October in review: Plant-based label clash, Walmart’s ingredient shakeup, Innova’s top trends

In October, EU lawmakers voted to ban “meaty” names for plant-based alternatives, while the EAT-Lancet Planetary Health Diet report recommended reduced consumption of meat and dairy products. 

California became the first US state to eliminate ultra-processed foods (UPFs) from public school meals. Walmart pledged to scrap synthetic dyes and controversial ingredients from its private-brand food products.

Innova Market Insights suggested that plant-based colorants will inspire the shift toward natural colors and clean label alternatives in the US F&B market. The market intelligence firm also announced the top ten industry trends for 2026.

We look back at the biggest stories this month.

IFT: AI won’t take a food scientist’s job, but a food scientist using AI might

The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) announced its proprietary, AI-powered R&D platform, empowering formulators to streamline product development, reduce trial-and-error, and support science-backed decision-making. Renee Leber, food science and technical services manager at IFT, explained that “AI will not take a food scientist’s job, but a food scientist using AI very well might.”

Walmart scraps artificial dyes and additives in private brand shakeup

Walmart revealed that it will remove synthetic dyes and controversial ingredients, including certain preservatives, artificial sweeteners, and fat substitutes, from its private-brand food products. The move was touted as one of retail’s largest private brand reformulations, responding to increasing consumer demands for “simpler and more familiar” ingredients.

EAT-Lancet Commission urges overhaul of global diets and food policy

The latest EAT-Lancet Planetary Health Diet report provided the most comprehensive global scientific evaluation of food systems to date. The report flagged a common shortfall in the consumption of plant-based foods across all regions and notably advocated for less focus on animal-based protein for health and environmental reasons.

Anuga 2025 live: Alt-protein sector splinters into vegetable-forward basics, high-tech analogs & hybrid innovation

The alternative protein sector has rapidly diversified as innovators push beyond first-generation plant-based meat and dairy analogs. Some of the latest iterations feature everything from humble, whole vegetable ingredients to remarkably meat-like 3D-assembled whole cuts and combinations with actual meat or dairy. We spoke to companies on the show floor of Anuga 2025 in Cologne, Germany.

EU lawmakers vote to ban “meaty” names for plant-based food

The European Parliament voted to restrict the use of words like “sausage,” “steak,” and “burger” on the labels of plant-based food. MEPs adopted the proposal, which was put forward by a French member of the EPP group, Celine Imart, with 355 votes for, 247 against, and 30 abstentions. The vote closely followed WePlanet and the European Vegetarian Union setting up the “No Confusion Coalition,” which represents more than 400 organizations, NGOs, and food companies across Europe.The EU deforestation regulation debate heated up as proposed amendments divided industry and environmental groups.

Healthy school lunches: California’s ultra-processed food ban sets new standard

California introduced a pioneering law to eliminate UPFs from public school meals — the first US state to enact such measures. Assembly Bill 1264, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, requires schools to begin phasing out UPFs by July 2029, with a complete ban by July 2035. The bill, which also requires vendors supplying UPFs to schools to comply by 2032, received overwhelming bipartisan support.

Artificial food colors: How brands can triumph from changing US regulations

New research by Innova Market Insights suggested that breakthroughs in plant-based colorants will inspire the shift toward natural colors and clean label alternatives in the US F&B market, as regulators and consumers rapidly turn against artificial colors. US consumers increasingly avoid artificial food colorings, but petroleum‑based, synthetic food dyes are still present in almost half of new food and beverage product launches in the country.

EU Commission: Proposed EUDR delays should not include larger companies

The European Commission proposed that the December 30, 2025, implementation date of its Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) should remain in place for larger companies, and recommended that downstream operators should no longer be required to submit due diligence statements. The proposal divided opinions — environmental groups said it weakened deforestation protections and yielded to lobbying pressure, while the World Resources Institute saw it as a pragmatic compromise preserving the regulation’s core goals.

Innova Market Insights announces F&B trends for 2026: Gut health, protein & stress relief

Gut health, protein intake, and mental health support emerged as key food and beverage industry drivers. Food Ingredients First spotlighted Innova Market Insights’ top ten industry trends for 2026, as plant-based foods and functional beverages also gained traction. Innova Market Insights will host a free webinar on November 6 in which Lu Ann Williams, the company’s global insights director, will unravel the latest market and consumer trends inspiring the future of food and beverage NPD.

Inside the K-food craze: How Korean brands plan to expand internationally

The K-food craze was in full swing at Anuga 2025. We spoke with South Korean F&B leaders Daesang and Samyang, as well as Sias, a French-based provider of Korean food technology, ingredients, and ready-to-eat products. The experts shared insights into the factors driving the K-wave and how companies can establish Korean ingredients as enduring staples.