This week in food: Coffee gets a fresh look, grocery habits evolve

October 2, 2026 - 8:00 AM
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Jollibee's Red Sippy Cups, Woman at a grocery store. (Release)

From everyday coffee runs and changing grocery habits to the growing influence of content creators on food brands, this week’s food stories touched on how Filipinos eat, shop and engage with the brands around them.

Here’s a look at some of the latest developments in food and dining scene:

Jollibee gives its coffee cups a fresh look

Coffee lovers have a new reason to bring their Jollibee drinks on the go.

The fast food chain has introduced new vibrant red cups for its hot and iced coffee, featuring a strawless lid designed to make drinks more convenient to enjoy while reducing the need for additional single-use materials.

“In today’s social-first culture, even the way we enjoy our coffee can be something worth sharing,” Dorothy Ching, vice president for marketing of Jollibee Philippines, said.

“With our vibrant red sippy cups, we want our customers to feel proud carrying their Jollibee coffee wherever they go. It’s a simple way to make every coffee moment feel more joyful and distinctly Jollibee,” she added.

The brand’s Hot Fresh Brew is available during breakfast hours, while its Iced Coffee Blends, including Iced Latte, Iced Mocha, Iced Vanilla, and Iced Caramel, are available all day.

Food brands tap creators to tell their stories

Content creators are playing a growing role in how food brands connect with consumers, with Mang Inasal highlighting the shift from traditional influencer marketing to longer-term creator partnerships.

At the 33rd National PR Congress, Mang Inasal Digital Content and Community Relations Manager Dezza Alvarez-Jagolino discussed the brand’s Mang Inasal Creators’ Circle (MICC), a community of creators involved in storytelling and consumer engagement.

“Hindi na enough kung si brand na lang yung magsasalita (It’s no longer enough for the brand to be the only one speaking),” Alvarez-Jagolino said.

She also emphasized that choosing creators is not simply about follower counts.

“It’s not just about the numbers,” Alvarez-Jagolino noted.

“We look at their relevance, their authenticity,” she added.

The GLP-1 conversation reaches the grocery aisle

The growing discussion around GLP-1 medications is also prompting conversations about nutrition and more intentional food choices.

Healthy Options Managing Director Romy Sia said the retailer has seen more customers asking questions about ingredients and nutrition as they look for products that fit their individual wellness goals.

“We’re seeing more customers ask questions about ingredients and nutrition—not only because they want to eat healthier, but because they’re looking for products that fit their individual wellness goals,” Sia said.

The retailer encourages shoppers to look beyond claims such as “sugar-free,” “no added sugar,” and “naturally sweetened,” and check the Nutrition Facts panel and ingredient list when comparing products.

“There isn’t one definition of healthy because every person’s journey is different,” Sia added.

“Our goal is to give customers the information, transparency, and product choices they need to make choices that work for their lifestyle,” he said.

DailyFix brings back its Power Run

For those looking to start the new year with a little more movement, DailyFix is bringing back its Power Run on January 10, 2027, at the SM Mall of Asia Complex.

The second edition will feature 16K, 10K, 5K, 3K, and 1K Dog categories, with the new 16K distance offering a longer challenge for runners.

The inaugural race drew 5,000 participants.

“Last year’s DailyFix Power Run showed us how ready Filipinos are to move, challenge themselves and celebrate milestones together,” Abigail Ng-Reyes, Fly Ace Corporation VP for Marketing, said.

Also on the food radar

Pizza Hut is offering a free Stuffed Crust upgrade on any Large 12-inch Pan pizza, with the promotion also offering free delivery using the code FREEDELSYCFF.

Meanwhile, more than 350 Jollibee Group employees joined this year’s International Coastal Cleanup, collecting more than 400 kilograms of waste from the shoreline in Pasay, while other employees participated in simultaneous cleanups across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.