2025 content calendar
Digital magazines
SupplySide Food & Beverage Journal digital magazines deliver feature-style analysis, columns and in-depth stories in an always on, always accessible format. Since each issue is thematic, our audience — your customers — finds exactly what they need exactly when they need it to help them along their specific decision-making process.
February
Baking and confection: Making sweet treats healthier
Commitment Deadline:
Friday, February 7, 2025
March
Bugs and fungi: The future of protein?
In the March issue, we’ll consider several key aspects of developing alternative protein sources like fungi and insects to their full potential. For example, interest is growing in replicating dairy products like cheese and milk using fermentation to create animal-free alternatives. We’ll investigate how the technique precisely controls the production of specific proteins and desirable flavors. Another challenge is producing dairy alternatives that will achieve the same sensory experience — mouthfeel, taste, texture — as traditional dairy offerings. The same goes for meat analogues: How can fungi or insects be manipulated to mimic the texture, taste and functionality of beef, chicken or fish? Rounding out this issue is “The game changers” column, with a Top 10 list for the ages. We’ll select some amazing brands at the top of their class.
Commitment Deadline:
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
April
Sustainable practices for sourcing natural colors and flavors
April is Earth month — and also sustainability month for SupplySide. Of course, we should be thinking year-round about inventive new ways to practice sustainability, but right now we’re putting the spotlight on unlocking the hidden potential of food with various techniques. For example, fermentation and upcycling are revolutionizing sustainability in the industry. Pomace, or juicing pulp, can become nutrient-rich flours, while “ugly” produce gets a second life in jams and chutneys. The possibilities are endless, offering exciting opportunities to explore functional benefits, create unique flavor profiles and develop scalable solutions for a more sustainable future. Get ready for “The game changers” column to name-check 10 top brands making a difference in the ecosystem with their fresh techniques.
Commitment Deadline:
Monday, April 14, 2025
May
Women's wellness beverages
The wellness beverage category is big business, and women are steadily becoming its biggest consumer. But these elixirs require much more than pretty packaging. They should address overall well-being with functional ingredients for stress relief, gut health and immunity. This issue will also explore prenatal and postnatal drinks with folic acid, probiotics and botanicals, as well as perimenopause/menopause products that utilize ashwagandha or rhodiola to potentially help manage stress and hot flashes. And with women increasingly drawn to beverages made with organic, non-GMO ingredients and minimal added sugar, we’ll feature expert recommendations on how to best develop them. Finally, the best refreshers will get their due in “The game changers” column. We’ll tap the Top 10 brands creating exceptional wellness beverages for women.
Commitment Deadline:
Friday, May 9, 2025
June
Innovation in nutrition bars
Some of the biggest concerns consumers have about plant-based bars: They’re not moist enough. Their functional ingredients make them nutritious, yet not always delicious. They may lack sufficient protein content — a key concern for athletes and those seeking a satiating snack. And some bars can still be high in added sugars, negating the perceived health benefits. That means plenty of room exists for innovation in this category; this issue will explore these topics and more. We’ll look to experts on novel proteins and alternative sweeteners and how to best use them when developing plant-based bars; trending flavor profiles; and how technology is being used to pull all these elements together. The bar is set high, of course, in “The game changers” column, which will amplify the Top 10 best brands.
Commitment Deadline:
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
July
Trends in energy drinks
This mid-summer issue explores the energy drink market, which is ripe for innovation beyond the traditional sugar and caffeine rush. Consumers are demanding functional benefits like cognitive support (B vitamins, L-theanine) and stress reduction (adaptogens) alongside a clean label (organic, non-GMO) formulation. This presents exciting opportunities to develop novel beverage delivery systems that are not only a pleasant experience but also address overall wellness and muscle recovery. Research into plant-based bioactive ingredients and exploring new formulation techniques are key to unlocking the full potential of this ever-evolving beverage category. Certain to be highly anticipated, “The game changers” column will highlight the Top 10 energy drink beverage brands.
Commitment Deadline:
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
August
Enhancing colors and flavors
At issue: how developers should meet the demand for natural flavors and colors while still creating appealing products, especially alt-meat and dairy offerings. We’ll cover how to look for certifications: Some suppliers offer natural colors and flavors that are certified organic, kosher or gluten-free. Additionally, with more companies seeking the expertise of professional chefs to perfect their flavor profiles, expect a culinary angle or two in this issue. We’ll also explore new technologies used to create more vibrant colors or nuanced flavors in the most sustainable manner possible. That will include methods for extending shelf life without compromising taste or consumer satisfaction. As usual, “The game changers” column singles out the best brands in these categories — 10 to be exact.
