This year brought both challenges and opportunities, marked by a growing optimism about the mainstreaming of health and nutrition. This shift has opened up new doors for founders, even as fundraising remains a hurdle—particularly for food and beverage companies. The definition of health and nutrition has broadened, with categories blending together and channel strategies evolving, setting the stage for an exciting future. While mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and financing activity were quieter compared to previous years, notable deals like Poppi and Siete stood out. Entrepreneurs, however, continue to innovate and push forward. Below, we’ve highlighted five standout financing transactions from 2025. These deals may not be the largest, but they reflect key trends that are likely to shape the industry in 2026. Perelel: Elevating women’s wellness with a $27 million raisePerelel, a women’s wellness brand originally launched as a supplement company, secured $27 million in funding to expand its offerings. The brand now provides a range of products, from prenatal supplements to greens and protein powders, catering to women at various life stages. Investors include Unilever Ventures, Willow Growth Partners, and Selva Ventures, showcasing a mix of corporate and venture capital support. Founded by Victoria Thain Gioia, who serves as CEO; Alex Taylor; and Dr. Banafsheh Bayati, a gynecologist, Perelel has earned recognition for its commitment to quality, with most of its products receiving the Clean Label Project Purity Award in 2024. This funding round underscores the growing demand for targeted, science-backed wellness solutions.Related:Register for NCN LinkedIn Live: 2025 year in reviewNara Organics: Redefining infant nutrition with a $32 million raiseThe infant nutrition category continues to gain momentum, and Nara Organics is leading the charge with a $32 million funding round. Backed by investors like AlleyCorp, BBG Ventures, Corazon Ventures, Gingerbread Capital and Torch Capital, Nara is proving that science-backed nutrition resonates across a variety of categories. What’s particularly notable is that many of these investors are not exclusively focused on health and nutrition, signaling broader interest in the space. Nara’s success highlights the increasing importance of innovation and credibility in infant nutrition.Chobani: A $650 million investment fuels dairy’s resurgenceOne of the largest deals of 2025, Chobani’s $650 million investment reflects renewed interest in the dairy category. Once considered a quieter segment, dairy has seen a surge in activity and sales, partly driven by the rising use of GLP-1 medications and the associated emphasis on higher protein intake. This deal not only underscores the category’s growth but also signals a broader trend of consumers seeking functional, protein-rich options.Related:15 innovative natural companies to present at NCN’s Fall Investor MeetingTrip Beverages: $40 million to ex Read More