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Breakfast Is the New Frontier for CPG Innovation

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Morning food is getting a major makeover.

Breakfast has emerged as one of the most dynamic innovation zones in the CPG landscape.
Shifts in consumer habits, heightened focus on wellness, and a craving for convenience have turned the morning meal into a canvas for experimentation and an opportunity for growth for CPG companies.

A Category Reawakened

With more people working from home or adopting flexible schedules post-pandemic, breakfast has moved from a rushed necessity to a daily ritual consumers are eager to personalize, enhance, and optimize.

Add to this the rise of functional foods, growing demand for clean-label ingredients, and a desire for flavor exploration, and it becomes clear: the traditional cereal aisle is no longer enough.

Trends Driving the Breakfast Boom

Consumers want more from their first meal, giving rise to notable trends across the category. A few trends exhibiting tenacity right now include:

1. Functional Nutrition

Consumers want breakfast with benefits: energy, focus, satiety, and gut support. Brands like Taika (adaptogenic lattes) and MUSH (probiotic-rich oats) lead the charge by embedding function into formats people already know and love.

2. Protein Priorities

Breakfast has become the protein anchor of the day. Brands like Farm Rich are turning familiar formats into high-performance food without sacrificing taste. Smith Design recently worked with both brands to capture innovations in breakfast. Farm Rich’s High Protein Cinnamon French Toast Sticks, Loaded Hash Brown Bites, Bacon Breakfast Roll Ups, and Sausage Stuffed Biscuits offer the delight and familiarity of indulgent breakfast foods in a portable format that packs a protein punch. Smith created the logo for Farm Rich, redesigned the packaging, and shot the food photography.

3. Plant-Based

With demand for plant-forward meals increasing, breakfast is an ideal entry point. PB2’s Apple Cinnamon Muffin Mix combines the benefits of added protein that’s all plant-based. Smith Design worked with PB2 on the label design and food photography for this innovative morning mix.

4. Snackification of the Morning Meal

Today’s breakfast might be eaten in the car, at a desk, or mid-Zoom. This shift has opened doors for portable, resealable, microwaveable formats. Smith Design leveled up the package design and photography for Eggland’s Best Sous Vide Egg Bites, which go from frozen to fabulous in minutes and are easy to bring on the go.

The Breakfast Opportunity

For CPG brands, breakfast offers a unique intersection of habit, health, and hedonism. It’s a chance to build brand loyalty in a new category through daily rituals, capture self-space in multiple grocery aisles, and drive category disruption without the need to educate consumers from scratch about their brand.

The Visual Legacy of the Tour de France

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With Smith Design-ed Products

First held in 1903, the Tour has become one of the most prestigious events in sports, captivating fans with its dramatic mountain climbs, high-speed sprints, and iconic landscapes. It’s a grueling, multi-week stage race that blends athleticism with tradition.

But beyond the peloton lies a fascinating visual language: the jerseys themselves. From the famed maillot jaune to the green, polka dot, and white jerseys, each color tells a story—honoring the race’s history, celebrating standout performances, and adding a layer of symbolism to every pedal stroke. Whether you’re new to the Tour or a longtime fan, understanding the origins of these jerseys offers a richer appreciation for the spectacle and strategy of the race.

Yellow Jersey (Maillot Jaune) – Overall Leader

  • Introduced: 1919
  • Significance: Worn by the rider with the lowest overall time (General Classification).
  • Why Yellow?: It matched the yellow newsprint of L’Auto, the race’s original organizing newspaper.
  • Fun Fact: Eugène Christophe was the first to wear it. At the time, it was controversial because riders felt it made them too easy to target.

Green Jersey (Maillot Vert) – Points Leader

  • Introduced: 1953 (50th anniversary of the Tour)
  • Significance: Awarded to the best sprinter based on points from stage finishes and intermediate sprints.
  • Why Green?: It was originally sponsored by a lawn mower company, hence the green color.
  • Fun Fact: Points are weighted toward flat stages to favor sprinters.

Polka Dot Jersey (Maillot à Pois Rouges) – King of the Mountains

  • Introduced: 1975
  • Significance: Given to the best climber, based on points earned on categorized climbs.
  • Why Polka Dots?: A chocolate sponsor (Chocolat Poulain) used red polka dots in its branding.
  • Fun Fact: Climbs are categorized by difficulty, with more points available on the hardest ones.

White Jersey (Maillot Blanc) – Best Young Rider

  • Introduced: 1975 (discontinued in 1989, revived in 2000)
  • Significance: Awarded to the best rider under 25 in the General Classification.
  • Why White?: It represents youth and potential—a clean slate.
  • Fun Fact: Many eventual Tour winners started out by winning the white jersey early in their careers.

