fpm brief

The FPM Brief, a new series of articles on consumer CPG research and behavior, highlights how research insights fuel creative intelligence in packaging design, branding, and marketing. By analyzing consumer interactions and purchasing drivers, we reveal strategies that enable brands to connect authentically with their audience, empowering them to stand out in today’s competitive market.

Read one of our latest articles

Designing Tomorrow: Navigating the Frontiers of Intelligent Design in 2026

The New Food Pyramid and What It Means for Brands

The U.S. Food Pyramid just received a major update and it’s already shaping how consumers, brands, and institutions think about what goes on the plate.

U.S. Department of Agriculture/U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

01. what are the changes?

The new guidance emphasizes real, whole foods and a move away from highly refined and ultra-processed products. Protein and dairy now play a central role, with red meat, cheese, vegetables, and fruits positioned at the top of the pyramid. There’s also a renewed focus on limiting added sugars, cutting back on alcohol, and avoiding salty and sweet snack foods.

Health officials are encouraging Americans to steer clear of pre-packaged, prepared, and ready-to-eat foods, calling for diets rooted in minimally processed ingredients. Alongside this, new petitions are pushing the FDA to remove certain ingredients commonly found in ultra-processed foods.

02. how this is changing consumer behavior

Consumers are already responding. We’re seeing:

Increased scrutiny of ingredient lists
Growing skepticism toward “ultra-processed” claims
Stronger preference for brands that highlight simplicity, sourcing, and nutrition
More demand for clear, honest labeling and packaging

Food choices are becoming values-based decisions, not just taste or convenience purchases.

03. what this means for cpg brands

For consumer packaged goods companies, these updates may require real adjustments:

Reformulated products
Updated ingredient messaging
New compliance or labeling requirements
Packaging that better reflects transparency and trust

As expectations shift, brands that adapt quickly will stand out.

fpm can help

At FPM, we help brands navigate change without losing momentum. Whether you’re refreshing packaging, reworking nutrition panels, clarifying ingredient stories, or repositioning a product line, our team is here to support you through every step. Click below to book a consultation.

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until next time,

Other research you might be interested in

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3 Ways Gratitude Boosts Brand Loyalty

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The Holiday Countdown is On! Here is Your Q4 Game Plan.

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What’s Inspiring FPM This Season?

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Shelf Science: What Actually Gets Picked Up?

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Augmented Reality (AR) Packaging

Augmented Reality (AR) is revolutionizing packaging design in 2024, offering consumers futuristic and immersive experiences that captivate and engage. This week, we explore how AR is transforming consumer interactions with products, particularly in the technology sector.

Smart Packaging

As we move further into the digital age, the role of packaging is expanding beyond traditional functions. The integration of IoT (Internet of Things) elements into packaging is not just an innovation; it is a fundamental shift in how we perceive and interact with products. We live in an age where packaging designs can be intelligent, sustainable, and aesthetically advanced.

AI-Enhanced Packaging Design Processes

In today’s rapidly evolving professional landscape, the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping every industry. In packaging design, AI is emerging as a game-changer, enhancing creativity, optimizing workflows, and generating design variations based on consumer insights and preferences. This synergy between AI and human intelligence is setting the stage for a new era of design innovation.

The Art and Science of Packaging — Interactive Packaging Design

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Minimalist vs. Maximalist Packaging Design

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Nostalgic Packaging Design

Nostalgia, that bittersweet longing for the past, has become a powerful tool in marketing, particularly in packaging design. It serves as a visual time machine, transporting consumers to earlier eras and creating immediate connections with their personal histories. Whether it’s the vibrant and psychedelic aesthetics of the 1960s or the bold, neon-soaked styles of the 1980s, retro-inspired packaging resonates deeply with consumers. For older demographics, this connection is even more poignant, allowing them to relive cherished memories from their youth.

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Crossmodal Correspondences — How Visual Shapes Influence Taste Perceptions

The association between visual shapes and taste perceptions has long captivated sensory psychologists and packaging designers. One particularly intriguing observation is that individuals often associate curved and symmetrical shapes with sweetness, while angular and asymmetrical shapes are more commonly linked to other basic tastes such as sourness, bitterness, saltiness, and umami. This phenomenon, known as crossmodal correspondence, highlights the intricate interplay between visual and gustatory stimuli.

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