Here are the 10 most-read new consumer trends articles, podcasts and blogs during the first half of 2025:
1. McDonald's launches new chicken McCrispy Strips
The dippable chicken strips will be a permanent menu item starting May 5.
2. Wingstop Sweet Chili Glaze chicken wings bring the zest
Elizabeth Doughman: Wingstop’s new limited time Sweet Chili Glaze flavor for chicken wings capitalizes on growing consumer interest in global flavors.
3. Chicken consumers largely misinformed about HPAI
Elizabeth Doughman: Many U.S. parents are uncertain about the risks and facts surrounding the ongoing HPAI outbreak in commercial poultry, suggesting that the broiler industry needs to do a better job of communicating the facts to consumers.
4. Popeyes debuts new chicken wraps, taunts McDonald’s
Is the “chicken sandwich war” now the “chicken wrap war?”
5. My first Krispy Krunchy Chicken meal won’t be my last
Roy Graber: Once I tried the food, I understood why Krispy Krunchy Chicken grew so much in 2024.
6. Are you ready for the rise of convenient chicken? [PODCAST]
Elizabeth Doughman, editor, WATT PoultryUSA and Poultry Future, and Lynn Dornblaser, principal consultant, Mintel, examine the growing consumer preference for convenience in chicken consumption, as well as explore the dichotomy between premium and value.
7. Tech, consumer trends and the future of chicken innovation [PODCAST]
Kevin Ryan, co-founder and CEO of Malachite Strategy and Research, joins Elizabeth Doughman, editor, WATT PoultryUSA and Poultry Future, to explore how technology is transforming the chicken consumer experience and how industry leaders can prepare.
8. Post COO: Liquid egg demand on the rise amid HPAI outbreak
Avian influenza’s toll on liquid egg prices has not been as severe as it has been with shell eggs, and customers are noticing that.
9. Global flavors and chicken: A perfect match for foodservice
The viral chicken sandwich wars fueled major category growth in foodservice, but an adaptability to global flavors will help the protein retain market share in the future.
10. How chicken can win in the relentless pursuit of protein [PODCAST]
Nick Fereday, executive director, Rabobank and Christine McCracken, protein analyst, also at Rabobank, share their thoughts on how chicken can benefit from the adoption of GLP-1 weight loss drugs, the Make America Healthy Again movement and other changes to consumer perceptions of health and nutrition.