And while history, tradition, and pure athletic prowess are the center points of this epic endurance event, let’s not forget the calories. It takes a fair amount of them to fuel such continued exertion. As an amateur competitive cyclist, I can tell you that certain foods are more suited to sustaining the energy needed to climb the Alps. Even better, I discovered I can support caloric intake for an endurance ride, pulling only from Smith Design client projects.

Here’s how I would set my menu:

Night before:

While the science of “carb-loading” has shifted, a pasta meal is still a great idea, as long as it’s a healthy balance of macronutrients. I’d choose Buitoni Chicken Parmesan Ravioli.

Breakfast:

Cream of Wheat will top off your carbs in the morning. I like to stir in some Skippy Creamy Protein Peanut Butter for extra satiation.

On the Bike:

The pros have support cars and domestiques to fetch their snacks, but amateurs? We need to cram our pockets full of goodies. Single-serve packets are easily stashed in cycling jerseys, and small bites are best for snacking on the go. I’d reach for:

Skippy P.B. Bites, Planters Trail Mix, and Entenmann’s Big Chunk cookies.

Electrolytes in your water bottle are an absolute must. Did you know you can make your own by combining a little Maple Grove Farms Maple Syrup and pinch of salt?

After it’s all over, don’t forget to show your bike some love. Towel it off using Bona’s All Purpose Cleaner (Lavender scent, of course) and a microfiber cleaning cloth.

The Tour de France airs from Saturday, July 5th, through Sunday, July 27th, and the Tour de Femmes airs from July 26th to August 3rd.

Designing Relevance: Keeping Brand Mascots Alive and Impactful

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In an era of fragmented attention and fast-moving trends, brand mascots can no longer rely on nostalgia alone but must be actively designed for relevance. Driven by shifts in consumer behavior, digital marketing strategies, and the rise of parasocial relationships in online culture, they have evolved dramatically from static product icons to dynamic social media personalities.

As influencer culture grew in popularity, marketers recognized the value of authentic content and forming emotional connections with their audience. A mascot helps a brand cut through the noise, standing out using humor, sarcasm, or irreverence while still being “on brand.” Even better, because they’re not real people, mascots are flexible digital assets that can respond to trends quickly and don’t need costly influencer contracts. They become nimble, multi-platform brand representatives capable of driving engagement, merchandising, and emotional connection.

Mr. Peanut and The Jolly Green Giant

Smith Design worked with some long-standing mascots, notably Mr. Peanut and the Jolly Green Giant, helping to evolve their presence on packaging and social media.

We created the cobranded visual identity and shot the food photography for the Mr. Peanut × Miller High Life Bar Nut Mix, a campy and clever collaboration between two century-old brands that appealed to Millennials and Gen Xers who appreciate retro-kitsch, especially regarding their favorite snacks.

In creating content for Green Giant’s social media, Smith Design focused on posts that allow the Giant to participate in social media trends while retaining his strong, silent persona. One trending post jumped on the “looking for a man” trend and proved one of the brand’s most popular posts. Audiences recognized the trend and appreciated the nod to pop culture.

A Tomato is Born: Designing a Character That Works

Today’s mascots have human-like quirks, backstories, and even relatable drama. Think Duo, Duolingo’s sassy owl, known for chaotic shenanigans like sending threatening reminders to keep up with learning streaks, flirting with celebrities, dancing in public, and office antics.

Smith Design embraced the opportunity to create character-focused, relatable, organic social media content for sauce company Hoboken Farms. The brand had no pre-existing mascot in this case, but Smith made a band of unofficial mascots to breathe fresh air into their social media content.

Consequently, a quartet of anthropomorphized Roma tomatoes have become “regulars” on the brand’s social media feed. They’ve gone dancing for New Year’s Eve, announced grocery store partnerships, and even graduated college. As 3D animated representatives, they’re easygoing and adaptable to the task.

And when Smith creatively pivoted them to participate in the popular AI “action figure” trend, they spawned personalities of their own, complete with signature accessories representing each of Hoboken Farms’ four varieties of sauce. Tammy, Tommy, Johnny, and Isabella Tomato are now a part of the sauce’um Hoboken Farms gang, and we’re excited to see what they do next!

If you’re looking to give your brand a representative, an enhanced voice, or even a little extra charisma, let’s chat. At Smith Design, we have vast experience in working with heritage brand mascots as well as inventing fresh, new characters that truly stand out. Whether you’re envisioning a cheeky character, a clever sidekick, or a mascot with undeniable swagger, we’re here to help your brand make a lasting impression. Let’s create something that gets noticed and keeps people talking.