Commitment Deadline:
Friday, July 25, 2025
September
Functional chocolate and coffee
This digital issue will certainly be the most indulgent of 2025. Of course it will cover the better-for-you angle, diving deep into the booming plant-based creamer market, exploring sustainable coffee production methods and unveiling the latest functional coffee trends. But that’s only half of our plan. Healthier advances in chocolate are on the rise, focusing on lower sugar content, functional inclusions and unique flavor pairings. We’ll also delve into advancements in processing techniques. “The game changers’” Top 10 list will certainly be a treat in September.
Commitment Deadline:
Friday, August 22, 2025
October
Snacking opportunities for GLP-1 users
Here’s a grand opportunity — and unique challenge — to redefine snacking. According to Goldman Sachs analysts, more than 15 million U.S. adults are expected to be on anti-obesity drugs by 2030. These GLP-1 users often experience reduced appetite and taste aversion, hindering their ability to snack effectively. This challenge demands creative solutions that go beyond traditional snacking options. Imagine crafting tasty treats that not only satisfy cravings but also deliver the building blocks for sustained energy and overall well-being. The October issue will serve as inspiration and motivation for R&D experts to revolutionize the snacking experience for a rapidly growing market. Which brands are winning this challenge thus far? We highlight the Top 10 in “The game changers” column.
Commitment Deadline:
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
November
Using fiber to develop healthier women's snacks
Consumer interest is shifting toward gut health and long-term well-being, and high-fiber prebiotics are poised to take center stage. The key lies in unlocking the potential of prebiotics — dietary fibers that help fuel beneficial bacteria — and exploring novel sugar alternatives derived from the likes of chicory root fiber and allulose. As part of microbiome month, we’re set to fully explore fiber in the November digital magazine. From identifying the most appealing prebiotic fibers in terms of taste or texture, to understanding how added fiber impacts processing, shelf life and overall product quality, this issue aims to capture it all. “The game changers” column gives kudos to the Top 10 producers.
Commitment Deadline:
Friday, October 31, 2025
December
The future of food
The year-end issue, as always, is our team’s chance to predict what’s coming down the pipeline. We’ll be looking at what to expect in 2026 and beyond, including how technology continues to play a role in the evolving food and beverage industry, plus personalized nutrition, clean labels, the future of functional beverages and more. Also, get ready for a very special “The game changers” column as we recognize the Top 10 brands of 2025.
Commitment Deadline:
Monday, November 17, 2025
Product development guides
Co-branded, monthly content geared toward a formulator audience, featuring a quick category overview, and a sponsor Q&A and advertising section. These cover topics related to relevant conditions, ingredients and sourcing practices.
February
Trends in functional food
More than half of global consumers now want foods and beverages that offer functional and preventative health benefits, according to HealthFocus International Data. Companies are scrambling to innovate and reformulate with ingredients that support daily energy, brain health/focus/cognition, healthy digestion, mood and healthy sleep. In this product development guide, the panel will take on the latest market trends and the ingredients that are leading the way.
Commitment Deadline:
Monday, December 9, 2024
March
Protein power
Nutrient-rich solutions are in demand for active nutrition and people on the go. Protein is at the pinnacle of this trend in food and beverage product development for its nutritional value and growing formulation versatility. Protein ingredients are trending in the red-hot beverage category, showing up strong in hot drinks, mixes and RTD (ready-to-drink) beverages, as well as in portable power-packed bars and foods for active lifestyles. As these trends gain traction, product innovators need solutions that measure up nutritionally with great flavor and appealing texture and mouthfeel. See your ingredients featured in this product development guide.
Commitment Deadline:
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
April
Upcycling and sustainable ingredient solutions
Sustainability is becoming a foundational element in product development as consumers confront the food system’s potential impacts on the environment. This product development guide will dig into innovative ingredients that meet the markers for sustainability — including organic, regenerative agriculture, upcycled, and sustainably sourced and efficiently produced ingredients — while also delivering function and great flavor to product formulations.
Commitment Deadline:
Wednesday, February 19, 2025
May
High value health: Appealing to women
Women are becoming savvy consumers who want to take control of their health with products that provide high nutrition, functional value and convenience. Product developers need to stay on top of their latest demands for healthful products, from digestive support and healthy blood sugar to energy and healthy aging. In this product development guide, we’ll highlight ingredient solutions like fiber, natural sweeteners, plant-based proteins and whole grains, as well as discuss trends like hydration and other tactics for beauty from within to create a range of products that appeal to women’s needs.
