Author: Jasmine Hanson

December 2025  As 2025 begins to wind down, we are found reflecting on the past year and looking ahead to what is on the horizon for 2026. It is also that time when many food and insights companies present their trend predictions for the upcoming year. We at Lentils.org enjoy doing a deep dive into

December 2025Contributor: Mike Kostyo, Vice President of Menu Matters Is there any segment of the food industry that showcases such dramatic, sweeping changes quite like health and wellness? Think about past trends like the low-fat and low-calorie craze, low-carb diets, the rise of gluten-free eating, the explosive growth of superfoods, and more recent diet trends

According to The Prison Policy Initiative, there are nearly 2 million people incarcerated or confined in correctional facilities (i.e., prisons, jails, immigration detention, and juvenile facilities) in the United States.1   That’s a lot of people to feed.  Professionals, like Ryan Smith, CEC, are up to the challenge. Smith is the Director of Culinary at Summit

Lentils.org participated in the Kitchen Collaborative program for the first time in 2025, supplying lentils to 100 chefs across the U.S. representing high volume commercial and non-commercial foodservice operators. These chefs worked with various ingredients and products to pull together innovative concepts in hopes of winning a ticket to an immersive culinary experience in Dubai

These days, no matter where you eat, you’re likely to find grain bowls on the menu. Grain bowls are a key driver in the expanding “grab-and-go” and “ready-to-eat” (RTE) meal market, which is experiencing significant growth. The global prepared meals market was valued at $178.83 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $291.27 billion

Dreaming of the Mediterranean this summer?   Mediterranean dishes are always approachable consumer favorites. However, according to Food & Beverage Magazine, Mediterranean-inspired dishes are having a renaissance this summer. Restaurant patrons are particularly drawn to “a deep appreciation for the Mediterranean’s diverse culinary landscapes.”1   However, if you can’t get to Italy or Greece, you can still

Just Salad, a popular fast-casual restaurant, made its name by catering to lunchtime customers in major metropolitan areas. With a focus on “eating with purpose,” Just Salad attracts consumers who appreciate health-conscious options, carbon-labeled meals, and the world’s largest restaurant reusable packaging program. Founded in 2006, the company has more than 90 locations around the