Adultifying Juice

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The trend of “adultifying” juice—transforming traditional juice beverages into sophisticated, health-focused, or functional drinks tailored for adult consumers—has been gaining momentum.

This momentum is reflected in recent product innovations across beverage companies, from Coca-Cola to Califia Farms, and is spurred by the younger generations, particularly Gen Z, who are reshaping beverage consumption in the following key ways:

  • Prioritizing health and wellness by choosing functional beverages with added benefits like gut health support (prebiotics, probiotics), immune-boosting ingredients, and adaptogens.
  • Favoring clean-label drinks with natural ingredients over traditional sodas or artificially flavored options.
  • Reaching for bold, exotic, and unexpected flavor combinations, such as yuzu, dragon fruit, and hibiscus.
  • Appreciating cultural and global influences, like matcha, turmeric, and botanicals.

These headwinds have been affecting the broader beverage industry and the orange juice subset, compounded by increased competition from alternative drinks and a general decline in traditional breakfast habits.

In response, Florida’s Natural, the citrus-focused and farmer-owned co-operative, is exploring a new product line that aligns with these evolving consumer tastes and trends.

Meet Bold Blends, a unique mix of vibrant and exotic flavors, like pineapple with dragon fruit and mango with habanero pepper.

Smith Design was engaged to rejuvenate Florida’s Natural’s brand appeal and address the shifting market dynamics to ensure long-term sustainability via this new product line. To do this, Smith created a design that departed from their core line with a rich, green label and vibrant and dynamic fruit imagery.  

The label design cues excitement and refreshment, hooking the consumer with a medley of unexpected flavors.

Flavors that could easily be used in a cocktail or mocktail, making Bold Blends especially appealing to the “make it your way” younger generation.

With Cinco de Mayo approaching, we offer this Spicy Mango Habanero Margarita recipe featuring Florida’s Natural Bold Blends. Raise a glass to reimagined flavor!

BOLD and Spicy Mango Habanero Margarita

Ingredients (Serves 1)

  • 2 oz tequila (silver or reposado)
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice
  • 1 oz Bold Blends Lemonade with Mango and Habanero
  • ½ oz triple sec (or Cointreau)
  • Tajín or chili powder + salt (for the rim)
  • Ice
  • Lime wedge or mango slice (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Rim: Run a lime wedge around the rim of your glass and dip it in a mix of Tajín and salt.
  2. Mix It Up: Add tequila, Bold Blends, triple sec, and ice. Shake well for about 15-20 seconds.
  3. Strain & Serve: Strain into your prepared glass filled with fresh ice.
  4. Garnish & Enjoy: Top with a lime wedge or a mango slice for extra flair.

The Intersection of Design and Data-Driven Well-Being

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People are increasingly taking back control of their wellness by embracing new technologies like at-home DNA tests. These tests offer personalized insights and cutting-edge solutions for health management.

DNA testing allows individuals to tailor their diet, fitness, and even skincare routines to their genetic makeup. Some people are even turning to at-home genetic testing to determine if they might be good candidates for GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, which are widely used for weight management and metabolic health. Certain genetic markers related to metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and appetite regulation may influence how well someone responds to GLP-1 receptor agonists (Forbes).

Companies are marketing these advancements as tools for empowerment, promising a more data-driven, individualized approach to well-being that moves beyond traditional one-size-fits-all solutions. They are also making access easier, including our clients at DNA Complete who provides the only at-home test that decodes 100% of your DNA.

ProPhase Labs asked Smith Design to provide a secure structural design, brand identity, and packaging graphics that was secure, intuitive, and informative. The design struck a balance between science, wellness, and luxury. The bulls-eye graphic connotes accuracy while also drawing attention to the double-helix logo and test claims.

While the science is still evolving, and most doctors emphasize that genetic testing alone isn’t enough to determine eligibility for the candidacy of certain medications, the impact extends beyond healthcare and into industries like food, fashion, and overall wellness.

Food companies are creating products and tailoring packaging specifically for health goals, creating packaging that highlights DNA-personalized benefits, metabolic health support, and GLP-1-friendly formulations, like Nestlé’s Vital Pursuit. Brands are marketing “Ozempic-friendly” snacks and protein bars with higher fiber and protein content to cater to consumers using GLP-1 medications, like Danone’s YoPro. Some fast food chains are even getting into the game, offering GLP-1 Support Menus, like Smoothie King.

Supplements companies now offer DNA-personalized supplements, formulating vitamins and nutrients based on genetic predispositions. Brands like Rootine and Persona Nutrition use genetic testing to create custom supplement regimens that promise optimized health and longevity.

