Donna Eastlake, Food Navigator Journalist Profile

Articles

Game on: How can energy drinks meet the needs of gamers?

1 week ago | beveragedaily.com | Rachel Arthur |Donna Eastlake

This audience ranges from professional e-sports players, who build a career out of playing games online with a large following of devoted fans, to those who play games in the evenings or at weekends simply for fun. Advancements in technology, graphics and UX – supported by super-fast internet speeds − have turned gaming from a leisure activity to a multi-billion dollar industry and global community. But what’s fueling these gamers?
Price hikes hit Easter eggs

1 week ago | foodnavigator.com | Augustus Bambridge-Sutton |Donna Eastlake |Nicholas Robinson

Earlier this year, cocoa prices reached record highs. Following a similar, but not quite as extreme, price hike in April last year, they reached $10.75 (€9.47) per kilogram on January 31. They have since reduced, though remain above 2023 levels. Nevertheless, the price pressure has started to impact consumers, and this at the most chocolatey time of the year: Easter. Price hikes hit Easter eggsOne of the most significant issues with price rises is consumer demand.
Environmental and behavioural factors changing chocolate

1 week ago | foodnavigator.com | Donna Eastlake |Natasha Spencer-Jolliffe |Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

The chocolate market is booming, boasting a staggering global market value of $140.12bn (€123.08) in 2025 and a projected CAGR of 4.89% over the next five years (Statista). But external influences are reshaping the industry, forcing it to adapt while also creating a whole host of new innovation opportunities. Here are the key changes shaping the future of chocolate. Chocolate moving towards cocoa-freeChocolate is making major strides towards becoming cocoa-free.
Environmental and behavioural factors changing chocolate

1 week ago | confectionerynews.com | Donna Eastlake |Natasha Spencer-Jolliffe |Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

The chocolate market is booming, boasting a staggering global market value of $140.12bn (€123.08) in 2025 and a projected CAGR of 4.89% over the next five years (Statista). But external influences are reshaping the industry, forcing it to adapt while also creating a whole host of new innovation opportunities. Here are the key changes shaping the future of chocolate. Chocolate moving towards cocoa-freeChocolate is making major strides towards becoming cocoa-free.
Podcasts, pop culture and hydration power: Alex Cooper’s Unwell Hydration

1 week ago | beveragedaily.com | Rachel Arthur |Donna Eastlake

Alex Cooper is the host of Call Her Daddy, the #1 listened to podcast among women globally. She was named by Time Magazine in 2021 as ‘arguably the most successful woman in podcasting’ after signing a three-year exclusive deal with Spotify worth $60m. The podcast focuses on female empowerment, relationships, mental health and features conversations with high profile guests in pop culture (including Miley Cyrus, Jane Fonda and Hailey Bieber).
Why additive bans are forcing a faster pivot to transparency

1 week ago | foodnavigator-usa.com | Deniz Ataman |Donna Eastlake

For food and beverage companies, complying with additive bans is no longer just about ticking boxes – it is a race against time, rising consumer scrutiny and policy shifts. From FDA’s deauthorization of red dye No. 3 to California’s bans on additives, including brominated vegetable oil (BVO) and potassium bromate, the regulatory landscape is changing fast. Brands must adapt just as quickly – not only to comply with law, but also to meet rising consumer demand for transparency and clean labels.
Scientists closer to understanding ‘dessert stomach’ phenomenon

1 week ago | foodnavigator.com | Donna Eastlake

Scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research in Cologne have discovered why many crave something sweet straight after a large meal, even while feeling full. And the reason lies within the nervous system. The need for something sweetNerve cells that signal fullness also trigger cravings for sweet flavours. That’s according to a new study out of Germany. Labelled the ‘dessert stomach’ phenomenon, people often find themselves reaching for something sweet after a filling meal.
Biggest mistakes food and beverage brands make in NPD

1 week ago | foodnavigator.com | Donna Eastlake

Launching a new food or beverage product is complicated, costly, and fraught with seen and unforeseen challenges. And it’s not just about getting the product right, the market is increasingly competitive with myriad new launches across all sectors every week. “Cutting through is harder than ever,” says Gareth Turner, director of FMCG marketing firm, Big Black Door.
Manufacturers prioritising AI integration as Trump creates global chaos

1 week ago | foodnavigator.com | Donna Eastlake

The US government’s delays, implementations and suspensions of trade tariffs have sparked global confusion and sent the food and beverage industry into crisis management mode. “The uncertainty surrounding President Trump’s tariffs, coupled with ongoing labour shortages, are creating significant pressure on food and beverage businesses,” says Georgie Thomas, managing director of food and beverage platform, Choco.
GLP-1 market will be worth more than iPhone, report suggests

2 weeks ago | foodnavigator.com | Augustus Bambridge-Sutton |Nicholas Robinson |Donna Eastlake

GLP-1 drugs are already a success story, making Novo Nordisk, maker of Wegovy and Ozempic, until recently Europe’s highest valued company. However, it appears that the sector is only just getting started.