Blog

Jalapeño Cheese Crisps Recipe from Cotter Crunch (cottercrunch.com) Makes 20-25 crisps Ingredients 5 medium jalapeños 2–3 tbsp olive oil 1/2 tsp onion salt or powder 6-8 one-ounce naturally aged cheese slices (Parmesan works best, but Swiss, provolone or Havarti all…

Even though we can’t spend hours chatting at our favorite table, we’re still supporting the Twin Cities food scene by ordering our favorite meals to-go. Plenty of IN Fooders go by the “phones eat first” policy, so we’ve got a…

In the fifteen years since Anita launched Food Connections, a networking group for individuals in every food industry niche you can think of, we’ve met some amazingly talented professionals. We want to take this opportunity to introduce a few of…

With new social channels popping up everywhere you turn, it’s never been more important to offer relevant content. Operators want to feel connected to brands and expect to see what’s fresh and trending. Keeping up with this expectation is a…

Hummus Trio with Toasted Pita Chips Beet Hummus Recipe from Simply Recipes (simplyrecipes.com) Makes about 2 cups Ingredients ½ pound beets (about 4 medium sized beets), scrubbed clean, cooked, peeled and cubed 2 Tbsp tahini sesame seed paste 5 Tbsp…

Good news: April is National Grilled Cheese Month. And it gives us another reason to boast about one of our talented designers, Alyssa. Why, you might ask? Beyond being an incredibly skillful designer, she makes a MEAN grilled cheese. We’re…

This year our agency celebrated its 25th year! Inspired by Alyssa’s “30 before 30” list of things to do before she turned 30 years old, we thought of 25 things to cross off of our list before our big day.…

After working with foodservice manufacturers for over 25 years, it’s safe to say we’ve been part of quite a few product launches. Here are the 7 mistakes we’ve learned along the way (so you don’t have to). 1) Focusing too…

Herbed Mushroom & Cheese Fondue Recipe from Donna Hay (donnahay.com) Serves 4 Ingredients 8 thin slices baguette Olive oil for brushing Sea salt and cracked black pepper 1 clove garlic, halved, for rubbing 2 TBSP butter 14 oz. pine mushrooms,…

Trade shows can be expensive and overwhelming, but they are also an excellent marketing opportunity. If you’re on the fence about participating, read on! We’re laying out the reasons trade shows can be advantageous for you, tips to make your show…

March 1st marked my 25-year anniversary of owning IN Food Marketing & Design. Honestly, I had no idea when I started out that I would be fortunate enough to still be in business all these years later. As the date…

Waffle French Toast with Chorizo & Cheese Makes 4 Servings Ingredients For the French Toast: 2 eggs 1 teaspoon Tajin seasoning 1/2 cup whole milk 8 slices bread (Brioche, Challah, Sourdough) 8 oz. Chorizo sausage, cooked 8 oz. Queso Fresco…

Once every four years, we get the gift of an extra day, special thanks to the non-precise orbit time of the earth around the sun. If you’re like me (Abby), you’re always wishing you had more time, so now that…

Beyond actual sales, a campaign is only as good as the data you collect. This data not only proves return on investment (ROI), but can also play an important role in future campaign planning. Unfortunately, in foodservice marketing, case sale…

Salsa falls into a category of its own—it can be a condiment, a dip, and so much more (if you feel otherwise, let us know in the comments!). Here at IN Food, when we love something we put it to…

Toasted Coconut Cherry Cake Recipe adapted from Epicurious (Epicurious.com) Ingredients Cake: 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp baking powder ½ tsp baking soda ½ tsp salt 1 ¾ cups sugar 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature 1…

Marketing is forever evolving – but there are a few constants we’ve learned after 25 years of working in foodservice advertising. Read on for 5 surprising things marketers should know about foodservice operators. 1. They don’t necessarily know who you…

Soup’s on! While the natural response to Minnesota’s long, harsh winters may be dread for most, here at IN Food, we give ourselves a few reasons to smile this season. One of our favorites is soup days! If you’ve been…

Curried Pea Soup with Toasted Coconut  Recipe from Cupful of Kale (cupfulofkale.com) Makes 4 servings Ingredients 1 red onion 2 garlic cloves 5 cups frozen peas 2 tbsp Thai green curry paste 1 tin / 400 ml full fat coconut…

“Sometimes a creative environment affects what happens within it.” -Peter Gabriel If being creative is in your job description, you owe it to yourself to have a workspace that inspires you. This is especially true for advertising and marketing pros.…

Prosecco is often overlooked. It’s a sparkling wine, but it’s not Champagne. In fact, their differences spark a heated debate in the wine industry. You can learn more about that all in this article by Wine Folly. For the purpose…

From his least favorite word to the candy he can live without, we found out a whole lot about Sam when we asked him these 20 questions. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you…

Social media marketing comes with its own set of nuances and unofficial guidelines. Even more so when you’re marketing in the B2B space. Read on to discover a handful of social media tips and tricks for the B2B industry we…

At IN Food Marketing & Design, it’s no secret what we specialize in. We know food—and we know it well. So, years ago, when we were deciding on a way to give back to our community, one cause made perfect…

The air is crisp, the apples are picked, and everyone is indulging in all the delicious flavors of fall. To get in the spirit, we decided to sample some spicy, cinnamon-y chai concentrates. Read on to find out which one…

World, meet Dustin, the newest addition to the IN Food Marketing & Design team! Dustin comes to us with an array of agency experience, most recently as a traffic manager with the ability to handle a million details at once…

It wasn’t that long ago that a robust foodservice marketing campaign consisted of trade ads, sales materials and an operator rebate or incentive. And, while many of these tactics are still viable, today’s operators are busier than ever and it…

Say goodbye to finicky corkscrews and clunky bottles, canned wine is here and part of a growing $45 million industry. As we see it, wine is a little behind the times. As a traditionally more prestigious industry, innovations like boxed…

We love our North Loop home. It’s a quaint hub for fine eateries, dive bars, coffee shops, breweries and much more. To celebrate the official beginning of patio season, we took off early on a Friday to sample delicious brews…

Takeout and delivery have become table stakes for restaurants. Since 2013, digital orders have grown at an average annual rate of 23% according to The NPD Group, and are expected to triple in volume by the end of 2020. Yet,…

