Eating patterns have changed – instead of preparing three meals a day, many people now snack on convenience food. As a result, there’s a growing demand for packaging that’s smart, eco-friendly and easy-to-use. How can brands use innovative design to meet the needs of these conscious consumers?

Portion sizes have grown over the last 50 years, along with the perception that bigger meals offer better value for money. Yet there is increasing evidence that people value brands that help them to be healthier, and when it comes to portion sizes, they can be persuaded that less is more.

Burger fads and 1,000-calorie ready meals hardly fit in with a society that’s increasingly obsessed with healthy eating. But while these polarising trends paint a schizophrenic food landscape, they show how indulgent foods express our freedoms. After all, no one likes to be told what to eat.

A third of Americans are obese, and the government has long been urged to step up its role in tackling the issue. In response, the FDA has announced changes to food labelling – the first overhaul in 20 years. In line with expert suggestions, new rules are easier on fats but tougher on sugar.