These days, the terms “clean label” and “label transparency” are everywhere. Both are major trends in the food and beverage industry, and both are in high demand by consumers. That said, while the terms are similar, they’re also quite different and can add to the confusion caused by today’s food labeling. Ironically, both terms are key for earning consumer trust, but they’re not interchangeable. To help clear things up, we’re here to explain the difference.

With soda sales on the decline for the 12th straight year, consumers’ demands have been loud and clear: they want healthier drink options. Unsurprisingly, ready-to-drink (RTD) sports and nutritional beverages have seen a large boost to their popularity, with sales totaling more than $8 billion in 2016. Both athletes and non-athletes alike are choosing them as a healthier alternative to sodas and other high-calorie, high-sugar beverages, and they’re not just drinking them before and after exercise, but throughout the day.

It’s no secret that today’s consumers are on the hunt for healthier foods. As consumers actively seek out options that are better for them, there’s never been more pressure to make sure your products will stand out among the competition on grocery store shelves. Food manufacturers must find ways to address consumer demands for better-for-you options that don’t compromise the quality of taste or texture.

While 2017 has been a “slow” year for fast-casual restaurants, they’re still one of the most popular dining destinations across the country. Fast-casuals have hit the sweet spot with consumers by offering higher quality, healthier options compared to fast food restaurants, but still maintaining quick service and an affordable price range. Sales for fast-casuals reached $26 billion in 2016, compared to $15.7 billion in 2015, and while the final numbers aren’t out for 2017 yet, sales growth projections are expecting a 6 to 7 percent increase.

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When it comes to the ingredients in their foods and beverages, consumers are keeping it real. Menu trends showcased at the 2016 National Restaurant Association Show reflect a continued appetite for simple, all-natural foods and holistic eating experiences that include comfort foods once considered “off limits” in a healthy diet.

There was a time when butter was perceived as an “enemy” of the heart- and health-conscious. While dietary moderation remains key, the long-held belief has changed. Consumers now clamor for “natural” foods and fats, and their purchase decisions are driving a butter renaissance that has netted 2016 sales totaling $2.8 billion. Compare that against $1.4 billion in vegetable oil-based margarine sales over the same period, and butter’s popularity is anything but spread thin.

If there’s one thing that signals the start of fall in the U.S., it’s the introduction of seasonal pumpkin dishes and drinks at restaurants around the country. But while pumpkin has long been seen as the king of fall, quick service restaurants (QSRs) and casual dining brands are also trying to incorporate non-pumpkin flavors and trends into their fall menu offerings to entice consumers. From the flavor of caramel apples to hearty soups and sauces - even dishes with carved turkey and cranberries - plenty of new fall-themed recipes will be hitting menus in late August and early September.

There are very few grocery stores that don’t have a hot bar or ready-made food section these days. In fact, some grocery stores have even added “grocerants”, where they offer restaurant-quality food in a part grocery store, part restaurant setting. According to a recent consumer survey, more than half of the respondents said they had purchased food at the fresh prepared-food counter of the grocery store before, with prepared foods becoming a $29 billion-a-year business—growing twice as fast as overall grocery store sales.