We’re turning 25 next year! Before the big day comes around, here are 25 things we want to cross off our list as an agency. While some are pretty specific, a few could come to life in many different ways.…

At IN Food, we think it’s important to contribute to the health of our planet. A little can go a long way, if we all put in some effort. Sharing our knowledge and working together, these ideas can help reduce…

Please join us in welcoming Emily Hanson to the team! Emily is currently in school at Dunwoody for graphic design, has a foxy-looking pup and enjoys baking in her limited free time. She caught our attention with her quick wit…

This past fall, IN Food had the pleasure of pairing up with Famiglia Meschini, an Argentinian wine company based in Minnesota, for a pro-bono design project. We’re all familiar with a classic bottled Malbec… but what about Malbec in a…

Have you ever received a meeting invite from a colleague entitled “Welcome to Bangkok”? No? Must be an IN Food thing. Ok, or maybe it’s a Caroline thing. Hey, I’m Caroline, Content Strategist & Copywriter in residence here at IN…

Social media is culturally ubiquitous these days. It’s a tool that allows manufacturers to connect with operators in any place. However, in spite of its ease of use, access, and affordability, few foodservice manufacturers leverage social media in their marketing…

Working in the creative field we need room to run, jump and play. Kind of like dogs… This is what it would look like if everyone in our agency were a dog. Alyssa: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Like the Cavalier…

Who knew that peanut allergies were on the rise by 21%? Our copywriter, Caroline, for one. Like many others in the world, she is a victim of severe peanut allergies. So, in her honor (and the fact that we don’t…

We are no strangers to long, frigid Minnesota winters. The shorter days, lack of sunlight and negative temps can take a toll on our mojo – which is why we bank on a few tried-and-true methods to battle the winter…

We are thrilled to announce our 2019 Food For All partner: The Open Door. This Eagan-based food pantry stood out among many applications because of their innovative approach to combatting hunger, which includes an on-site pantry, 20 mobile pantry sites,…

We’re proud to sponsor this year’s Student Advertising Summit (SAS), an event organized by student and professional volunteers for students and recent grads looking to make their mark in the advertising industry. If you’re attending, be sure to say hello…

If you’re passionate about making a difference in our community, this list is for you! This fall we launched our Food for All Partnership Program, through which we will collaborate with one Twin Cities-area nonprofit focusing on hunger relief to…

Hygge [pronounced “hue-gah”], the Danish practice of finding coziness, well-being and contentment in life’s simple pleasures, is trending. But while more and more brands try to promote things you can buy to make your life more “hyggelig”, native Danes say…

As 9 a.m. approached and the IN team started the workday sans caffeine, our coffee (and tea) drinkers eagerly awaited this brand test. Were we truly interested in comparing creamers? Or simply anxious to have warm, caffeinated beverages in our…

Our round-up of the latest news and trends in foodservice. Consumers’ Latest Take on Healthy Eating: As the definition of “healthy eating” evolves, it’s important to understand what eating healthy means to consumers. This article by Restaurant Business, fills you…

The most wonderful time of the year deserves wonderful cookies. With the holidays fast approaching, you’ll need these gingerbread cookies from Alyssa’s recipe book. Makes 7 dozen, 3-inch cookies A nostalgic holiday cookie, perfect for rolling and decorating to keep a classic…

In October of 2017, the IN Food team embarked on a journey into previously uncharted territory. Years of keeping physical copies of projects (which had once worked so well), was now leading to overflowing review baskets, job jackets that had…

Ready for a hot-take from the IN office? Creativity isn’t an inherent characteristic, but rather a practiced skill—like riding a bike, typing on a keyboard or driving a car. We know. It’s a departure from the general assumption that creative…

And you may know just the organization we’re looking for… Hey there Twin Cities-area hive mind! We’re doing a little crowd-sourcing experiment and we need your help. The sitch: IN Food Marketing & Design is on the hunt for a…

Because all is not fair in love and sparkling water As an ad agency, we took it upon ourselves to answer the be-all, end-all of questions: Which sparkling water is best? Will La Croix continue in our hearts and taste…

SERVES 6-8 • It’s a sweet taste of summer in a bowl: warm, fresh peaches and velvety ice cream with just the right hint of cinnamon. INGREDIENTS ICE CREAM 1 ¼ cup whole milk 3 cup Cinnamon Toast Crunch™ Pinch…

What’s IN our earbuds? Here are a few of our favorite playlists to listen to while we’re chipping away. Caroline, Copywriter: “I listen to the Spotify Orchestra: Cello playlist a lot at work because it doesn’t have words, which can be difficult…

With the holiday around the corner and a season of backyard barbeques ahead, we were craving a summer staple in the office: brats. And with a fair amount of our office from Wisconsin, we threw in a classic twist. Cheese.…

In June 2018, we were featured in WCCO for Click for LUNCH, our agency’s yearly campaign to build awareness & raise funds of child hunger in our community. Check out our president, Anita Nelson, on WCCO as she helps raise…

A common question many advertising professionals will get in their lifetime is: What does a typical day look like for you? The only sound answer we agree on is: There is no typical day. Most of us chose this path…

We are truly amazed by all the support for our Click for L.U.N.C.H campaign. Our initial goal was to provide 15,000 meals to Second Harvest Heartland’s Summer Food Service Program, but due to overwhelming clicks and support, we upped our…

We’re IN to food. For everyone. This simple statement defines the way we think about business and the way we interact with our community. We’re thrilled to kick off our 8th annual Click for L.U.N.C.H.! Campaign to raise awareness for…

With the rise of plant-based diets AND an absurd amount of veggie-burgers stowed away in our freezer, it’s fitting for us food-honchos to sample a few veggie-based burgers and let you know which is on our menu this season. The…

Tradeshows can be expensive and overwhelming, but they are also an excellent marketing opportunity. If you’re on the fence about participating, read on! We’re laying out the reasons trade shows could be advantageous for you, tips to make your show…

Recently, we’ve noticed that many people are turning to plant-based diets in an effort to reduce their carbon footprint. From flexitarian to vegan, we’re digging into how (and why) people adopt different lifestyles to lessen their impact on the environment.…

