SPINS finds inspiration all over the country in artisanal makers, culinary champions, and food activists, but it’s a special treat to find this experience near our headquarters in Chicago. Last month, our neighbors and partners at Family Farmed exhibited the 12th annual Good Food Festival and Conference, a three day affair showcasing and promoting the … Read more No Small Feat: How a Local Food Conference Drives Big Change
The lines that once connected certain attributes to a few categories are fading fast. Trends converge to become more than passing preferences: the natural products industry is continually setting and advancing its own standards for responsibility and quality, focusing on product, planet, and people. Fill out the form below to access and download the … Read more Expo West 2016 Recap
Many studies have shown the health benefits of whole grains, but grain labels often lack clear guidance on whole grain content and at times can even be misleading. How much is enough? Which foods pack the biggest whole grain punch? Are there whole grain options for those who prefer to avoid gluten? The Whole Grains … Read more Trendwatch: Whole Grains
SPINS’ Content Development team reflects on the industry to address broader industry trends as well as areas ripe for innovation. Our 2016 predictions feature an array of budding prospects to reach consumers’ progressing tastes and standards, including a fresh take on the local food movement, up and coming specialty flavors, and exciting developments in functional … Read more SPINS 2016 Trend Predictions
Expo East was evidence that the pulse of the natural industry continues to stay true to its innate core. SPINS’ Product Library Director Susanna Ghaemi explores the new category introductions, spillover trends, and ingredient spotlights on this year’s showfloor. (As always, our recap has lots of content – we appreciate your patience as it loads!) … Read more Expo East 2015 Recap
It’s been nearly a decade since the gluten free trend hit its stride and a growing number of consumers began turning their backs on wheat, barley, rye and easily cross-contaminated oats, setting the stage for broader grain scrutiny. While grains continue to be a staple for many cultures and cuisines throughout the world, some consumers … Read more Trendwatch: Grain Free
Though innovation was plentiful at Expo West, our team was encouraged to find that it’s not just about the latest ingredient (or the latest lack thereof!) – it’s about the holistic experience of good people making great things, and doing good along the way. Check out our recap highlighting some of our show favorites this … Read more Expo West 2015 Recap
The concept of getting back to our roots has been a core element of diet trends over the past couple years as we search for options to increase our lifespan and enhance our quality of life through elimination of processed and fast foods. The Paleo Diet lifestyle has been at the forefront of this movement, … Read more Trendwatch: Paleo
It’s hard to believe that not long ago, our industry was supported entirely by a handful of small, innovative retailers. With kale, chia, kombucha, and even African super foods springing up in the most unlikely of stores these days, it’s clear that health and wellness products are thriving and have proliferated across retail formats. Natural … Read more Trendwatch: Natural Retailers