Thanks to the abundance of health and wellness information available online — and food manufacturers’ efforts to increase ingredient transparency — consumers have the opportunity to make individualized decisions about their diets and overall health.

Interest in plant-based diets continues to sprout, giving food manufacturers and retailers a chance to cultivate shopper engagement and grow sales, Chicago-based research firm IRI says.

TasteTV, the Tasty Awards and the International Chocolate Salon have announced the Top Picks and Selections for the 2018 International Chocolate Salon Awards.

Hu Products, maker of organic, paleo and vegan chocolate, has received a minority investment from Sonoma Brands, the food incubator responsible for Krave jerky, SMASHMALLOW and other brands.

Founded by Sally Cox — Grandma Sal — Koochikoo offers lollipops that are sweetened with prebiotic fiber.