This post was featured in The Minneapolis Egotist on April 25, 2018. Quick! Grab five extra plates and scoot over to make room, we’re growing and we’ve added five new faces to the IN Food crew over the past several…

About Food Connections: Food Connections is a Twin Cities group of food professionals who meet 4-6 times per year to network, exchange industry knowledge and expand their own capabilities through trusted partnerships. We sat down with Anita Nelson, president/owner of…

Pizza Expo 2018 in Las Vegas was one for the books – walking between booths with increasingly full bellies and slightly less-full wallets (what’s a trip to Vegas without a round of video poker?) we kept our eyes peeled for…

IN Food Marketing & Design believes strongly in supporting, advancing and investing in our best and brightest. Put two and two together and you’ve likely already figured out why Emily Erickson was recently promoted to Account Executive at this Minneapolis-based…

At IN Food, all we’ve been thinking about is pizza (hey, Pizza Expo). Can’t say anything would be different if we weren’t going, we love this staple favorite. So, inspired by our love of cheesy, saucy goodness, we decided to…

Indulge your sweetheart (or office mates!) with decadent truffles this Valentine’s Day. As a nod to our North Loop neighbor, Fulton Brewery, we chose their Worthy Adversary Stout for this recipe. Ingredients: Creamy Centers 1/4 cup Nutella spread 6 oz. milk…

Food is our passion and our expertise, but it should never be our unique privilege. At IN Food Marketing & Design we believe good business includes social responsibility. That’s why we invest a portion of our time, money and energy…

From the value of programmatic advertising to the wonders of the 21st century (have you tried Slack?!) to activating latent badassery in our office, here are 10 things we’ve learned in 2017. 1. Social media is a great place to…

There are Happy Hours…and then there are Food Connections Happy Hours. Voluntarily or not, you’ve probably attended a version of the former: pre-packaged cheese platters, mediocre wine served in plastic cups with a side of stilted conversation. Sound familiar? It’s…

MAKES 7 DOZEN 3-INCH COOKIES A nostalgic holiday cookie, perfect for rolling and decorating to keep a classic holiday tradition alive. INGREDIENTS COOKIES 2 sticks butter, softened 1 cup sugar 2 egg yolks – reserve whites for frosting 1 cup…

Stories from the IN Food Kitchen   To say that food waste is a huge problem in this country is an understatement. About 40% of all food in the United States goes uneaten. Seriously. Chew on that stat for a…

With over 20 years of foodservice marketing under our belt, we know a thing or two about the B2B space here at IN Food. And, as social media plays such an enormous role in marketing and brand awareness today, we…

INGREDIENTS: MULLED WINE 4 cups apple cider 1 orange (juice and zest) 1/4 cup honey 4 whole cloves 2 cinnamon sticks 3 star anise 1 bottle of red wine BACON JAM 1 lb. bacon, chopped in 1-inch squares 2 large…

MAKES 8 CUPS • The hearty comfort of a classic potato soup with a twist of Peruvian spice. Serve with warm, crusty bread for a delicious fall dinner. INGREDIENTS 11/2 pounds assorted Idaho® fingerling potatoes (red and yellow) 2 Tbsp.…

MAKES 12 BRUSCHETTA • Crisp bruschetta topped with savory, fresh ricotta and just enough honey to make the roasted tomatoes pop with avor. INGREDIENTS RICOTTA 6 cups whole milk 2 cup heavy cream 1 tsp. coarse sea salt 6 Tbsp.…

 SERVES 6-8 • It’s a sweet taste of summer in a bowl: warm, fresh peaches and velvety ice cream with just the right hint of cinnamon. INGREDIENTS ICE CREAM 1 ¼ cup whole milk 3 cup Cinnamon Toast Crunch® Pinch…

The Twinkie™ – in all its creamy, cakey goodness – has been the quintessential American treat since the Great Depression. New for 2017, however, is the Deep Fried Twinkie, because even with the increasing popularity of healthier, more wholesome menu…

The secret to a juicy summertime burger? Fresh mushrooms mixed into the beef. It’s grill perfection! SERVES 6-8 Ingredients 1 Tbsp. olive oil 1 lb. finely minced cremini mushrooms 3 sprigs fresh thyme 1 egg 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard 1…

We are thrilled to announce that our 7th annual Click for L.U.N.C.H campaign was a success. We received enough clicks to donate 4,830 meals to Second Harvest Heartland’s Summer Food Service Program — that’s 1,800 more meals than last year!…

Succulent chunks of lobster give this creamy mac and cheese a sweet taste of Maine. SERVES 4-6 Ingredients 1 lb bag of large pasta (we used ziti) 3 Tbsp. butter 2 shallots, finely chopped 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour 2 cups…

To help combat child hunger this summer, IN Food Marketing & Design is proud to kick off the 7th annual Click for L.U.N.C.H! Campaign to raise awareness for Second Harvest Heartland’s Summer Food Service Program. Last year we were able to donate 3,030…

This post was featured in The Minneapolis Egotist on May 21, 2017. The Communicator Awards is an annual competition honoring the best in advertising, corporate communications, public relations and identity work for print, video, and interactive. The Agency won for the redesign…

Chowza Chowza brings a fresh take on the childhood classic — puppy chow! With a crisp bite and indulgent flavor, this Minneapolis-based company offers flavors such as Classic Peanut Butter Chocolate, Mint Chocolate and Butterscotch. At the moment, Chowza is…

Founded in 2011 in Justin Woolverton’s kitchen, Halo Top is a low-calorie, high-protein ice cream made with natural ingredients. Originally available in just four flavors, Halo Top has expanded to a whopping 17 varieties. Between 2015 and 2016, the company’s…

Though often shadowed by its disc-shaped rival, the hot dog is popping up on an increasing number of restaurant menus. An upgrade from the classic mustard, ketchup and relish combo, offerings such as Prairie Dog’s Micho’s Sonoran Dog and Butcher…

Warm, flavorful homemade bread that’s incredibly easy to make. Bake up your own variations with fresh herbs all summer long. YIELDS 1 LOAF Ingredients 2 ¼ tsp. (1 package) active dry yeast 2 cups lukewarm water 1 tsp. sugar 4…

Last month, we touched on the important role that photography plays in food marketing. But, let’s rewind a few steps to consider the magic that happens before food even makes it in front of a camera. What—or better yet, who—makes…

