Consumer Trends Sparking Food Innovation

0:00 0:00

Omnivore

Episode Description

Consumer trend trackers Jenny Zegler of Mintel and Michael Howard of Nichefire set the stage for the year ahead, sharing their takes on the trends that will have the greatest impact on product development and food innovation.

This episode of Omnivore is brought to you by IFT Membership. It’s where you belong. As a member, you’ll enjoy a global community united by purpose and driven by science ready to make a lasting impact on the global food system. Visit ift.org/join.

Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Shopping cart filled with grocery items moving through an aisle of a supermarket

Featured Guests

Jenny Zegler Journalist

Jenny Zegler is principal strategist, food & drink, with research firm Mintel, where she leads food and drink trends coverage and client outreach. Before joining Mintel, she had a career as a beverage industry journalist. She has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Ohio University and a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Wollongong in Australia.
Michael Howard Founder and CEO of Nichefire

Michael Howard is founder and CEO of Nichefire, a cultural listening platform that helps brands identify trends. Prior to founding Nichefire, Howard held roles in marketing and sales development. He has a bachelor’s degree in marketing and information systems from the University of Cincinnati.

Omnivore

IFT’s Omnivore and Omnivore Presents: SciDish podcasts spark lively, thought-provoking conversations with the science, business, and regulatory leaders shaping the future of food. Each episode delivers sharp analysis, practical insights, and bold ideas designed to challenge assumptions, ignite innovation, and energize your work across the global food system.

Subscribe All Omnivore

Recent Podcasts

All Episodes

Selection of gourmet flavours of Italian ice cream in vibrant colors served on an old rustic wooden table in an ice cream parlor, overhead view

Jul 20, 2026

Marcia Walker On Food Innovation, Designing Better Ingredients at the Source

Discover how Dr. Marcia Walker (Oregon State) and Lyle DePauw (Cargill) are shaping resilient food systems through breakthrough innovation, crop breeding, genomics, gene editing, and AI-driven ingredient development.

Podcasts

Jul 14, 2026

How Food Science Is Driving Innovation to Feed the World

Discover how food science innovation is advancing global food security. Experts share real-world solutions, culturally tailored products, and sustainable technologies transforming food systems in resource-constrained regions and improving access to nutritious food worldwide.

Podcasts

People crowd in form of arrow on a white background. 3d illustration

Jun 21, 2026

Science, AI, and Trust: Insights Ahead of IFT FIRST

Omnivore special episode featuring Anupama Joshi (CSPI) and Alon Chen (Tastewise), exploring food misinformation, policy transparency, scientific trust, and how agentic AI accelerates smarter, safer food innovation from concept to commercialization.

Podcasts