bar Industry's Next Big Thing

At bars across the country, bartenders are shrinking their pours, directly responding to a significant shift in consumer behavior.

Daniel Moretti·May 6, 2026
A visually appealing arrangement of sustainable food and beverage packaging, including compostable, recycled, and plant-based materials, symbolizing a commitment to environmental responsibility.
Brands

What Are Sustainable Packaging Principles for Food and Beverage in 2026?

Each year, approximately 10 million tons of plastic waste from food packaging enters the oceans, posing a grave threat to marine ecosystems.

Daniel Moretti·May 6, 2026
Diverse individuals selecting fresh produce and health supplements in a vibrant market, symbolizing the boom in the longevity and healthspan food sector.
Trends

Longevity Food Market Booms, Shifting Focus from Lifespan to Healthspan

More than one in eight Americans have tried or are currently using a GLP-1 medication, fundamentally reshaping how consumers approach diet and health supplements.

Lauren Fisk·April 25, 2026
A consumer scrutinizing a food product label in a grocery store aisle, highlighting the ambiguity of 'clean label' claims amidst abundant product choices.
Brands

What is Clean Label in Food? The Industry Lacks a Clear Definition

Consumers are willing to pay an extra $2.

Daniel Moretti·April 22, 2026
A visually appealing bottle of a wellness beverage, highlighting its protein and fiber content, set against a backdrop of a health-focused retail environment.
Trends

Protein and Fiber Powering a Wellness Beverage Revolution

Global sales of functional beverages fortified with protein or fiber surged by 18% in 2023, reaching $45 billion, according to Euromonitor .

Isabella Cortez·April 22, 2026
A diverse group of friends enjoying colorful, refreshing mocktails at an outdoor cafe, celebrating the rise of wellness-focused beverages.
Drinks

Healthier mocktails lead beverage market growth as wellness rises

In July 2024, Athletic Brewing, a non-alcoholic beer company, secured an $800 million valuation after a $50 million financing round.

Daniel Moretti·April 19, 2026
A visual comparison of declining plant-based food sales in the US versus growing sales in Europe, highlighting market divergence.
Trends

Plant-based food unit sales drop in US while Europe sees growth

Plant-based unit sales in the U.

Isabella Cortez·April 19, 2026