In the spirit of #GrilledCheeseMonth, it is only fitting that we pay homage to our very first brand test–American cheese slices. Neither glamourous nor gourmet, and actually not a cheese at all, but a “cheese food,” rather, American cheese is…

Crisp, cheesy waffles topped with eggs and just the right amount of zip in a creamy sauce. An Easter brunch show-stopper! Makes 10 waffles.  INGREDIENTS Poblano Sauce 1 Tbsp. olive oil 4 garlic cloves, peeled 1 onion, coarsely chopped 2 poblano…

Remember when milk came from cows and the almond’s crowning glory was the Almond Joy bar? Yeah, that was 2010. Between 2011 and 2012, sales of almond milk grew by a whopping 70 percent. That’s — dare we say it…

Photographs and video play an important role in marketing. They are powerful, engaging communication tools when used appropriately and can deliver visual solutions, inspiration and ownable branding faster than any other medium. The problem? Commercial photography is an investment, and with traditionally…

serves 8 Clouds of peanut butter goodness nestled into a rich chocolate shell. Worth. Every. Calorie. Ingredients For crust 1 package (approximately 36) Oreo Cookies, finely crushed 6 tablespoons melted butter ¼ teaspoon salt For filling 2 cups heavy/whipping cream…

  Trade shows can be overwhelming, especially with so many to choose from. We broke down the top trade shows happening this year so you don’t have to: FOODSERVICE 2017 Midwest Foodservice Expo WHEN? March 13 – 15 WHERE? Milwaukee,…

Happy Pancake Day! This comfort-food holiday had us pouring over a full-stack of pancake-related marketing goodness. In all our research, the Krusteaz foodservice website caught our attention. Here are three reasons we’re INto their website: 1. It’s responsive. Being responsive allows…

You’ve invested in a marketing automation platform, honed your list and perfected your process for deploying emails on a regular basis. Now all you need to do is sit back and watch the sales roll in, right? Not so fast.…

This recipe may seem intimidating in length and steps. The beauty is that you can build any combination of ice cream, filling and cake for an impressive dessert. Included are the cake and filling recipes shown, however any brownie or…

Chocolate: It’s a Valentine’s Day must! But which brand you gift your sweetheart is crucial. In our latest blind taste test, we tried four brands of dark chocolate, all hovering around 70 percent cocoa. The Criteria 70-72% cocoa Between $3.00…

As a food marketing agency, it’s hard for us not to ooh and ahh over some of the festive packages we see hit the shelves this time of year. Join us as we find and discuss the packaging for 12 food…

A fresh take on a holiday classic sure to impress the foodies at your table.   Ingredients 1/4 lb. bacon 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil 1/2 cup yellow onion, diced 1/4 cup shallots, diced 1 pound crimini…

It’s the bane of most marketers, but generating an inspiring creative brief doesn’t need to be a painful or time-consuming process. Sure, agencies love information, but less can be more if it’s the right information. In addition to the basics…

Between the turkey, the stuffing and the green bean casserole, who has time to fuss with gravy? Sometimes you need a shortcut. In our recent blind taste test, we tried three store-bought gravies on a mission to find our favorite.…

If you’re like many food companies, trade shows are an important part of your marketing mix. Make sure you’re getting the maximum value for your investment with these 5 easy tips: 1. Plan for success Trade shows are a marketing…

There’s something about these adorable mini cast iron skillets that make for impressive individual desserts. With brownie as a base, you can create endless ooey, gooey combinations. Here are a few of our favorite ideas: Chunks of creamy cheesecake, strawberry…

Recently, there has been a resurgence in popularity of movie-viewers’ favorite snack. With sales nearly doubling between 2014 and 2015 (expected to reach $12 billion by 2020), and new products seeming to “pop” up everyday, popcorn is more cinematic than ever.…

There’s nothing we love more than a great packaging redesign, especially when it’s a redesign of a food product! We had the privilege of working with E&C’s Snacks, a Minneapolis-based cookie company, recently designing their logo, packaging design and tagline.…

This post was featured in Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal on March 2, 2016. Food advertising agency IN Food Marketing’s office is painted with earthy red colors like fresh-picked tomatoes and greens like Granny Smith apples. “It gives the office a…

With over 600,000 restaurants in the U.S., it’s virtually impossible for a food manufacturer to call on more than a small fraction – even with a robust direct or broker sales force. And with a typical sales call costing around…

What’s a grilled cheese sandwich without its best sidekick: a steaming bowl of creamy tomato soup? With so many great boxed brands to choose from, we set out to find the one that gets our INdorsement.   The Contestants: Trader…

If you enjoy creating in the kitchen, here’s a festive and impressive way to serve apple cheesecake. Simply hollow out apples for shells, fill with your favorite cheesecake batter and bake! Apple shells: 8 large apples (I used Honeycrisp) Lemon…

What takes food packaging from good to great? It’s so much more than beautiful graphics, typography and photography. Great food packaging tells a story from the shelf that evokes an emotional response from buyers. Here are three examples that do…

Minnesota is home to many delicious varieties of apples, so we narrowed it down to three of our favorites: Honeycrisp, Sweet Tango, and Zestar. Of course we all thought Honeycrisp would be the winner, but we may have discovered a…

As consumers, we may find programmatic media a little creepy. After all, who wants a pair of shoes you’ve been ogling to taunt you on every subsequent website you visit? But as marketers, the benefits and advantages of programmatic media…

The July heat is in full force, and one of the best ways to cool down is with a refreshing glass of lemonade. Which brand should you use to cool off while sitting in the sun? In our recent blind…

IN’s Creative Director, Lori Gerdts, is taking over the blog today to share a few of her favorite morel recipes. Enjoy!   The hunt for these little woodsy gems is a special as the mouthwatering treat they make. From a…

Content marketing is the technique of creating and distributing relevant, consistent content with the goal of attracting customers and driving profitable action. So what are the best ways to get started if you don’t have a plan in place? 1.…

Summer and ice cream go hand-in-hand, but which brand is most cone-worthy? In our latest blind taste test, we tested three vanilla ice cream brands of varying price points to see if a premium brand is worth the extra cost.…

As food marketers, it’s critical to understand the potential challenges and opportunities each sales channel brings. Here are 5 ways the B2B channel varies from B2C, and how you can leverage the difference for maximum success in foodservice. 1. Sales…