Commitment Deadline:
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
June
Summer sizzle: Alt-meat and protein, savory solutions
The backyard barbecue is a hallmark of summer, but these days it takes more than throwing a few burgers on the barbie. As they increasingly prepare foods for vegans, vegetarians and flexitarians, cooks today are looking for savory alternative meats and plant-based protein products in every format — from burgers and sausages to plant-based lunch “meats” and cheeses — and those products need to grill, melt and taste just as expected. This PDG will highlight the latest savory solutions adding sizzle to alternative and plant-based meat products.
Commitment Deadline:
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
July
Functional beverage innovation, hydration and beyond
Consumers across varied ages and demographics are embracing active lifestyles and seeking products to support their fitness and sports performance. Today’s active nutrition products need to feature ingredients for hydration plus added health benefits, as well as formulation functionality like high solubility in varied formats, and clean and natural attributes that taste great. Generate added awareness about how your superfoods, botanicals and other ingredients support these next-level objectives.
Commitment Deadline:
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
August
Just desserts! Dairy, plant-based, frozen treats
When it comes to indulgent treats, consumers want it all — nutrition, taste and texture. Whether frozen or in the dairy case, innovations in texture, fats and proteins are driving market growth in the category. This product development guide will feature the latest ingredients to meet consumers’ growing demand for sustainable plant-based treats.
Commitment Deadline:
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
September
Sweeteners and high-intensity sweetener innovation
Sure, sugar reduction is in, but many brands (and consumers) prefer natural sweeteners and sugars — manufacturers just need the right strategies for the right products. This product development guide will feature the latest ingredient innovations with sugar, allulose, stevia sweeteners, monk fruit and new options like sweeteners derived from mycelium protein.
Commitment Deadline:
Monday, July 21, 2025
October
Clean and natural colors and flavors
Bold is big in colors and flavors, but ingredients must enhance a product’s appearance and taste while also acknowledging consumers’ preferences for products that are natural, clean and wellness supportive. This product development guide will address challenges for creating visually enticing and flavorful products naturally. Promote how your ingredient solutions can elevate product appeal — naturally.
Commitment Deadline:
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
November
Making the microbiome matter
Microbiome health is resonating with consumers as they understand the impact of gut health on energy, mood, immunity and beyond. They are embracing products with inherent gut support like cultured foods, but also products with added prebiotics and postbiotics that are raising the bar in food and beverage formulation. Highlight your ingredients for good-for-the-gut products in this product development guide.
Commitment Deadline:
Monday, October 6, 2025
December
Alt-dairy for every consumer
Consumers are catching on to the fact that alternative dairy products may offer benefits for human health and the environment — it’s not just about special diets anymore. As alt-dairy comes on strong, the dairy case is experiencing a plant-based takeover. Exciting innovations are creating next-generation alt-dairy products, as consumers of all dietary persuasions embrace nontraditional dairy across various product categories. This product development guide will feature solutions in flavor, texture and mouthfeel for innovative alt-dairy product design formats.
Commitment Deadline:
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
SupplySide education webinar series
The SupplySide Education webinar series will feature a monthly webinar, each focused on a unique key topic (see below). Align your brand with innovation, best practices and need-to-know information by underwriting topics within this series.
February
Explosion of nondairy innovations
The market for nondairy butter, cheese, ice cream and the like continues to grow, but so does the consumer demand for exceptional taste. In this webinar, we’ll discuss technical innovations that are helping to make the flavor and texture of nondairy products better. Be prepared to unleash your inner nerd as we dig into the science of making nondairy the choice for even the pickiest consumer.
Commitment Deadline:
Thursday, January 30, 2025
March
Developing bars by generation: What does each want and need?
Getting into the bar game? Then you need to understand what the market is telling you about your audience. Not every bar consumer is looking for the same thing. During this webinar, our experts will analyze each generation and what they want in a bar. We’ll cover flavor, sustainability, texture and the unique health benefits that each age wants to bite into.
Commitment Deadline:
Thursday, February 27, 2025
April
Sustainable packaging
Per Nielsen IQ’s 2023 CPG report, 92% of consumers said sustainability is important when they choose a brand.? This webinar explores what that means for packaging. Learn the best ways to bridge the gap between doing what’s right for the planet and making sure your product can stay on the shelf for as long as possible.
Commitment Deadline:
Thursday, March 27, 2025
May
Snack considerations for menopause
In each stage of menopause, women have unique health requirements. This webinar will cover how snacks can provide the right nutrition — or even just smarter options — for women going through the change. We’ll discuss impactful ingredients, formats trending in this age group and which other opportunities might await in this growing space.
