In the mood: A Timely Webinar on Mood-Enhancing Foods & Beverages Set for June 24
As consumers increasingly look to food and drink for more than just nutrition, a new wave of functional products is taking center stage — designed not just to nourish the body, but to uplift the mind. The World Taste and Smell Association (WTSA) is tapping into this cultural shift with its upcoming virtual event, In The Mood: Exploring the Trends & Science Behind Mood-Enhancing Foods & Beverages, happening Tuesday, June 24, 2025, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM EST.
The 90-minute Zoom webinar offers a front-row seat to the intersection of neuroscience, flavor innovation, and consumer behavior — all focused on the fast-evolving category of mood-supportive food and beverage (F&B) products. From adaptogenic sparkling waters to chocolate bars formulated for calm, the demand for products that promote emotional well-being is reshaping the marketplace. This event brings together data scientists, brand founders, and wellness communicators to unpack what's trending — and what it means.
A Data-Driven Taste of the Future
The session kicks off with a presentation by consumer insights platform Spate’s Addison Cain, who will explore the top flavor trends emerging across Google Search and TikTok. Drawing on over 20 billion search signals and 60 million TikTok videos, Spate’s “Blending Flavor & Function” session goes beyond the buzz to highlight the functional formats and ingredients gaining real traction with consumers.
Whether it’s lavender for sleep, L-theanine for focus, or maca for hormonal balance, this segment will reveal the flavor-forward innovations driving growth — and the moods driving those choices. For brands and product developers, it’s a rare look into the predictive power of digital behavior and how it translates to real-world demand.
What Does the Brain Say?
Following the trend analysis, the webinar delves into the science with a session on the Neuroscience of Mood Foods. Led by a leading expert in the field (speaker to be announced), this talk will decode how specific ingredients interact with brain chemistry to influence mood, cognition, and emotional resilience. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of why ingredients like ashwagandha, saffron, or magnesium are showing up in everyday snacks — and what the science really supports.
Skin in the Game
To round out the event, WTSA Board Member and Noted Communications Co-Founder, Jenna Troyli will moderate a compelling industry panel featuring top voices in media and mood-enhancing product development. Panelists include:
Deniz Ataman, Deputy Editor, FoodNavigator-USA
Mark Cozzi, Founder, The Bettering Company
Chris Peruzzi, COO/Founder, The Functional Chocolate Company
Dr. Carly Snyder, Founder, Mood Bars
Together, they’ll explore how brands are formulating, positioning, and communicating these products to meet the growing consumer appetite for calm, clarity, and connection. Expect candid insights into the challenges and breakthroughs involved in bringing emotionally resonant F&B products to market.
Why This Matters
As stress, burnout, and mental health concerns rise globally, people are increasingly turning to their diets for support — looking for snacks that soothe, drinks that energize, and foods that promise balance. This convergence of wellness, flavor, and functionality is changing how products are made and marketed.
The In The Mood webinar is a must-attend for:
Product developers and formulators looking for the next big ingredient or trend
Marketers and brand strategists navigating the wellness narrative
Journalists and editors covering food, wellness, and innovation
Scientists and health professionals interested in real-world applications of neuro-nutrition
Attendees will walk away with:
Exclusive trend data on mood-forward flavors and formatsind
An understanding of the scientific mechanisms behind popular ingredients
Strategic insights from brands already leading in the category
Don’t miss the chance to be part of this sensory-forward conversation.
For press inquiries or media access, contact:
Noted Communications LLC
Jenna Troyli Jenna@noted.llc
About US
The World Taste and Smell Association (https://www.tasteandsmell.org/) is an international organization dedicated to advancing the understanding and application of the senses of taste and smell. Serving professionals across industries — from food and fragrance to healthcare and innovation — WTSA is a trusted source for education, collaboration, and sensory research. Through events like In The Mood, the association champions the idea that our senses are essential tools for improving human well-being.