Great news! With the growing focus on real ingredients, butter is making a big comeback in the food world—and the one you choose can have a big impact on taste. In our brand test, we found out which one is…

We were thrilled to host our 20-year anniversary celebration on March 20th with clients, friends, family and business associates.  As part of our celebration, we asked attendees for non-perishable food donations in honor of Minnesota Food Share Month. Thanks to…

There’s no place like the Fancy Food show to see the hottest trends in specialty foods since many of these will eventually be mainstream in both retail and foodservice. Here are a few of the trends we spotted in San…

Nothing says “I love you” quite like rich chocolate cake. Lori’s go-to recipe for Flourless, (and almost) Effortless Chocolate Kahlua Cakes is the perfect easy Valentine’s Day recipe. Baked in individual ramekins, these gluten-free chocolate cakes pair perfectly with fresh…

In honor of National Peanut Butter Day on January 24th, we set out to find the best one for your future sandwiches. The winner was very smooth, spreadable, and had a rich taste, sure to please any peanut butter lover.…

Homemade Ricotta – makes for a fresh, festive bruschetta spread! This is delicious topped with a thin slice of prosciutto and a dollop of fruit preserves, like fig or apricot, or simply drizzle with truffle oil (yum!) and sprinkle with fresh…

The answer may surprise you… As we rapidly approach the holiday season, it’s time to start planning for the great American feast: Thanksgiving dinner. One of the most popular sides for the big meal is stuffing. Some may choose to…

The pinnacle of success for any brand is to build a deep, emotional connection with its customers. Coke did this over the summer by tapping into the most unique and personal thing their consumers possess: their name. Coca-Cola’s wildly successful…

Many of you will remember the turmoil surrounding a Cheerios ad featuring an interracial couple and their (adorable) daughter that aired last year. In response to the controversy, General Mills aired it again during the Super Bowl—doubling down on their…

After our bacon brand test, we convinced our talented Creative Director and Team Chef, Lori, to whip up her famous bacon jam recipe for the team—and even better, we asked her to share the recipe with all of you! We…

With the bacon trend continuing to sizzle, the IN Food Marketing & Design team set out on a difficult journey to determine which bacon brand is best. We compared the applewood smoked thick cut bacon from Hormel, Farmland, Nueske’s and…

Our Interactive/Graphic Designer, Alyssa, recently attended The Email Design Conference in Boston. She came back energized and bursting with cutting-edge email marketing strategies and ideas, so naturally we wanted to share a few of these with you! Below are three…

Messages are stickier when they exist as a story. Stories are most successful when the product is integral and it is difficult to tell the story without mentioning the product. The “Puppy Love” ad that Budweiser showed in this year’s…

According to Made to Stick, ideas are “stickier” when they evoke an emotion. When a strong emotion is attached to an ad, individuals are likely to spend more time thinking about it. The goal of an ad focused on emotion…

In Made to Stick, the first principle of stickiness is simplicity. Simplicity is about finding the most critical essence of an idea, essentially its core. Honeymaid highlights this principle in their recent ad, “This is Wholesome”.  The ad depicts non-traditional…

What sets a successful message apart? According to Chip and Dan Heath the answer lies in the power of persuasive communication. In Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die, the authors suggest that the key to idea…

To help combat child hunger this summer, IN Food Marketing & Design is proud to kick off the 4th annual Click for LUNCH! campaign to raise awareness for Second Harvest Heartland’s Summer Food Service Program. Nearly 40% of children in Minnesota’s public schools…

Liquid water enhancers have become increasingly popular as a way to customize water flavor without adding calories or sugar. These products offer consumers a high level of product control because they are able to choose not only the desired product…

Snacking just got easier. Through new subscription snack box services like graze, NatureBox, and Nibblr, healthy, portion-controlled snacks are delivered on a recurring basis to your home or office.  Snack box services provide subscribers with a convenient and personalized variety…

As the weather gets cooler here in Minneapolis, people will begin to spend more nights in with blankets, movies and popcorn. Many people have their go-to microwave popcorn style and brand, but in our latest brand test we set out…

In an effort to combat child hunger this summer, IN Food Marketing & Design is thrilled to kick off the 3rd annual Click for LUNCH! campaign to raise awareness for Second Harvest Heartland’s Summer Food Service Program. Nearly 40% of children in Minnesota’s…

IN Food Marketing & Design has encountered many food marketing faux pas and rounded up the worst in a two post series. 4.    Skimping on photography. We eat with our eyes first, so there’s nothing that cheapens an ad or…

As a food marketing agency, we work with a wide variety of food companies from start-ups to Fortune 500 corporations. Here are a few common food marketing mistakes we’ve seen in the past 18 years: 1.    Marketing without a plan.…

We compared the flavor and packaging of 4 different ranch dressings from Hidden Valley, Kraft, Litehouse and Marzetti. In our blind taste test, we tried each ranch dressing with carrots, and then the battle began! This was the most contested…

The New York Times recently published a story about Columbia students stealing Nutella from campus dining services, who was caught in the struggle between offering brands students love and running a profitable business. The school was losing thousands of dollars…

IN Food Marketing & Design got a little nutty last week during our roasted salted almond brand test. We were convinced all almonds are NOT created equal and put three different brands to the test: Blue Diamond looked the most…

There are a wealth of apps available out there to enhance your food experience. It can be hard to wade through the clutter to find a great app, so here are a few that we INdorse! Just download and enjoy.…

Whether it’s for inspiration, support, connections or simply accountability, people are weighing the option to join weight-loss communities more than ever in 2013. The trend reflects an evolving society where consumers place higher priority on the opinions of bloggers and…

Out with the old, IN with the new! With 2013 under way, it’s time to wrap up our 2012 predictions and project what the new year might bring with it. In 2012 the world saw a new food trend pop…

Single serve packaging — whether snacks, beverages or full entrees — is here to stay. According to the Hartman Group, about 46% of all adult eating occasions occur alone. No surprise there, because currently 28% of American households have just…

IN Food Marketing & Design popped at the chance to decipher which kettle corn brands we like best this morning. Our EXTREMELY scientific brand test revealed which packaging, appearance and taste we preferred between competitors Popcorn Indiana, Walgreen’s private label…