Commitment Deadline:
Thursday, April 17, 2025
June
New technology in plant-based protein
Formulating a plant-based, high-protein product is no easy task, especially as we learn more about how much protein people should be consuming. Learn which types of protein can meet the specific needs of your product — texture, taste, amino acid levels, solubility and more. We’ll also talk about the common pitfalls of formulating high-protein products
Commitment Deadline:
Thursday, May 29, 2025
July
Alternative sweeteners in sports food and beverage
Low-sugar, high-protein bars, pouches, ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages and more are catching the eye of hardcore athletes and active lifestyle practitioners alike. Most of these consumers are looking for products that taste good without being loaded with calories and sugar. In this webinar, we’ll talk about which alternative sweeteners are the best choice for protein products, what’s difficult about using them and the top tips for how to formulate for active people.
Commitment Deadline:
Thursday, June 19, 2025
August
Nostalgic snack trends
Everybody loves food that makes them remember the good times. How to make that a reality in a CPG, however, can be daunting. Throughout this webinar, we’ll discuss trending nostalgic flavors, how to bring those flavors into your product and which textures might work best with them. We’ll also discuss licensing and the proper channels necessary to use another brand on your product.
Commitment Deadline:
Thursday, July 17, 2025
September
Energy beyond caffeine
The revenue of energy and sports drinks sold worldwide in 2023 was about $193 billion, according to the Statista. That’s a gigantic piece of the pie. The goal of this webinar is to find out which non-caffeine energy ingredients work best and the science of how they work in the body. We’ll also talk about the market size and audience for energy products without caffeine.
Commitment Deadline:
Thursday, August 14, 2025
November
Exploring the microbiome in food and beverage
Scientists are developing more products like fermented foods (e.g., yogurt, kimchi) or probiotic beverages (kombucha) that target specific health benefits for the microbiome. During this webinar, we’ll explore which flora-supporting ingredients (fiber, probiotics, etc.) can be used in food and beverages and how to use them. We’ll also discuss how food scientists are using microbes to produce food in ways that are less resource intensive.
Commitment Deadline:
Thursday, October 9, 2025
December
Food trends of the future
Join us for a roundtable discussion about what’s next in technology and food trends with top experts from the industry. We’ll cover consumer insights and trends, food and beverage ingredient innovations, and how technology is changing the game when it comes to food and beverage development. Our aim is to prepare you for what’s coming in 2026 — and even further down the road.
Commitment Deadline:
Thursday, November 6, 2025
SupplySide sponsored webinar intensives
A series of sponsored webinar events, with each month focused on a specific industry topic. This webinar offers attendees the opportunity to hear from up to four sponsoring companies in an intensive informational deep dive. Each sponsor will give a 10-minute live presentation, as well as participate in a 20-minute live Q&A at the end of the session.
March
Irresistible snacking
Most U.S. consumers snack daily and more than half say their snacks replace traditional meals, according to IFIC’s 2024 Food and Health Survey. That means the benefits-bar for innovative new snacks is on the rise. In this sponsored intensive, panelists will discuss the latest consumer trends and attitudes about snacking — highlighting tactics for improving nutrition, flavors and textures to help products stand out in the competitive snack food aisles. Join this panel to present your company’s insights and expertise.
Commitment Deadline:
Wednesday, February 19, 2025
June
Functional beverage
Beverages now must pack a punch, helping to hydrate, rejuvenate, and support health and wellness. This panel discussion will provide insights on current consumer demands for beverages and look at both RTD and powdered solutions for trending beverages. Offer your insights on winning beverages from cultured/fermented drinks to those with soluble proteins, caffeine, natural energy and more.
Commitment Deadline:
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
September
Plant-based protein for all meal occasions
Whether they’re seeking energy, weight management or digestive health, today’s consumers know that protein is an important part of their dietary equation, and they are on a quest to consume more of this critical nutrient. But many also want their protein clean and plant-based, whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a snack. Join this sponsored intensive panel to discuss the fast-paced segment and current innovations in quality plant-based ingredients.
Commitment Deadline:
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
November
Fiber for food function and health function
Fiber has seen a transformation in food formulation as consumers now associate it with added nutrition and gut support. This webinar will delve into the latest thinking about fiber-based products and how to communicate fiber ingredients’ value for enhancing texture and mouthfeel, while also promoting gut health — all in one package. Participate in this Intensive and highlight ingredient and formulation insights.
Commitment Deadline:
Wednesday, October 15, 2025