Apps like Noom, MyFitnessPal, and ZOE incorporate AI-driven, DNA-based, and microbiome-focused nutrition plans.

Wearable companies like WHOOP and Oura are integrating genetic and metabolic health insights to provide hyper-personalized fitness and recovery recommendations.

High-end wellness brands like GENEU, Allél, and Orogold now offer genetic-based skincare, as do. They also provide “metabolic reset” programs designed to align with GLP-1 medication regimens.

The growing intersection of genetics, healthcare, and personalized wellness presents a significant opportunity for innovation—especially in the realm of graphic design communications. As more consumers seek data-driven health solutions, brands have the chance to develop clear, engaging, and visually compelling ways to communicate complex medical and genetic information. From intuitive packaging that highlights personalized nutrition benefits to dynamic app interfaces that track genetic and metabolic insights, effective design can enhance user understanding and engagement.

Infographics, interactive dashboards, and sleek branding will play a crucial role in making these tools more accessible and appealing. As this space evolves, those who can bridge science with strong visual storytelling will be able to shape the future of personalized health.

Brew a Cup of Joy this Holiday Season

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This holiday season, we’re sharing recipes crafted to inspire moments of mindfulness and joy. Below, you’ll find six drinks that encourage you to take a moment to pause, be present, and enjoy the simple act of creating and savoring something special. They’re designed to brighten and bring warmth to your winter days.

If you feel especially joyful, mix one up, and tag us on social using #smithholiday. We’ll return the favor and repost!

In the spirit of giving, this year, we supported Reach Out and Read, a Morristown organization that provides books to children in need. We donated 300 copies of Zaza’s Perfect Pie, a delightful picture book by our Director of Digital Creative, Elana Iaciofano. Complete with recipes, activities, and crayons, it’s a fun way for kids to dive into Zaza’s pizza-filled adventures.

Additionally, we’ve made a financial contribution to NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, to support their important work in mental health advocacy and education.

Here’s to moments that warm the heart and brighten the season!

Uplifting Hot Chocolate

Serves 1

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup milk of choice
  • 2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 Tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
  • Whipped cream and marshmallows 

Method:

Place milk, cocoa powder, and sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, whisking frequently, until warm (but not boiling). 

Stir in vanilla extract.

Serve with whipped cream and marshmallows.

Relaxing Tart Cherry Milk

Serves 1

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup almond or coconut milk
  • 1/4 cup tart cherry juice
  • 2 tsp honey
  • Sprinkle of rose petals (culinary grade)

Method:

In a small pot over low heat, warm the almond or coconut milk and tart cherry juice. 

Once simmering, remove from the heat and whisk in honey.

Optional: use a frother for foam.

Pour into mug and garnish with a sprinkle of rose petals.

Soothing Hot Toddy

Serves 1

Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1 1/2 ounces whiskey
  • 2 tsp honey
  • 2 tsp lemon juice
  • Lemon slice
  • Cinnamon stick

Method:

Heat water to a simmer and pour into a mug.

Add the whiskey, lemon juice, and honey. Stir.

Garnish with a lemon slice and a cinnamon stick and serve hot!

Spicy Ginger Tea

Serves 1

Ingredients:

  • 1 inch piece of fresh ginger, cut into smaller pieces
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tsp honey
  • Lemon slices and crystalized ginger

Method:

In a small saucepan, bring the water and sliced ginger to a simmer for 5 minutes. 

Remove from the heat and remove the ginger (or leave it in for extra zing!) and pour into a mug.

Stir in a teaspoon of honey and add a lemon slice and a piece of crystalized ginger. 

Fearless London Fog Latte

Serves 1

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 Earl Grey tea bag  
  • 1  tsp honey 
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract  
  • 1/2 cup milk of choice
  • Optional: 1/2 tsp dried lavender (culinary grade)

Method:

Boil water. Add the tea bag and dried lavender and steep.

Bring milk to a simmer in a small pan over medium-low heat, whisking to froth.

Strain tea into mug and stir in the honey and vanilla. Top with frothed milk.

Brave Brew Mocha

Serves 1

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup brewed strong coffee
  • 6 oz milk of choice
  • 2 Tbsp chocolate chips
  • Whipped cream and chocolate powder for serving

Method:

Heat the milk in a small pot over medium-low heat until simmering. 

Add the chocolate chips and whisk until melted. 

Optional: use a frother for foam.

Pour the milk over the coffee. 

Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate powder.