Cream Cheese Brand Test  The Contenders: Crystal Farms       Essential Everyday      Philadelphia Tested with:  David’s Deli “Everything” flavored bagels This week we set out to determine which cream cheese brand made the spread. We were surprised to find that they were…

Kudos to Black Forest Inn and GDB on their recent campaign! According to their website they’ve been running their tongue-in-cheek campaign for 12 years, but we love this clever adaptation offering an element of visual humor. It’s rare to see…

In celebration of it’s 75th anniversary next year, Lay’s potato chips is holding the Lay’s Do Us a Flavor contest where fans can submit their idea for the next great chip flavor. The person who submits the winning idea will win…

You didn’t think we’d let the state fair commence and not write about it, did you? We had the luxury of an office-outing and treated ourselves to one of the biggest attended events in the nation: the Minnesota State Fair.…

The arguments against eating hot dogs are long and easy to find, but we thought there was more to this ballpark classic. Our graphic designer Betsy will stand up for her favorite food any day, so she set out to…

We’ve all seen them – the Olympic commercials that literally have you sitting on the edge of your seat with clips of Michael Phelps’ amazing breast stroke or Usain Bolt’s lightning-fast speed. The next thing you know, you’re in line…

Lori is known around the office for planning incredible parties. From elaborate murder mystery events to an intimate dinner party with friends, her thoughtfulness, eye for detail and chef’s palate take every event to the next level. Recently she planned…

IN Food Marketing & Design loves candy! We eat a fair amount of chocolate, Riesens, Australian licorice and other goodies at work. A sweet treat makes any meeting more fun because, well, candy is so yummy! Except for when it’s…

By now we’re all aware of the pink slime epidemic.  You know, the one where processing companies add parts of an animal that are less desirable to eat, resulting in a lovely hue of that pretty carnation pink colored slop…

In the midst of our “Like” for L.U.N.C.H. campaign this week, we were inspired to write about one of those kid foods adults love: peanut butter. One of our team members fondly remembers eating peanut butter sandwiches for lunch every…

375,000 Minnesota kids depend on the free or reduced-cost meals they receive during the school year. As schools around the state let out for summer vacation, many of those kids are faced with unhealthy options – or worse, no options…

Trends…always changing, always tasty.  Being the foodies we are, we’ve noticed a few new patterns popping up on restaurant menus.  We collectively decided that eggs, grains, greens, coconut water and oysters are among the top restaurant trends. Eggs:  No longer…

Tuesday was National Chocolate Chip day so we decided to celebrate with a little IN Food recipe contest. We made three different classic chocolate chip cookie recipes and held a blind tasting to determine the winner. The Recipe Showdown 1…

Orange juice has many health benefits.  It is rich in antioxidants, boosts your immune system and can help fight against health issues such as heart disease and cancer. Our team decided to test three brands in honor of National Orange…

Yesterday a few of us took a break from our busy schedules to bake up the Grand Prize recipe from this year’s Pillsbury® Bake-Off®. The recipe is harder than it looks and even yummier than it sounds. The flavors are very…

Recently, I returned from a trip to Oaxaca, Mexico. Oaxaca (pronounced wah-ha-kah) is the southern most state in Mexico, and one of the most beautiful places I’ve been. It also has some of the best food – scratch that, THE…

I popped in for a quick bite to eat with a friend on Tuesday at Rye Deli in Uptown Minneapolis. We arrived during happy hour to enjoy a few entrees, appetizers and local brews. I was struck by the nice,…

As we mentioned in our last blog post, infusing vodka is becoming more popular, so the IN crew had to test it out. We took a variety of our favorite veggies to make our own random, scrumptious creation. I mean,…

How does a bacon, a cucumber, or even a basil-inspired cocktail sound? Though it may seem odd to want to eat your liquor, food infused vodkas are on the rise, and we’re not talking about your typical namby pamby citrus…

Pass the pita chips, please, it’s hummus tasting time! Hummus. It’s a creamy combination of chickpeas, tahini, and seasonings (in this case, roasted red peppers).  This Middle Eastern and Mediterranean protein-packed dip is a great choice for healthy snacking. Around…

Chocolate lovers around the world did a collective high five when word got out this decadent treat has tangible health benefits. Loaded with cell-protecting antioxidants, dark chocolate is great for cardiovascular health, and can even help keep cholesterol and blood…

It’s been an unusually mild winter this year, but afternoon sweet cravings seem to be as fierce as ever at our office. In my quest to share a satisfying and indulgent fix with some nutritional benefit, I looked to February…

Mention the word “potica” to an average American, and you’ll most likely get a blank stare. Mention it to a Slovene, and I guarantee their mouth will start watering. Potica (pronounced poh-teet-sah) is a Slovenian bread that is rolled with layers…

If I were to eat just one type of cuisine for the rest of my life, it would most certainly be Italian. Hardly a day goes by where I am not scarfing down pizza or pasta; really, it wouldn’t be…

Wondering what to do with all this winter and no snow? Even if we can’t hit the slopes quite yet, Minnesota does a great job of providing us with cold weather entertainment — foodie style. Here are some events that…

Who knew such a fragile food could hold so much versatility and complication? Cooking eggs is a science. In fact, there is a formula on how to cook the perfect boiled egg: But who has time to do physics in the…

Most of us have heard about the importance of Omega-3 fats in our diet. But did you know flaxseed is a tasty, easy, non-fish way to incorporate this nutrition powerhouse into your daily fare? If the name conjures up images…

Roughly a third of Americans who make New Years resolutions aim to make healthier choices in their diet and lifestyle. But by now, 20% of resolution makers have already gone back to their old habits. Studies show that specific and…

With the holiday season passing, the presence of cardamom in baked goods, unfortunately, will too. Or will it? According to the US Food & Beverage Trends report, cardamom is projected to be one of the spices of the year– perhaps…

If you’ve been to a bar in the last 6 months, you may have noticed one of the most recent bar trends: classic cocktails. Not coincidentally, this movement has coincided with the recent bitters revival, and you won’t hear many…

This week I had the absolute pleasure of eating at Pizzeria Lola, not once, but twice! The first time was delicious, but I went back a second time to take serious notes while I inhaled my delicious meal. On Monday,…

