Amy Barnes

Bacon may be one of the most memorable foods because of its smell, taste and texture. An alternative to pork bacon for consumers cutting out or cutting down on traditional pork bacon has been a gap in the market. Capturing that specific sensory experience of bacon isn't an easy task, especially for companies looking to create a plant-based version. Outstanding Food's co-founder and executive chef, Dave Anderson is doing just that by creating PigOut Chips.

In the crowded ice cream space full of innovative flavors, Tasty is counting on an extra ingredient to drive sales: its social media reach. The world's largest social media food network launches the first four flavor flight of its exclusive limited-edition ice cream flavors in February.

Since 1987, Red Bull has matched consumers with their unique "wiiing"ed energy drinks. Just in time for Galentine's and Valentine's Day celebrations, they've released two new flavors to love: the Red Bull Peach Edition and the Red Bull Pear Sugarfree Edition. Both let consumers "pear" up with a fruit-flavored Red Bull that matches their palates.

With Dry January in 2019, The Coca-Cola Company's Venturing & Emerging Brands (VEB) division stepped out of the traditional beverage space with a quartet of new offerings: sangria, bellini, hard cider and a ginger mule.

Chobani stands out for launching Greek yogurt as a mainstream choice in the United States. The name Chobani means "shepherd" in reference to CEO and founder Handi Ulukaya's childhood centered around sheep, goats and cheese-making. As the number one Greek yogurt company in the US, Chobani blazed trails in the yogurt market space with their Greek yogurt.

Carl's Jr.'s memorable commercials feature juicy hamburgers and celebrities enjoying them. Its latest commercials feature a burger that goes beyond its typical fare. Tennessee-based Carl's Jr. and California-based Beyond Meat have partnered to create the Carl's Jr. Beyond Famous Star burger.

The lunch box note. Kids look for the encouragement or expression of love when they open their lunch. From Kellogg's Rice Krispies Treats to Frito Lay's chip bags, companies have updated the school lunch note tradition with places to write on their packaging.

Diners can instantly define protein power players at the breakfast table: eggs, cheese, meat, yogurt and milk. An unexpected breakfast protein punch is coming from a familiar source taking their seat at the table. Sometimes, the familiar favorites just need a new light shone on them.

Color trendsetter Pantone has announced their 2019 Color of the Year: Living Coral. Described as "an animating and life-affirming coral hue with a golden undertone that energizes and enlivens with a softer edge," the warm color will trend in 2019 on everything from nail polish to paint.

On March 5, 2019, Mardi Gras celebrations will kick off with a King Cake at the center of many of the parties. Celebrating the holiday can begin now with Blue Bell Creameries Mardi Gras King Cake Ice Cream. As a popular regional favorite in Louisiana and Alabama, the flavor is now available nationwide for a limited time in a half gallon size.

"Nobody wants to hear about your New Year’s resolutions. And with our new menu shortcuts nobody will have to (because your mouth will be full). Meet our new #keto, #Whole30, #paleo and #highprotein bowls."

Experience produce trends in 2019 with a rainbow of fruits and veggies. The Fresh Market, a leading specialty grocer with over 160 stores, compiled their trend predictions for 2019 produce shelves showcasing bigger flavors and vibrant colors including purple Brussels sprouts, jumbo Peruvian blueberries, sunny yellow dragon fruits and green dragon apples.

Straight from the Pin boards of visual discovery giant Pinterest comes their annual Pinterest 100: Top Trends for 2019. While the list includes 100 Pinterest favorites, foodie Pinners can start by discovering these 10 food-related items.

A warm windowsill pie. Bakers recreating Grandma's recipe from faded index cards. Pie ingredients can be simple crust and filling; a really great pie incorporates something special. For Georgia-based Pie Provisions, adding Promoted Pins on Pinterest became a special ingredients in growing their business.

I’ve been to a German Aldi store. It’s not your typical tourist destination but I felt inexplicably drawn to the red-haired Trader Joe’s cousin in another country. It’s like the motherland for low-priced food and carts that keep quarters captive in their mouth until you share with the next shopper.