Adobe Max 2024 Recap

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Left: Entering the Keynote; Right: Creative Park Art installation with Melissa and Becki

Adobe Max is far from your typical conference experience—it’s a dynamic fusion of revival, interactive experimentation, and cutting-edge creative learning. From the very first beat that thumped through the Opening Keynote, I was captivated, eyes lit with anticipation, and fully immersed in what Adobe had curated for us. The wealth of content was immense, and my coworkers and I did our best to divide and conquer, eager to return with a treasure trove of insights. Processing it all seemed overwhelming, and with the tendency to lose momentum post-event, I seized the chance to write a recap post. But where to begin? Naturally, with the electrifying Keynote that set the tone for the entire event.

We were welcomed into the giant auditorium by Adobe Big Wigs and “Evangelists” expounding and expanding on the new developments in programming, peppered with a few early “sneaks” to get us pumped up. They wowed us with Adobe Firefly updates to image, design, vector, and even video models, demonstrating a photo-to-video tutorial that literally drew ooohs and ahhhs from the crowd.

And while all this was dazzling, they stressed Adobe’s mission to use AI to further bridge the digital divide, not widen it. It’s a tool for creativity, NOT a replacement for it. To support this, they insist that Firefly uses only Adobe licensed and public domain content. Creators have the choice to tag content as “not allowed” for AI testing and they have initiated a Content Authenticity Initiative with Content Credentials, a type of metadata that can be added to images to increase creator transparency.

The sessions I attended struck a perfect balance between being both informative and inspiring. Since my strength lies in Photoshop, I made the most of the advanced compositing courses, which introduced me to new, more efficient workflows. My favorite session was led by Julieanne Kost, where she shared her personal process for crafting surreal photo composites—a real eye-opener.

On the other hand, I felt the need to brush up on Illustrator (pun intended), so I zeroed in on hands-on lab sessions where I could immediately apply what I learned and hopefully commit it to memory. Working on the computer alongside the instructor made a huge difference, and the Adobe teaching assistants were incredibly helpful for anyone feeling lost. My favorite Illustrator class was led by branding designer-turned-internet-sensation James Barnard. He showed us how he stays sharp with new features while giving us a glimpse into his growing online community, where he posts educational how-to videos. Naturally, I hit “follow” right away.

Cey Adams’s work for The Beastie Boys

While inspirational sessions abounded, my favorite by far was Cey Adams’s. More like a guided conversation than a lecture, he recounted his four-decade career as a graffiti artist turned graphic designer and founding creative director at Def Jam Records. My musical soft spot is for bands and artists like the Beastie Boys, Run DMC, and The Notorious B.I.G., so I was positively giddy with delight upon hearing his stories, while also inspired by his passion and artistic evolution.

Left: Creative Park Flamingos; Right: Melissa, Aaron Draplin, Me, and Becki

The Creative Park felt like being a kid in a candy store. If I could have cloned myself a dozen times to run around while simultaneously snapping up fun stickers and patches, taking selfies with Aaron Draplin, chugging expertly crafted free cappuccinos, and exploring all the program-specific computer stations, I absolutely would have. Instead, I tried to pace myself through the aisles and maintain a respectable professionalism. I proudly snagged my 25-year Adobe button, and walked away with no less than 40 stickers, 3 patches, 4 notebooks, 3 t-shirts, a pair of earrings, and a book. I even entered a raffle for a Trek Madone Project 1 collab with Pantone—sadly, I didn’t win, but I spent more time than necessary oogling that gorgeous bike.

Some of the excellent merch we acquired and a glimpse of that fancy bike I fell in love with.

Adobe Sneaks is a must-see event for anyone interested in the latest breakthroughs in technology and creative tools. This year’s showcase was packed with exciting innovations, unveiling cutting-edge features that push the boundaries of what’s possible in design, programming, and creativity. It’s a glimpse into the future of digital experiences, offering attendees a sneak peek at Adobe’s most advanced developments.

Of course, nothing could top the excitement of the BASH. As someone usually in bed by 9:30 p.m., I worried I wouldn’t have the energy to make it to T-Pain’s performance. I couldn’t have been more wrong. The atmosphere was electric—wandering between food stations that felt more like gourmet pop-ups (including a tiny Fiat overflowing with gelato), beneath palm trees glowing with vibrant lights (because, of course, this is Miami), and sipping prosecco, I was completely swept up in the night. Inflatable flamingos floated through the scene, adding a playful touch. By the time T-Pain hit the stage, it was the perfect finale to a surreal evening.

Having a blast at the BASH!

While by the end of three days, I was tired from pounding the Miami Beach Convention Center pavement, I was also creatively refreshed and inspired, and most importantly, motivated to keep learning.