Last week we held a kettle chip brand test and this week we kept the potatoes coming. The New Year is just around the corner and foodies everywhere say 2012 will be the year of the potato! Out with the…

Ok, so they’re not the healthiest food around, but who doesn’t crave the salty, crunchy goodness of kettle chips now and then? I know we do! It was time to discover what brand was most worthy of the caloric splurge,…

…Brussels style! They’re green, leafy, and bitterly delicious. Brussels sprouts have gotten a bad rap for years, but lately, they’re so in. Since last year (as predicted by the James Beard Foundation and Forbes) restaurants have added them to their…

I’ve lived in Minnesota all my life, but 5 months into our ridiculously long winters I am reduced to a whimpering, huddled mass next to the radiator.  Determined to toughen my spirit against the impending cold, I decided that I…

Either way you spell it, they’re back! How can this possibly coincide with the current “healthy eating” trend? The Krispy Creme wave arrived and departed the Twin Cities in such a short time, making the rumblings of an emerging donut…

David and Goliath, the 1980 US Hockey team, Apple Inc., Seabiscuit—what do these stories all have in common? The underdog prevails.  Have you noticed the beer list at your local restaurant lately? Move over, Budweiser! The local brewery is gaining…

I’ve always been a huge fan of comfort food, especially macaroni and cheese. I’m not picky about whether it was made fresh or came in a box, and I could eat it twice a day. I consume it, and it…

With summer now a distant memory, we decided we could hang onto it a little longer by testing everyone’s favorite warm weather treat. We chose three premium vanilla ice cream brands: Sonny’s, Graeter’s and Izzy’s. Two of these (Izzy’s and…

From wireless appliances to interactive ovens, food related technology is developing at an increasingly rapid pace—and believe it or not, vending machines are also going digital. The new “Digi-Touch” vending machine was created by the National Automated Merchandising Association (NAMA)…

Prior to this September, figs were but a memory of the dried fruit & nut tray Grandma boasted on the Christmas buffet (on the tray they remained) or those gooey, cakey Fig Newtons which were a constant on our pre-school…

Here at IN we love us some Chipotle! We’ve been hearing about an experiment they’re doing in Washington D.C. and are very intrigued! Chipotle is opening a restaurant called ShopHouse, Southeast Asian Kitchen, using the same tactics and marketing plan…

In the past five years, sales of Greek yogurt have increased an astounding 2500%. With sales reaching $1.5 billion this year alone, Business Insider calls it “one of the hottest-growing food categories of all time.” So what’s the difference between…

Last Thursday the IN crew took a few hours to celebrate summer & food. The theme: The Amazing Race – MPLS food edition. We were split into teams and each given a list of unique ingredients (Mexican themed) that could…

This year, I went into the fair very prepared. I created a list of new foods, as well as my annual go-tos and printed out eight copies to impress my friends with my preparedness. I think we did a great…

I was an epic food fail at the State Fair this year. One who has been there might ask, how is that even possible? Well, in all fairness it was my first real venture to the Great MN Get Together…

This is the time of year for foodies to rejoice…the Minnesota State Fair is finally upon us! Starting now through Labor Day, people from across the Midwest gather to eat and…well, eat. This year I am especially looking forward to…

Fresh herbs are in abundance this time of year and pesto is one delicious way to make use of them. The olive oil base makes pesto a popular sauce for today’s health-minded. When I think of pesto I think, rich,…

In the hot, sultry dog days of summer, nothing beats a cool, refreshing cup of gazpacho. If you’ve never tried it, gazpacho is a cold Spanish tomato-based raw vegetable soup – and it’s a perfect way to fuse your garden’s…

With summer coming to an end, gourmet popcicles, flavored waters and specialty summer cocktails will come to an end, too. But we still have a month left to enjoy some unique summery cocktails before the seasons change. Restaurants offer their…

MN Food Bloggers – ordinary people experimenting, experiencing, engaging and sharing anything and everything to do with food.  From seasoned writers to first time bloggers, this group is filled with people of all ages and professional backgrounds who have one…

Whether you’re vacationing in Italy, trying to cool off on a 100+ degree Minneapolis afternoon or celebrating the National Ice Cream Month of July—it’s never a bad time for gelato. It used to be easy for me to say no…

A gigantic THANK YOU to everyone who helped make our Say “YES!” to L.U.N.C.H. campaign a smashing success! It was your support that raised awareness and $1,000 for Second Harvest Heartland’s Kids Eat Free! Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). Not…

Last Wednesday a few of us from IN attended this summer’s Food Connections meeting, held at the exquisite home of Claudia Sutherland, owner of When The Mood Is Food. The inspiring, welcoming and invigorating space she has created was the…

With the summer sun finally shinning, food truck workers are excited to see people out and about enjoying their specialty foods on wheels. Food trucks were a predicted trend this year, and boy, are they ever! Not only do they…

If there’s one job I don’t envy, it’s that of a school foodservice director. Talk about challenging: your government funding is based on how many lunches you serve, which means your budget directly correlates to serving meals kids will eat.…

According to studies conducted by Pediatrics journal, children’s food allergies are now more common and more severe. Today, food allergies affect 1 in 12 youngsters in the U.S.–that’s nearly 6 million children nationwide–an average of two children per classroom! Dr.…

Our “Yes!” to L.U.N.C.H. campaign has been extraordinarily successful (thanks again!) and we met our goal of 1000 “attendees” in only day 2 of the campaign. So far, 1492 people have clicked to attend the event. This is tremendous news…

“Be healthy – follow the 4 basic food groups and exercise” – that’s what I learned in elementary school. It’s simply not that simple today. Child obesity has been a hot topic for several years. It’s still shocking to learn…

A few of us foodies here at IN are lucky to be involved with a great networking group here in the Twin Cities known as the MN Food Bloggers. As the name implies, the group is comprised of Minnesotans who…

It’s only Day 2 of our Say “Yes!” to L.U.N.C.H. campaign and we already have 848 attendees (as of this second). That translates into $848 that we will be donating to Second Harvest Heartland on their behalf. Wow, the support…

For most of us, summer means blissful warm weather, weekends up north, bbq’s and s’mores by the fire. For the nearly 300,000 Minnesota kids that depend on the free or reduced-cost meals provided during the school year, it means unhealthy meals…

It’s time for another brand test! With spring (or lack there of) jumping quickly to scorching temperatures, we decided to put salsas to the test­ – for a taste of summer. The four contestant’s were: 1. Green Mountain Gringo 2.…

The 2011 National Restaurant Association Hotel-Motel Show was held at Chicago’s McCormick Place from May 21-24. Thousands of exhibitors polished and shined their booths and cooked up samples for hungry attendees. And tens of thousands of hungry attendees walked the…

National Vegetarian Week (May 23-29) is well underway! Have any of you been making an effort to buck the beef for a vegetarian meal this week? Whether you are already a vegetarian, considering becoming one, or just interested in a…

Breakfast really is the best way to start your day. Whether you are making up for a late night and little sleep, jump starting a busy day or relishing a relaxing morning and day ahead – the options and benefits…

Last night the IN team had a great time with Community Organizations Networking Compassionately Together (CONECT). CONECT is a program that helps families with housing-related needs. Naturally, as a food-centered business, we prepared dinner for the families. Our menu consisted…

Sounds a little racy for ice cream, but hey, it works me! I had no awareness of Magnum Ice Cream until their intriguing commercial lured me in last week. Enough to prompt an online search. And there they were, pages…

In today’s crazy-busy world, we all have occasions where we need to eat on-the-go. The challenge? Finding fast food options that aren’t loaded with calories, fat and carbs. Here are a few delicious, healthy ways to stay on track: Jimmy…

Easter is right around the corner, and you may have already gotten your fingers dirty with dye and glitter while egg decorating, but your dinner or brunch plans aren’t set in stone.  If your not wanting to host an Easter…

Dying eggs for Easter takes a small amount of preparing. One way is to poke a hole in both ends of the egg with a pin, and blow the innards of the egg into a bowl. Strong lungs are necessary…

Now that spring has officially arrived and my tulips have started to emerge from their cold slumber, I’ve been thinking about my favorite fruits & veggies and anticipating the first rhubarb and asparagus crops of the year. There’s nothing better…

Minnesota Monthly’s Wine Week has finally arrived, which means Twin Cities wine lovers can enjoy premier wines at some of the best restaurants in town. Your first glass is full price, but your second will only set you back one…

In 2012, if a new Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirement passes, you will know just how many calories you’re paying for at a restaurant. It could become even harder to indulge in that hamburger without feeling guilty! Last Friday,…

Why does drinking a beer on a patio taste so much more crisp and refreshing than drinking one inside? Why is eating a taco on a street corner so satisfying? And why are hot dogs at a baseball game or…

Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. recently announced they will be the first fast food restaurants to add turkey burgers to their menus. This announcement came as a bit of a shock since both chains are usually front runners in the race…

It’s that time of year when even the health-conscious rationalize the sinfully delicious indulgence of beer battered and deep fat fried fish. It’s okay – everything in moderation, right? And that’s just what restaurants, churches and fund-raising organizations count on.…

There is work to be done here at IN today, so the green pints will have to wait until later. However, being that we are all decked out in festive attire we thought we’d start celebrating St. Patty’s a wee…

There’s nothing like the savory comfort of a well-constructed fried egg sandwich and with the sudden closing of Town Talk Diner, I’m left with an opening at the  top of my Favorite Fried Egg Sandwich list. Sometimes you don’t realize…

In honor of National Noodle Month, we figured it was time to put some top pasta sauces to the test to see which brand deserves to blanket our next plate of spaghetti. We sampled three national brands: Newman’s Own®, Classico®…

We were all told by our moms that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but how many of us really treat it as such? If you are anything like me, you just don’t have the time or…

When you think of raw fish what is the first word that comes to mind? If you answered sushi we don’t blame you. Most people are aware of sushi, or sashimi, (which is raw fish without the rice) but how…

If you live in a populous area, chances are you have heard of social buying websites like Groupon and Living Social. (For those of you who aren’t on the up and up, these are online companies that negotiate saving opportunities…

In the dead of a long, cold winter, nothing reminds me of summer more than a fresh green salad bursting with flavorful ingredients. As a self-professed salad snob, I readily admit that I’m picky about my greens. If a restaurant…

It’s that time of year again, to look back on the old and towards the new. With that in mind, the IN crowd decided to recap the food trends of 2010 and predict what we think will be big in…

Let’s face it. We love our phones. We talk, text, surf, tweet, post, check-in, schedule, update and play on them every single day. (And possibly in the middle of the night when insomnia strikes.) And let’s also face the fact…

Fun fact: Spaghetti was first invented by the Chinese, but brought to popularity in Italy after Marco Polo brought the recipe back to Europe from one of his expeditions during the 13th century.

Ahhh, lutefisk… that once a year tradition in many Norwegian-America homes. My family happens to be one of them, and we come from a long line of lutefisk eaters. For those of you who aren’t familiar with this foreign delicacy,…

Adapted from Nicola Graimes Vegetarian Cookbook, 2002. Last week, Minnesota beat the 1969 record for the snowiest December ever documented. This could only mean one thing: it’s officially soup season. I found an intriguing recipe for a delicious and simple…

The holiday season is the perfect time for family, friends, and… food. Particularly sweets. At IN Food Marketing & Design, we have been doing our fair share of enjoying many holiday goodies lately, including these Seven-Layer Bars. This simple recipe…

It should come as no surprise to anyone that we are dedicating a post to holiday food traditions – we are a food marketing agency. However, it did come as a surprise to us how traditional our traditions are. The…

‘Tis the seasonings for… numerous test batches, multiple recipes and a few expletives before finally creating the perfect batch of sea salt caramels. Caramels have a reputation for being tricky, but when we came up with this year’s holiday gift…

Burgers have been a hot menu trend in 2010 and I have really enjoyed seeing all the creative ways chefs in the Twins Cities have taken the bunned bandit to new levels. That is why it saddens me to learn…

Turns out we have not grown past our young, reckless college appetites. It is a well-known, and well-respected fact that frozen pizza is appropriate at any time, day or night, at any temperature. And while Jack’s and Tombstone are just…

We are well aware this is not the most glamorous or gourmet product. But it’s a staple, and we have all had it at one time or another in grilled cheese. Be honest – you have. Brand Contenders: Crystal Farms…